The bill, HB 1602-FN, establishes a statewide battery stewardship program in New Hampshire to enhance the collection, recycling, and management of covered batteries and battery-containing products. It mandates that producers participate in an approved stewardship organization and plan, with retailers prohibited from selling batteries from non-participating producers. Key definitions are introduced, including "battery stewardship organization" and "covered battery," while the bill outlines the responsibilities of producers and retailers. The Department of Environmental Services (DES) will oversee the program, requiring producers to submit detailed stewardship plans by specified deadlines and ensuring compliance with state regulations.

The legislation also includes provisions for liability, allowing stewardship organizations to recover costs from non-compliant producers and to operate independent battery collection programs. It specifies that no point-of-sale fees can be charged to consumers for the stewardship program and mandates that the DES maintain a public list of participating producers. Financially, the bill aims to alleviate local government costs by transferring battery collection and disposal expenses to the stewardship organization, potentially saving municipalities at least $150,000 annually. The bill inserts new language into RSA 149-M to establish the framework for the stewardship program while deleting outdated provisions related to battery management.