This bill aims to eliminate the use of expanded polystyrene foam, commonly known as styrofoam, in food-related businesses in Montana due to its environmental impact and threat to wildlife. The legislation prohibits restaurants, food establishments, resorts, and hotels from using polystyrene foam containers for serving or packaging prepared food starting January 1, 2028, with a complete ban on food packaging by January 1, 2030. The bill also outlines exemptions for businesses that can demonstrate undue hardship or specific needs related to transportation, construction, health, or safety.

Additionally, the bill grants the Department of Environmental Quality the authority to adopt rules for implementation and enforcement, including the ability to impose fines. It establishes a fee for exemption applications, with revenue directed to a solid waste management account, which is also amended to include funds from these fees and penalties. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 75-1-110
HB0477_1(1): 75-1-110
HB0477_1(2): 75-1-110
HB0477_1(3): 75-1-110
HB0477_1(4): 75-1-110
HB0477_1(5): 75-1-110
HB0477_1: 75-1-110
HB0477_2(1): 75-1-110
HB0477_2(10): 75-1-110
HB0477_2(2): 75-1-110
HB0477_2(3): 75-1-110
HB0477_2(4): 75-1-110
HB0477_2(5): 75-1-110
HB0477_2(6): 75-1-110
HB0477_2(7): 75-1-110
HB0477_2(8): 75-1-110
HB0477_2(9): 75-1-110
HB0477_2: 75-1-110
HB0477_3(1): 75-1-110, 75-10-117
HB0477_3(10): 75-1-110
HB0477_3(11): 75-1-110
HB0477_3(12): 75-1-110
HB0477_3(13): 75-1-110
HB0477_3(14): 75-1-110
HB0477_3(15): 75-1-110
HB0477_3(2): 75-1-110, 75-10-117
HB0477_3(3): 75-1-110, 75-10-117
HB0477_3(4): 75-1-110, 75-10-117
HB0477_3(5): 75-1-110, 75-10-117
HB0477_3(6): 75-1-110
HB0477_3(7): 75-1-110
HB0477_3(8): 75-1-110
HB0477_3(9): 75-1-110
HB0477_3: 75-1-110, 75-10-117
HB0477_4(1): 75-1-110
HB0477_4(2): 75-1-110
HB0477_4(3): 75-1-110
HB0477_4(4): 75-1-110
HB0477_4(5): 75-1-110
HB0477_4(6): 75-1-110
HB0477_4: 75-1-110
HB0477_5(1): 75-1-110
HB0477_5(2): 75-1-110
HB0477_5(3): 75-1-110
HB0477_5: 75-1-110
HB0477_X(1): 75-10-117
HB0477_X(2): 75-10-117
HB0477_X(3): 75-10-117
HB0477_X(4): 75-10-117
HB0477_X(5): 75-10-117
HB0477_X(6): 75-10-117
HB0477_X(7): 75-10-117
HB0477_X(8): 75-10-117
HB0477_X(9): 75-10-117
HB0477_X: 75-10-117