The proposed bill establishes a statewide extended producer responsibility program for apparel and textile articles in Washington, focusing on promoting repair and reuse while reducing hazardous waste and environmental impacts. It introduces new definitions for terms such as "apparel," "covered product," and "producer responsibility organization," and mandates that producers register with the Department of Ecology and join or form a producer responsibility organization by January 1, 2027. The bill outlines the responsibilities of these organizations, including the development of plans for the collection, transportation, and recycling of covered products, and emphasizes the need for diverse representation and needs assessments to ensure effective program implementation.

Additionally, the bill sets forth comprehensive regulations for producer responsibility organizations, requiring them to include local jurisdictions and tribes as collection sites and to provide convenient drop-off systems for covered products. It mandates that PROs cover all operational costs, maintain detailed records, and submit annual reports to the department. The legislation also introduces provisions for compliance monitoring, penalties for noncompliance, and the establishment of a textile extended producer responsibility account to manage funds. Overall, the bill aims to enhance accountability and promote sustainable practices within the textile industry while ensuring that resources are directed towards compliance and environmental stewardship.