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SF 4679

Batteries stewardship program establishment, mercury prohibition in batteries provision, lead acid batteries and rechargeable consumer products provisions modifications, and appropriation

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Abeler and 3 co-sponsors

Establishes a state batteries stewardship program to fund and oversee end-of-life battery recycling, while banning mercury batteries and tightening lead-acid/rechargeable product r

Author added Abeler
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Bill Summary · SF 4679

Summary of SF 4679 (2025-2026) – Minnesota

Purpose and Intent

SF 4679 proposes to establish a state-backed batteries stewardship program, tighten prohibitions on mercury in batteries, modify requirements related to lead-acid batteries and rechargeable consumer products, and authorize an appropriation for program implementation. The overarching aim is to improve environmental protection and public health by ensuring responsible management of used batteries and restricting hazardous substances in battery products.

Key Provisions

1) Batteries Stewardship Program Establishment

  • Creates or codifies a statewide program to manage end-of-life batteries (likely including household and consumer batteries).
  • Establishes responsibilities for manufacturers or producers in ensuring stewardship, collection, and recycling/proper disposal of batteries.
  • Likely sets targets, reporting, and compliance mechanisms to track progress and program effectiveness.
  • May appoint or designate an administrator or framework within state agencies to oversee program operations and ensure alignment with environmental goals.

2) Mercury Prohibition in Batteries

  • Prohibits the manufacture, sale, or offering for sale of batteries containing mercury.
  • Aims to reduce mercury emissions and minimize exposure risks from broken or discarded batteries.
  • May provide timelines or phased-in compliance dates for different battery categories (e.g., consumer, industrial) and establish enforcement provisions.

3) Lead-Acid Batteries and Rechargeable Consumer Products Provisions

  • Modifies existing rules concerning lead-acid batteries, potentially addressing:
    • Packaging, labeling, or handling requirements
    • Collection and recycling mandates
    • Requirements for manufacturers and retailers to support proper disposal and recycling.
  • Addresses rechargeable consumer products, which may include:
    • Extended producer responsibilities (EPR) or stewardship obligations
    • Compliance reporting and performance standards
    • Consumer education and easy access to drop-off or recycling options
  • Intent is to improve end-of-life management and ensure environmentally sound recycling pathways for these batteries and products.

4) Appropriation

  • Authorizes or specifies an appropriation to fund the batteries stewardship program and related activities.
  • Allocation may cover program administration, education/outreach, infrastructure for collection and recycling, and enforcement mechanisms.
  • Provides a fiscal path to implement the program over a defined period.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Manufacturers/Producers of Batteries and Rechargeable Consumer Products: Likely subject to stewardship requirements, reporting, and potential fees or commitments to fund the program.
  • Retailers and Wholesalers: Affected by compliance obligations related to selling permitted batteries and supporting take-back/recycling programs.
  • Household and Commercial Battery Users: Beneficiaries of improved collection, recycling options, and reduced exposure to hazardous substances.
  • Local Governments and Waste Management Entities: May coordinate with the state program for convenient collection and proper disposal infrastructure.
  • General Public: Gains from reduced environmental and health risks associated with mercury in batteries and improved stewardship of end-of-life products.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introductions and Readings: Introduced and assigned for first reading on March 23, 2026.
  • Committee Referral: Referred to the Environment, Climate, and Legacy committee for consideration on March 23, 2026.
  • Sponsor Involvement: Co-sponsors include Ann Johnson Stewart, Foung Hawj, Rob Kupec, and Jim Abeler (with Abeler added as an author on March 25, 2026).

Note: Specific dates for when provisions take effect, enforcement timelines, fee structures, reporting cadence, and the size/scope of the appropriation are not provided in the summary information available. If enacted, the bill would likely include phased compliance timelines and detailed program guidelines in its final text.

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

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