The 2025 MD General Assembly is in full swing and the MRN Legislative Committee has been right there. As of today, committee members Chaz Miller (legislative chair) and Kitty McIlroy (MRN president) have testified on several bills. Below is a brief recap of the testimonies.
Visit the Legislative / Regulatory page for a full list of bills we are monitoring along with our responses as applicable.
February 5 - House Environment and Transportation Committee (view the full hearing):
HB0277 Water Bottle Filling Stations – Miller testified in support noting that the bill is a smart waste management practice at its best by reducing plastic waste and saving money. Read full statement.
HB0338 State Buildings & State Highways – Collection & Disposal of Yard Waste – Miller testified in support of the bill stating that the bill is a win for the MD environment by reducing yard waste at the landfills while creating a viable compost product. Read full statement.
February 14 - House Environment and Transportation Committee (view the full hearing):
HB0069 Plastic Products - Postconsumer Recycled Content Program – Miller testified in support of the bill with suggested changes pointing out that while these bills can be effective, they are very complicated and contain standards that may not be achievable. Suggested amendments include changing the dates for achieving recycled content goals, reconsidering the requirements for Household Cleaning Products and Personal Care Products, and expanding the waiver provision (9-2707) to include the conditions found in New Jersey’s minimum recycled content law. Read full statement.
HB0232 Maryland Beverage Container Recycling Refund and Litter Reduction Program – Miller testified in opposition citing MRN’s appreciation of the concept but concerns over the economic impact it would have on public/private Materials Recycling Facilities (MRF) as these high value materials would be diverted away from existing recycling programs ultimately raising the cost of curbside programs to taxpayers. MRN stands ready to work with the sponsors and supporters to address these and other issues to perfect the bill. Read full statement.
February 18 - Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee (view full hearing):
SB0591 Covered Electronic Device Recycling Program – McIlroy testified in support noting that the current bills are outdated and ineffective. She stressed the economic, environmental, and safety benefits that come with this legislation. There was a concern raised by one senator over the consumer fees; McIlroy will follow up with a letter confirming a possible fee structure. Read full statement.
Update 2/24/25: MACo also testified in support of SB0591. Read more at MACo Backs Boost To Local Electronics Recycling Infrastructure.
Note: The House version (HB0931) hearing is scheduled for 2/26 in the Environment and Transportation Committee.
SB0686 Battery Stewardship Act – McIlroy testified in support citing the issues of fires on trucks and in facilities; however, recommends waiting for the final report from the battery commission. Read full statement.
SB0901 Environment - Packaging Materials - Producer Responsibility Plans – Chaz Miller testified for this bill noting that MRN has supported it in the past with amendments, which were included in this version of the bill. MRN does join MACO with concern regarding Section 2 at the end of the bill, which requires feasibility plans submitted from each jurisdiction. Read full statement.
Thank you to Chaz Miller and Kitty McIlroy for taking time out of their busy days to drive to Annapolis on behalf of MRN!