WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 3982

7Sunday 6 years of service

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terry Alexander and 121 co-sponsors

Mass. H 3982 would bring cannabis-infused beverages under the Bottle Bill, exempt distributors from handling fees, and require redemption centers to accept qualifying containers.

Introduced and adopted
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 3982

Summary — H 3982

Overview

H 3982 is a hybrid document containing two distinct legislative items:
1. A Massachusetts bill titled "An Act relative to recycling cannabis-infused beverages" (House No. 3982 / House Docket No. 2428) that would amend the Massachusetts Bottle Bill (chapter 94, sections 321 and 323) to address cannabis-infused beverage containers.
2. A separate South Carolina House resolution recognizing the nonprofit arts organization 7Sunday for six years of service (text and findings supporting recognition).

This summary treats each item separately.

Part A — Massachusetts: Recycling cannabis‑infused beverages

Purpose

To amend Massachusetts General Laws (chapter 94, sections 321 and 323) so that legally distributable cannabis‑infused beverages are addressed under the Commonwealth’s beverage container/recycling rules (the Bottle Bill), with specific treatment for distributor handling fees and redemption acceptance.

Key provisions

  • Amend section 321 (definitions/coverage) to add “cannabis‑infused beverages” alongside existing beverage categories (inserts the words after “water”).
  • Add a new definition of “Cannabis‑infused beverage”: “a legally distributable beverage containing cannabinoid or hemp or which has a cannabinoid profile,” referencing definitions in chapter 94G (the cannabis control statute).
  • Amend section 323 to:
    • Provide that a distributor is not required to pay handling fees for cannabis‑infused beverage containers (language inserted in multiple places).
    • Require that a redemption center accept a cannabis‑infused beverage container if it otherwise meets the requirements for a redeemable beverage container.

Who would be affected

  • Cannabis beverage producers and packagers: their products would be recognized within Bottle Bill definitions.
  • Distributors: explicitly exempted from paying the Bottle Bill “handling fee” for cannabis‑infused beverage containers (cost/shifting implications).
  • Redemption centers and recycling operators: required to accept cannabis‑infused beverage containers that qualify as redeemable.
  • Consumers: may be able to redeem cannabis beverage containers consistent with Bottle Bill practices.
  • State recycling/administrative systems: potential operational and fiscal impacts from adding new product categories (not quantified in the bill text).

Procedural status & timeline (as included)

  • House Docket filed: 1/16/2025.
  • Referred to the committee on Cannabis Policy: 04/03/2025.
  • Senate concurred: 04/07/2025.
  • Hearing(s) scheduled: 07/22/2025 (listed twice with room/rescheduling details: initially B-2 then A-2, 10:30 AM–1:00 PM).
  • No fiscal estimates or effective date specified in the text.

Notes / Issues to monitor

  • The bill exempts distributors from handling fees but does not specify alternative funding or administrative adjustments; fiscal impacts should be analyzed.
  • Implementation details (labeling, safety, redemptions of opened/used cannabis beverage containers, age-restricted handling) are not addressed and may require regulatory guidance.
  • Cross-reference to chapter 94G definitions is used; any changes to that chapter could affect interpretation.

Part B — South Carolina: House Resolution recognizing 7Sunday

Purpose & content

A South Carolina House resolution (filed and adopted 02/13/2025) honoring 7Sunday and founder/CEO Deon Generette for six years of service. The resolution:
- Summarizes 7Sunday’s founding (January 13, 2019) and mission (therapeutic live-music approach, veteran support).
- Lists accomplishments: showcasing 200+ artists, national performances (including the 77th Bronner Brothers show), partnerships with state organizations, multimedia projects, and support for the nonprofit Dapper & Distinguished Gentlemen (mentoring and scholarships).
- Recognizes the organization’s community contributions and directs that a copy of the resolution be presented to Deon Generette.

Effect

  • Honorific/resolutionary only; no legal or regulatory effect.

If you want, I can:
- Draft a short fiscal impact checklist for the Massachusetts amendments, or
- Extract talking points for testimony to the Cannabis Policy committee hearing.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.