Bill S.139, introduced by Senators Watson, Hardy, Harrison, Lyons, and White, mandates the Secretary of Natural Resources to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment regarding the management of materials discarded from packaging used in the State. The assessment aims to evaluate the current status of packaging material reuse, recycling, and disposal, identify barriers to reducing waste, and explore opportunities to enhance the recyclability and safety of packaging materials, particularly plastics. The Secretary is required to submit the findings and any legislative recommendations by January 15, 2027, and is allocated $250,000 from the General Fund to contract an external organization for this assessment.

Additionally, the bill prohibits the use of chemical conversion technologies in the State, which includes various processes that transform plastic into fuels or other materials. It explicitly forbids the construction or operation of facilities that utilize these technologies and prohibits the State from providing any financial incentives for such developments. The bill aims to promote sustainable waste management practices while addressing the environmental and public health concerns associated with chemical additives in packaging. The act will take effect upon passage.