News

Crossover Day for the Maryland General Assembly was Monday, March 23—the key deadline when bills passed in one chamber have the best chance of receiving a hearing in the other chamber.

Our Legislative Committee has been working in tandem with relevant legislators and other stakeholders on several key pieces of legislation shaping the future of sustainability and public safety in Maryland.

The Committee’s effort highlights MRN’s ongoing commitment to advancing responsible materials management, supporting practical recycling solutions, and ensuring that local jurisdictions have the resources they need to protect both residents and the environment.

Here’s a quick summary of the seven bills on which we took a position on (click on a bill's number to see current status):

➡ HB0164 State Buildings and State Highways - Collection and Disposal of Yard Waste (Support)

Chaz Miller testified on February 2 (House hearing) and March 24 (Senate hearing) in support of HB0164 citing that the bill would be a win for the MD environment by reducing yard waste at the landfills while creating a viable compost product.

The Bill passed in the House 97-37. Currently in the Senate.

➡ HB0331 / SB0342  Maryland Beverage Container Recycling Refund and Litter Reduction Program (Oppose)

Chaz Miller testified in opposition of SB0342 (2/10) and HB0331 (2/11). In both cases, Miller cited several concerns over the bills including current multiple packaging-related laws (EPR for packaging and Paint Stewardship program) that are in the process of implementation as well as Maryland’s unique infrastructure for collecting and processing recyclables.

Neither bill has moved forward at this time.

➡ HB0429 / SB0599 On-Farm Organics and Wasted Food Reduction and Diversion Grant Programs – Established (Support)

Chaz Miller testified in support of HB0429 (2/11) noting benefits of such a program would have on organics recycling, composting, waste food prevention, and food rescue programs.

HB0429 passed 126-7 and SB0599 passed 42-0. Both are currently in the opposite chamber.

➡ HB0833 / SB0553 Commission to Advance Lithium-Ion Battery Safety in Maryland – Reestablishment (Support)

Kitty McIlroy testified in support of SB0553 (2/24) and submitted written testimony for HB0833. McIlroy noted that although the Commission’s November 25, 2025, Final Report offered strong recommendations, additional research is still needed on battery risks, insurance impacts, waste classifications, upcoming federal standards, and the inclusion of more subject matter experts.

HB0833 passed 129-0 and SB0553 passed 45-0. Both are currently in the opposite chamber.

Note: Since the House and Senate committee hearings were on the same day, McIlroy coordinated with other members of the Battery Commission (of which she is a member) to assure the commission was represented at both hearings.

*Pictured with fellow Members of the Commission Emil Nusbaum, VP of Strategy, Government and Regulatory Affairs, Automotive Recyclers Association and Battery Commission Chair; and Vincent Baker, Assistant Chief, Howard County Fire and Rescue, Office of the Fire Marshal

➡ HB0848 / SB0621 Public Safety – State Fire Prevention Code – Trash and Recyclable Materials (Support)

The Legislative Committee submitted written testimony in support of HB0848 noting the importance of ensuring safe recycling practices.

HB0848 passed 121-14 and SB0621 passed 40-0. Both are currently in the opposite chamber.

➡ SB0603 / HB0984 Mattress Stewardship Program - Establishment (Support)

Kitty McIlroy testified in support of SB0603 (2/24) and HB0984 (2/27). As in past sessions, McIlroy stressed that while several jurisdictions have mattress recycling programs, many struggle with to keep up with the costs. This bill would help alleviate this and other challenges while diverting mattresses from the waste stream.

Neither bill has moved forward at this time.

*Pictured with bill sponsor Delegate Terri L. Hill and Alison A. Keane, President of International Sleep Products Association and Mattress Recycling Council. 

➡ HB0992 / SB0655 Electronic Device Producer Responsibility Program - Established (Support)

Kitty McIlroy testified in support of HB0992 (2/27) and SB0655 (2/24). During the testimonies, McIlroy stressed that the current electronics recycling law is outdated and does not fund recycling making the current situation unsustainable.

Neither bill has moved forward at this time.


A special thank you to Chaz Miller (Legislative Chair) and Kitty McIlroy (MRN President) for taking the time to testify on behalf of MRN. And to all committee and BOD members for your continuing support and contributions.

For a full list of bills we followed this year, see Legislative / Regulatory.