The proposed bill establishes extended producer responsibility requirements for paint products in Washington State, mandating that manufacturers develop and implement a comprehensive stewardship program to manage leftover paint. This legislation emphasizes the environmental and health risks associated with paint waste, requiring producers to participate in an approved stewardship plan that includes strategies for reducing waste, promoting reuse, and ensuring proper disposal and recycling. Key changes include the replacement of "architectural paints" with "paint products" to broaden the scope of responsibility, the introduction of new definitions related to paint stewardship, and the repeal of outdated provisions. The bill also requires stewardship organizations to submit detailed plans for managing leftover paint, including funding mechanisms and educational outreach strategies.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that paint retailers are not obligated to serve as collection facilities and prohibits charging fees at the time of delivery to collection sites. It sets a new deadline for stewardship organizations to submit annual reports to the Department of Ecology and introduces provisions for the confidentiality of certain information submitted by producers. The bill also modifies the management of the paint product stewardship account, ensuring that expenditures are authorized solely by the Department of Ecology. Furthermore, it outlines new definitions and regulations regarding "plastic source reduction" and amends existing laws to protect sensitive financial and proprietary information from public disclosure, while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 70A.515.020, 70A.515.030, 70A.515.040, 70A.515.010, 70A.515.050, 70A.515.060, 70A.515.070, 70A.515.080, 70A.515.090, 70A.515.100, 70A.515.110, 70A.208.020
Substitute bill: 70A.515.010, 70A.515.020, 70A.515.030, 70A.515.040, 70A.515.050, 70A.515.060, 70A.515.070, 70A.515.080, 70A.515.090, 70A.515.100, 70A.515.110, 70A.208.020, 70A.02.010, 70A.515.130