The proposed "Microplastics Reduction Act" aims to address the issue of microplastic pollution in the state. The act prohibits manufacturers from selling, offering for sale, or distributing products containing intentionally added synthetic polymer microparticles, effective January 1, 2029. It requires the Department of Environmental Management, in consultation with the Department of Health, to develop a microplastics testing plan to assess the presence of microplastics in water, soil, and other environmental media. This testing plan must be made public by July 1, 2028, and will be updated every twenty-four months thereafter.

Additionally, the act mandates the adoption of a statewide microplastics strategy plan by January 1, 2029. This strategy plan will include an assessment of ambient concentrations of microplastics in environmental media, an investigation of significant sources and pathways of microplastic contamination, a summary of existing scientific research on reduction strategies, and recommendations for policy changes or additional research needed to reduce or eliminate microplastics in the environment. The Department of Environmental Management is authorized to utilize existing information and ongoing efforts in developing this strategy, which will also be updated biennially. The act will take effect upon passage.