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Bill

Bill

HB 1198

establishing the paint product stewardship program.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Judy Aron and 6 co-sponsors

HB 1198 shifts paint product disposal costs from municipalities to manufacturers through a stewardship program requiring industry-funded collection and recycling infrastructure.

Refer for Interim Study: MA VV 02/19/2026 HJ 5 P. 5
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Bill Summary · HB 1198

Legislative bill overview

HB 1198 establishes a paint product stewardship program in New Hampshire, which would create a system for managing the end-of-life disposal and recycling of paint products. The program likely places responsibility on paint manufacturers and retailers to fund collection and proper disposal infrastructure, rather than placing costs on municipalities or taxpayers. This represents a "producer responsibility" model where the industry bears financial and operational accountability for their products' lifecycle.

Why is this important

Paint disposal is an environmental and public health concern—improper disposal contaminates soil and water with heavy metals and volatile organic compounds. Currently, municipalities often absorb costs for hazardous waste collection programs. A stewardship program could reduce government spending on waste management while incentivizing manufacturers to design more recyclable or environmentally friendly products.

Potential points of contention

  • Industry cost burden: Paint manufacturers may argue the program creates excessive compliance costs that could be passed to consumers through higher paint prices
  • Program administration complexity: Questions about whether a new state bureaucracy is necessary, or if existing hazardous waste infrastructure could be expanded more cost-effectively
  • Market impacts: Smaller paint manufacturers and retailers may face disproportionate compliance burdens compared to large national corporations, potentially affecting competition

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

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