The proposed bill, HB 451, establishes a Paint Product Stewardship Program in New Hampshire under RSA 149-M, focusing on the environmentally responsible management of postconsumer paint products. It introduces new definitions for various paint-related terms, such as "aerosol coating product," "architectural paint," and "postconsumer paint," which are inserted into the existing law. The bill requires manufacturers or their representative organizations to submit a stewardship program plan to the Department of Environmental Services, detailing the management, consumer education, and funding mechanisms for the program. Retailers must comply with the program to sell paint products, and participation as a collection site is voluntary. The bill also mandates that manufacturers and retailers cannot sell paint products unless they are part of an approved program.

Additionally, the bill outlines an approval process for submitted plans, requiring them to be approved within 90 days, and includes provisions for annual reporting, liability exemptions for participating manufacturers, and reimbursement for the Department's administrative costs. It emphasizes that postconsumer paint collected at sites must be treated as universal waste and protects operators from penalties for spills if they adhere to environmentally sound practices. The fiscal impact suggests that the program will generate revenue for the General Fund, estimated at $49,000 in FY 2026, with local expenditures on waste paint management expected to decrease by at least $150,000 annually starting in FY 2027. Overall, the bill aims to streamline paint disposal processes while reducing financial burdens on local governments.