The proposed bill establishes producer responsibility requirements for the management of electric vehicle batteries in Washington State, mandating that producers develop and submit a comprehensive battery management plan to the Department of Ecology by January 1, 2028. This plan must detail methods for the collection, transportation, remanufacturing, reuse, recycling, and disposal of used batteries, ensuring environmentally sound practices. Additionally, starting January 1, 2026, producers are required to register with the department and report annually on the number of batteries sold. Key provisions include a permanent label on new propulsion batteries beginning January 1, 2028, and restrictions on solid waste collection companies from accepting propulsion batteries for disposal starting June 1, 2029.

The bill also introduces new financial obligations for producers, including a one-time payment to the department by September 1, 2026, to cover implementation costs, and an annual registration fee starting March 31, 2027, which will be adjusted based on operational costs. It establishes the electric vehicle battery recycling account for collecting these fees, which will be used exclusively for enforcement and administration of the chapter. The Department of Ecology is granted authority to impose civil penalties for violations, with fines up to $1,000 per day and $10,000 for repeated violations. The bill further clarifies definitions related to battery management and creates the "Electric Vehicle Battery Management Act," ensuring that if any part of the act is invalidated, the remaining sections remain enforceable, thereby promoting sustainable practices and accountability among producers.

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