The bill proposes the establishment of a Beverage Container Recycling Refund Program in Texas, which is aimed at promoting the recycling of beverage containers. It introduces Chapter 375 to the Health and Safety Code, defining key terms such as "beverage," "beverage container," and "consumer." The bill mandates the formation of the Texas Beverage Container Recycling Consortium, a nonprofit organization responsible for implementing a recycling plan that targets a minimum recycling rate of 75% for beverage containers by January 1, 2035. The consortium will also set labeling and quality standards for beverage containers and oversee the collection of deposits and refunds for returned containers.

Additionally, the bill outlines the financial framework for the program, including the creation of a Recycling Refund Trust Fund to manage funds collected from beverage container deposits. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is tasked with adopting rules for the program's implementation by September 1, 2026, and producers will be required to comply with the consortium's requirements starting January 1, 2028. The bill also includes provisions for oversight by the comptroller and establishes penalties for non-compliance with the recycling rate targets.

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