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Bill

S 8261

Extends provisions relating to the establishment of the mercury thermostat collection act

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Pete Harckham

Bill S 8261 extends the Mercury Thermostat Collection Act, requiring manufacturers to ensure safe disposal of mercury thermostats, protecting public health and the environment.

SUBSTITUTED BY A8596
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 8261

Summary of Bill S 8261: Mercury Thermostat Collection Act Extension

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 8261 aims to extend the provisions of the Mercury Thermostat Collection Act, which is designed to facilitate the safe collection and disposal of mercury-containing thermostats. The intent of the bill is to reduce environmental hazards associated with mercury waste and promote public health by ensuring that these devices are properly managed at the end of their lifecycle.

Key Provisions

While the specific text of the bill is not provided, the following key provisions are typically associated with the Mercury Thermostat Collection Act:

  • Collection Program: Establishes a framework for the collection of mercury thermostats from consumers and contractors, ensuring they are not disposed of in landfills.
  • Manufacturer Responsibilities: Requires manufacturers of mercury thermostats to implement and fund collection programs, making it easier for consumers to return old devices.
  • Public Awareness Campaigns: Encourages educational initiatives to inform the public about the dangers of mercury and the importance of proper disposal.
  • Reporting Requirements: Mandates manufacturers to report on the effectiveness of their collection programs and the amount of mercury collected.

Affected Parties

The bill primarily affects:

  • Consumers: Homeowners and businesses that use mercury thermostats will have access to safe disposal options.
  • Manufacturers: Companies that produce mercury thermostats will be required to comply with the collection and reporting provisions.
  • Environmental Agencies: State and local environmental agencies will be involved in overseeing the implementation of the collection programs and ensuring compliance.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: May 28, 2025
  • Referred to Environmental Conservation: May 28, 2025
  • Ordered to Third Reading: June 4, 2025
  • Committee Discharged and Committed to Rules: June 4, 2025
  • Substituted by A8596: June 9, 2025

Related Bills

  • A 8596: This is the companion bill that has substituted S 8261, likely containing similar provisions and objectives.
  • S 9825: A prior-session bill that may have laid the groundwork for the current legislation.

Conclusion

Bill S 8261 represents a continued effort to address the environmental and health risks posed by mercury thermostats. By extending the Mercury Thermostat Collection Act, the bill seeks to enhance collection efforts, promote responsible disposal, and protect public health and the environment. The substitution by A8596 indicates a legislative move towards refining and advancing the objectives of the original bill.

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

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