The bill establishes new producer responsibility requirements for the management of electric vehicle batteries, mandating that producers develop and submit a comprehensive battery management plan to the Department of Ecology by January 1, 2028. This plan must detail the processes for the collection, transportation, remanufacturing, reuse, recycling, and disposal of used batteries, ensuring adherence to environmentally sound practices. Producers are also required to register with the department by January 1, 2026, and report annually on battery sales. Key provisions include the introduction of a permanent label on new propulsion batteries starting January 1, 2028, and restrictions on solid waste facilities accepting these batteries beginning June 1, 2029.

Additionally, the bill creates the Electric Vehicle Battery Recycling Account to fund the implementation and enforcement of the new regulations, with producers required to make a one-time payment by September 1, 2026, and an annual registration fee starting March 31, 2027. The Department of Ecology is granted authority to impose civil penalties for non-compliance, with fines reaching up to $1,000 per violation per day. The bill also introduces new definitions related to battery management, including "covered batteries" and "battery stewardship organizations," and establishes a new chapter in Title 70A RCW, known as the Electric Vehicle Battery Management Act, which emphasizes recycling efficiency and includes a severability clause to maintain the enforceability of remaining provisions if any part is invalidated.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 70A.355.090, 70A.555.010