The proposed bill establishes a Paint Product Stewardship Program in New Hampshire, which aims to manage postconsumer paint products through environmentally sound practices. It introduces new definitions related to paint products, such as "aerosol coating product," "architectural paint," and "postconsumer paint," which are inserted into RSA 149-M. Manufacturers or their representative organizations are required to submit a stewardship program plan to the Department of Environmental Services, detailing the management of paint products, consumer education, and a per-container assessment to cover program costs. Retailers must comply with the program to sell paint products, and participation as a collection site is voluntary. The bill also outlines an approval process for submitted plans, which must be approved within 90 days, and prohibits the sale of paint products by manufacturers and retailers unless they are part of an approved program.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for annual reporting, liability exemptions for participating manufacturers, and reimbursement for the Department's administrative costs. It mandates that postconsumer paint collected at sites be managed as universal waste and protects operators from penalties for spills or leaks if they adhere to environmentally sound practices. The act will take effect upon passage. While the bill does not create new funding or positions, it anticipates generating revenue for the General Fund starting in FY 2026, with estimated revenues of $49,000 in FY 2026, $48,000 in FY 2027, and $50,000 in FY 2028. Local expenditures are expected to decrease by at least $150,000 annually beginning in FY 2027, as the costs of waste paint management will shift to the stewardship program, ultimately promoting a more sustainable approach to paint disposal and alleviating financial burdens on municipalities.