Purpose

The bill aims to protect the environment by creating a state stewardship program for batteries, which would manage batteries through their life cycle (including disposal). It would prohibit the use of mercury in batteries, update or modify rules for lead-acid batteries and rechargeable consumer products, give the state rulemaking authority, and provide funding to support the program. It also codifies certain battery-related requirements into Minnesota law and changes or repeals several existing statutes related to batteries.

Main Provisions

• Establishment of a battery stewardship program to manage end-of-life batteries and reduce pollution.
• Prohibition on mercury in batteries.
• Changes to provisions governing lead-acid batteries and rechargeable consumer products.
• Authorization for state agencies to adopt rules (rulemaking) and to use state funds to support the program (appropriating money).
• Codification in Minnesota Statutes:
  • Adds or amends sections in Chapter 115A (e.g., 115.071, 115A.03, 115A.554, 115A.9157, 116.92) and adds new subdivisions (e.g., 115A.554, 115A.9157, 116.92 subdivisions) to implement the program.
  • Adds new or revised provisions in chapters 325E (e.g., 325E.1151 subdivisions, 325E.12, 325E.125, 325E.1251).
• Repeals and replaces certain existing battery-related laws (e.g., repealing 115A.9155, 115A.961 subdivisions 1-3, 325E.115, 325E.1151 subdivision 4, 325E.125 subdivisions 1, 2, 2a, 4, and 325E.1251 subdivision 1.1.12). This indicates a shift to a new framework for battery stewardship.
• Section on enforcement and remedies:
  • The bill aligns remedies for pollution control with existing environmental laws and allows enforcement by criminal prosecution, civil penalties, injunctions, or other appropriate actions (e.g., enforcement of rules, standards, permits).

Changes to Existing Law

• Replaces or consolidates older battery-related provisions with a new stewardship framework in Chapter 115A and related sections.
• Expands or clarifies enforcement tools (criminal penalties, civil penalties, injunctions, etc.) for battery-related pollution control.
• Repeals some prior battery statutes and subdivisions, moving toward a unified program for battery stewardship and regulation.

Enforcement and Remedies

• The bill preserves and clarifies a set of enforcement remedies for pollution prevention and control, including:
  • Criminal prosecution
  • Civil penalties
  • Injunctions or other court actions to compel compliance
  • Provisions for permits, schedules of compliance, and related orders or stipulations issued by the agency

Implementation and Funding

• The bill grants rulemaking authority to address the new battery stewardship program.
• It provides for appropriation of funds to support the program, indicating a commitment to implement and sustain the program through state resources.

Potential Impacts

• Battery manufacturers, retailers, and distributors: new rules and reporting requirements; costs associated with compliance and product stewardship.
• Municipalities and local governments: changes in waste management and recycling obligations.
• General public and environmental groups: potential improvements in battery recycling, reduced mercury use, and reduced pollution.

Relevant Terms battery stewardship program; mercury in batteries; lead-acid batteries; rechargeable consumer products; rulemaking; appropriation; Minnesota Statutes; Chapter 115A; Chapter 325E; remedies available; criminal prosecution; civil penalties; injunction; permits; schedules of compliance; pollution prevention; environmental regulation; enforcement.