SB2050 - Relating to the recycling and disposal of consumer energy storage modules.

      By: Birdwell, et al. S.B. No. 2050     (Landgraf)           A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to the recycling and disposal of consumer energy storage   modules.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Chapter 361, Health and Safety Code, is amended   by adding Subchapter P to read as follows:   SUBCHAPTER P.   CONSUMER ENERGY STORAGE MODULES           Sec. 361.471.  DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:                 (1)     "Consumer energy storage module" means a battery   or other electrochemical device that stores chemical energy and   transforms it into electrical energy to power a consumer product or   electronic device.                 (2)     "Steward organization" means a group consisting of   consumer energy storage module manufacturers, product   manufacturers, or other members organized to promote the recycling   of consumer energy storage modules.           Sec.   361.472.     APPLICABILITY. This subchapter does not   apply to:                   (1)  a lead-acid battery governed by Subchapter O;                 (2)  an alkaline battery; or                 (3)     a battery that the commission by rule determines   is safe for disposal.           Sec.   361.473.     PLACEMENT IN CERTAIN SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL OR   RECYCLING STREAMS PROHIBITED.   (a)   Except as provided by   Subsection (b), a person may not place a consumer energy storage   module in:                 (1)     a mixed municipal solid waste facility or curbside   collection receptacle;                 (2)     a mixed metal recycling collection facility or   curbside collection receptacle; or                 (3)     a municipal mixed recyclable material collection   facility or curbside collection receptacle.           (b)     This section does not apply to the placement of a   consumer energy storage module in a facility or receptacle   described by Subsection (a) in accordance with a local program that   provides for the collection for recycling of a consumer energy   storage module at a facility or by curbside collection.           Sec.   361.474.     LIMITED LIABILITY FOR CERTAIN VIOLATIONS.   Notwithstanding any other law, an individual consumer is not   subject to civil, administrative, or criminal liability under   Chapter 7, Water Code, for a violation of Section 361.473 that is   inadvertent or incidental to noncommercial household use of a   consumer energy storage module.           Sec.   361.475.     NO DUTY OF CERTAIN FACILITY OPERATORS.   Notwithstanding any other law, the owner or operator of a solid   waste disposal facility, mixed metal recycling collection   facility, or municipal mixed recyclable material collection   facility:                 (1)     is not subject to civil, administrative, or   criminal liability under Chapter 7, Water Code, if:                       (A)     a person places a consumer energy storage   module in the owner's or operator's facility; or                         (B)     a consumer energy storage module otherwise   arrives at the owner's or operator's facility through the   collection of solid waste or recyclable material for disposal or   recycling at the facility; and                 (2)     has no duty to locate or remove a consumer energy   storage module placed in or otherwise collected by the owner's or   operator's facility.           Sec.   361.476.     COMMISSION RULEMAKING REGARDING   IDENTIFICATION OF COLLECTION BUSINESSES OR FACILITIES AND   BATTERIES SAFE FOR DISPOSAL. The commission by rule shall   identify:                 (1)     businesses or facilities in this state where an   individual consumer, steward organization, or other person may   place or deliver a consumer energy storage module for recycling or   disposal; and                 (2)     types of batteries that the commission determines   are safe for disposal for purposes of Section 361.472(3).          SECTION 2.  As soon as practicable after the effective date   of this Act, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality shall   adopt rules necessary to implement the changes in law made by this   Act.          SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.