[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6650379,"mediaKeyId","2508378-e465686fdeb12b26bfff1f10bb6e970d","parentId",2508378,"title","Committee considers statewide mattress stewardship bill to expand recycling and shift costs from local governments","audioSeconds",1187,"startMs",929000,"endMs",2116000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2508378-e465686fdeb12b26bfff1f10bb6e970d&start=929&end=2116","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2508378-e465686fdeb12b26bfff1f10bb6e970d/thumbnail_929000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6650379/Maryland/Committee-considers-statewide-mattress-stewardship-bill-to-expand-recycling-and-shift-costs-from-local-governments","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6650379-de5f667c0f8f63cf6c02570ae0115e92/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138475&Signature=Iqh9PzQssotfcHueg9tU2ui2gdTUxxhQ8nmYWMz4HVL0xzyH1UVDoF-uxiyOR9IROo7eRNve00u8I9Y4J9BSEah6RjmT1uFGDOf-t7~quMp-ejuJOKYJTJp25pRSdTblhPVBVYe9fidt2YfihDdCkTOgCkWyd-ziwHhP-ACK2cZtEaIbLnWca3MZ~EDlfuhCeuVbnbylIdeOGu~423Vjt6EYbB1c~18jihDHFL9juNoDaIZA8h1ThpkU-PewaZwqVT9ckN~iBFDDmM9JzR-CH8Ji-EnnqIveCKxqgj317gIrBDu3rYscYe-QWjgk~LiZupFPepY7V0OSBQSqjY0Bkg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Maryland General Assembly - Environment and Transportation","date","2025-03-05T22:52:56.187Z","article","The House Environment and Transportation Committee heard testimony on House Bill 858, a sponsored bill to establish a statewide mattress stewardship program that would require producers to fund collection and recycling under a plan approved by the state.

What the bill would do: Proponents described HB 858 as an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program modeled on laws in California, Connecticut, Rhode Island and newly in Oregon. Under the bill manufacturers would fund a nonprofit producer organization to administer statewide collection, transportation and recycling. The program would set a transparent fee structure, convenience standards, and reporting requirements and would be implemented through a publicly available program plan.

Supporters and data presented: Testimony came from a wide group — the sponsor and multiple recycling and industry witnesses. Witnesses cited municipal experiences: since January 2022, five jurisdictions spent over $1 million combined and diverted more than 4,200,000 pounds of mattresses and box springs. Turbohall Mattress Recycling reported it has recycled over 300,000 units (about 15,000,000 pounds) and has expanded capacity in Baltimore; the Mattress Recycling Council estimates each recycled mattress saves roughly 500 gallons of water and cuts greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to driving fewer miles.

Questions and recommended changes: Industry and some stakeholders urged technical changes. The International Sleep Products Association (ISPA) recommended clarifying antitrust language, removing provisions that phase out assessments tied to profitability, and dropping reporting items (like closed‑loop recycling percentages) that the producer organization cannot reliably control. The Product Stewardship Institute urged inclusion of mattresses that are collected for disposal (wet/contaminated units) and suggested tiered fees by mattress type and size so lower-cost-to-recycle units pay less. Sponsor representatives said they are working with a stakeholder group of about 20 organizations and expect additional amendments.

Rationale and local impacts: Advocates said mattress recycling is labor- and capital-intensive, and current local programs struggle to cover costs; shifting financing to a producer-funded model would relieve local governments, expand access in rural areas and support local recycling businesses and jobs. Some county officials and the Maryland Association of Counties asked for assurance the bill would not unduly burden local programs and sought language protecting county flexibility.

Next steps: Stakeholders asked the committee to consider amendments to improve program viability. No formal vote was recorded in the hearing transcript.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","ENT Committee Session, 3/5/2025 #1","oneSentenceSummary","House Bill 858 would create a statewide mattress stewardship program requiring producers to fund collection and recycling, supporters told the House Environment and Transportation Committee.","taxTitle","Environment and Transportation Committee, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative, Maryland","taxId",15060,"location","Maryland","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6650384,"Committee hears ‘Matthew’s Law’ to require carbon monoxide warning labels on gasoline-powered boats",443,182000,625000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2508378-e465686fdeb12b26bfff1f10bb6e970d&start=182&end=625","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2508378-e465686fdeb12b26bfff1f10bb6e970d/thumbnail_182000.jpg","/articles/6650384/Maryland/Committee-hears-Matthews-Law-to-require-carbon-monoxide-warning-labels-on-gasoline-powered-boats","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6650384-f3173050db8faaab9d27249d34ffd501/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138475&Signature=KpAzYJPB9XlWmZ1B9WTZxa6kBEbXkOOBiF9K2u1Fp3iECJF1RZ13ocXGryh8RpOLu13gYBAdbZzZWngatUZSYUyEN6k5rRuN6YULhDhiMv3nc4fv4ghuIH-BLlMtwGHjbSkozFVHsqFSPRarcjw8kzeSRrED7e~0BLy85zgEu7oN58WZFfqJm4gDMFOAyoappMuX~n7fHQbp3xPBX~quFfUZivuCsVH9gLJgRNONLoWpt51InOD7S7jQN8oYDJTOCP-x79UcEWaTR5P9lAhaY12JOmOwIxswXdJ3FVHtvAmfV1kZJqI27k6OBbbPOYOPYOdJAyV4HNS08-aokDPb7Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Environment and Transportation Committee heard testimony on House Bill 1322 — dubbed “Matthew’s Law” by supporters — a measure that would require gasoline-powered vessels manufactured after July 31, 2007 to display a carbon monoxide warning label.

Supporters told committee members the labels are inexpensive, already used by industry and emergency responders, and could reduce preventable deaths from carbon monoxide exposure aboard boats. “This tragedy is 100% preventable,” testified Alida Ball, whose son Matthew Thomas McHale died of carbon monoxide poisoning in 2016 at age 25. She described texts Matthew sent that night reporting dizziness and difficulty typing before he was later found unconscious under shrink-wrap on a boat with engines running.

Why it matters: Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause loss of consciousness and death. Supporters said Maryland’s many waterways and the number of recreational boaters make preventative signage a simple way to reduce risk.

Support and implementation details: Witnesses said the Department of Natural Resources helped draft the bill and supports it. DNR told the committee it would add label guidance to its website and outreach channels, coordinate with dealers, and that enforcement officers would emphasize education and issue warnings in the program’s first year. Sponsors told members they had consulted trade groups, fire service advocates, the U.S. Coast Guard auxiliary, and manufacturers. The bill as presented applies to gasoline-powered vessels only; questions from members focused on whether both inboard and outboard gasoline engines were covered.

Cost and precedent: Testimony included examples of commercially available labels; one sponsor said consumer labels sell for about $9.99 and others for about $25, and many fire departments distribute them for free. Presenters said there was no fiscal note attached to the bill.

What supporters asked the committee to do: Presenters urged a favorable report so the label requirement — and the public education they expect to follow — can be implemented.

Provenance: The committee hearing included family testimony, sponsor remarks and DNR outreach commitments; no formal vote was recorded in the hearing transcript.","The House Environment and Transportation Committee heard testimony on House Bill 1322, which would require gasoline-powered vessels manufactured after July 31, 2007 to display carbon monoxide warning labels. Supporters, including the victim’s family and state agencies, said the change is low-cost and could prevent deaths; no vote was recorded.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6650365,"Bill would require a model pesticide management plan for state lands to limit aesthetic uses of higher‑risk pesticides",258,5182000,5440000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2508378-e465686fdeb12b26bfff1f10bb6e970d&start=5182&end=5440","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2508378-e465686fdeb12b26bfff1f10bb6e970d/thumbnail_5182000.jpg","/articles/6650365/Maryland/Bill-would-require-a-model-pesticide-management-plan-for-state-lands-to-limit-aesthetic-uses-of-higherrisk-pesticides","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6650365-303671deec80baea02e65f811d7b29f7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138475&Signature=WMjMqu2WpP2gsJyPQSYBFOAKVMh33vsuC4NJVASlhhwyASZO4pAiffc1eGsKuXFwB5oMPXcWeOrN0K4sB67aywlwWo7z~pntIpz0tnu4D1lcIlAKaNhN8oDLv4Dl4P7JTUg7I5p52XQEcwcZyutKSOrWup0~j2Rt4w-SdZsRCvrx8nTAl~R1vwIXT7JhojmJ7WJYT7ZDj-mCI~UhTdx9RNa3pCj8nPkbrdV2EDVCpyBCHv13vkAkvy8PD7H3Kq6YulOOq0cBagkjPcT07uaH9CvbFju2nunaszfwDmRUtyxQxkMxCOCgVP8BImUlEAWsqjEdpBgbF7DMPK2V3hULZg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","House Bill 1342 would require the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), in consultation with the Department of Natural Resources, to develop a model pesticide management plan for units of state government that manage state-owned property. The sponsor and witnesses told the committee the policy’s focus is to prohibit the aesthetic use of higher‑risk pesticides — for example, application solely to improve turf appearance — while preserving exemptions for agriculture, public health vector control, invasive species control and other non‑aesthetic needs.

Major elements and scope: Testimony clarified amendments that exempt the Department of Natural Resources and the State Highway Administration from the new model requirement; both agencies already maintain plans addressing pollinators or land‑management pesticide use. Sponsor Mary Layman said the bill as amended focuses on state-managed properties outside those large land-managing agencies and on limiting aesthetic pesticide use rather than prohibiting pest control for other legitimate purposes.

Data cited: Witnesses said pesticide use in Maryland increased: testimony cited roughly 3,000,000 pounds of pesticides used in 2022, with about 85% (2,600,000 pounds) identified as herbicides and a documented increase of about 33% over 2020 figures. Environmental witnesses urged a broader phase-down of petrochemical pesticides and fertilizers over time; MDA said it could use existing integrated pest management plans and pollinator protection plans to construct the model plan.

Support and concerns: MDA staff said the agency supports the bill with amendments and can use existing program staff to draft a model plan drawing on IPM and pollinator protection experience. Student and environmental advocates urged action to protect pollinators and public health. Some technical questions at the hearing addressed which products would remain permitted; MDA said it would use federal lists and existing state guidance to identify lower-risk products for allowed uses.

Next steps: The sponsor indicated intent to refine bill language and coordinate with MDA and DNR on draft language; the hearing record shows support from environmental groups and MDA with amendments, and no committee vote appears in the transcript.","House Bill 1342 would direct the Maryland Department of Agriculture to develop a model pesticide management plan for state agencies managing state-owned land and would limit use of certain pesticides for purely aesthetic purposes; the bill exempts DNR and SHA and drew broad testimony from environmental groups, MDA staff and student advocates.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6650370,"Anne Arundel-backed bill would authorize managed aquifer recharge pilot using treated reclaimed water",420,4799000,5219000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2508378-e465686fdeb12b26bfff1f10bb6e970d&start=4799&end=5219","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2508378-e465686fdeb12b26bfff1f10bb6e970d/thumbnail_4799000.jpg","/articles/6650370/Maryland/Anne-Arundel-backed-bill-would-authorize-managed-aquifer-recharge-pilot-using-treated-reclaimed-water","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6650370-ce1d8806b9dfcc4c0b3099b253ff128f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138475&Signature=NIT0Aw4pGOc549DJwclgvhGh9YHeBfd2~WIzoFibsEaO7qEQ-2PJWLxs2TpVvHWaWz2jEUtxGM93RcnbZifTrmLTJmoCQrhkrzx580sQVXpYjgy5S3BLdhff2vCR9vDI2dckq66ck0AT9ND2Eurq5HmOt~gOC5pTjj279ht4HzpkoCP9SxNGmZt1IbcEryKudEt~MLYTc6k54VcjU~x9snm4C7nQOYV9nQeYQH5yz0wmb8Z3NgD81QGjbeW~-dhhYc5D7eW7jcsgO1lWj~1AuPORFUPNrak1LEfa9rtfCfbzmbEJ6FQ6C6LsQw19skwld5fYriQmYQBuvf1D5w-4lw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The committee heard House Bill 1296, a proposal to establish a managed aquifer recharge (MAR) pilot program and a permitting path for using treated, reclaimed wastewater to augment groundwater supplies. Sponsors and county officials said a pilot would test a technology that can help protect aquifers from depletion and saltwater intrusion and can remove contaminants — including nitrogen, phosphorus, pharmaceuticals and PFAS — before recharge.

Why the pilot: Witnesses said groundwater levels are declining in parts of Maryland, increasing the risk of saltwater intrusion and land subsidence. Anne Arundel County officials described existing local work: the county has operated a MAR testing facility with input from an independent scientific advisory panel and is seeking a clear state regulatory framework to expand and share lessons learned.

Technical and environmental benefits: Testimony highlighted that MAR can be implemented via infiltration basins or injection wells, and that other states (California, Florida, Nevada, New Mexico and Virginia) have implemented similar projects. Proponents said the high level of treatment required for MAR can remove nutrients and contaminants more effectively than traditional discharges, offering both water-resiliency benefits and potential Chesapeake Bay water‑quality gains.

Support and oversight: County officials and the resilience authority urged the committee to allow MDE to review, permit and regulate pilot projects on a small scale, emphasizing monitoring and scientific oversight. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation told the committee MAR could help reduce nutrient loads reaching the Bay and requested a favorable report.

Questions and coordination: Committee members asked whether MDE had proposed technical amendments; witnesses replied they were working with MDE on language and would continue to coordinate. No vote was recorded in the hearing transcript.","House Bill 1296 would authorize a state regulatory framework and pilot projects to test managed aquifer recharge (MAR) using highly treated reclaimed water to augment groundwater, increase resiliency against saltwater intrusion, and reduce nutrient discharges to the Chesapeake Bay; Anne Arundel County and environmental groups testified in favor.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":46,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6650374,"Sponsor seeks 10¢ cap on municipal paper bag fees as committee hears mixed reactions from retailers and counties",1050,3166000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2508378-e465686fdeb12b26bfff1f10bb6e970d&start=2116&end=3166","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2508378-e465686fdeb12b26bfff1f10bb6e970d/thumbnail_2116000.jpg","/articles/6650374/Maryland/Sponsor-seeks-10-cap-on-municipal-paper-bag-fees-as-committee-hears-mixed-reactions-from-retailers-and-counties","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6650374-22bd4c7b8c63b7e7a64fc30a54efc366/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138475&Signature=M3IU~oAs7VnpOY67091xfv4CYWmFkgI-Jij9pNpHIbNDMZlU6shkLAD-dmufKDaNJjOrEJpoQdYT-bOgUre7TiuFO1vWJjiiyKHPJQ46LV3kavpZ~wHwFbNvcJepiB3nYeh9F1gE-b05tvWaW295m~qJDIr0h7Z5woOJ8kctGTR4ZXfO6sgZg3~zIJh9W8wYbjE2m08uLs8VxSS~k0dMD3AHvYB8jgMl9Z8Zf0XlQZAwSLe2dvkEgrIRqfdF~PfRZxqsRhlmVvD76wJNGehEJT6QqNN-x4C1W7epWszLgHPFIjr8s4edf2ZRP1V10-y7IWE3Y6OroSKJ08KwCP3XyA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","House Bill 947, introduced by Delegate Tolles, would limit the charge a local jurisdiction can authorize retailers to impose for paper carryout bags to no more than 10¢ per bag. The Environment and Transportation Committee heard proponents and opponents during the hearing.

Sponsor’s case: The sponsor told the committee the bill does not change local ability to set a fee floor, but would cap the maximum charge retailers can impose where a jurisdiction already authorizes a fee. She said the current patchwork — jurisdictions with 5¢ floors and others with 10¢ floors, and locally higher retailer charges — creates inconsistent costs for shoppers. “Charging at least 10¢ means a retailer can charge 10¢ today, 25¢ tomorrow, and even a dollar for a carryout bag,” she said, arguing consumers deserve predictability.

Support and opposition: Environmental advocates such as the Sierra Club told the committee fees reduce single‑use bag use and urged retention of local flexibility. Retail representatives, including Sarah Price of the Maryland Retailers Alliance, and the Maryland Association of Counties said the shift would preempt local authority and could cap retailers’ ability to set fees that cover higher-cost paper bags. Retailers said paper bags often cost about 10¢ for basic grocery bags but can cost substantially more for branded or reinforced bags used by boutique stores; they asked the committee not to curtail retailers’ discretion to set fees tied to actual bag costs.

Specific concerns discussed in the hearing:
- Whether a cap would unintentionally boost plastic-bag use in places that still allow plastic as a cheaper alternative; the sponsor said local bans on plastic would remain possible and the bill would not overturn plastic bans.
- Administrative complexity and county revenue: MACo noted jurisdictions vary; some jurisdictions retain part of bag fees, and local officials asked that county discretion be preserved.

Outcome: The hearing recorded a range of views and technical questions; no formal committee vote was recorded in the transcript.","Delegate Tolles presented House Bill 947 to limit local paper carryout bag charges to a maximum of 10¢ where jurisdictions authorize a fee. Supporters said the cap would create consistency for consumers; retailers and county associations raised concerns about local authority and retailers’ costs under plastic‑bag bans.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee considers statewide mattress stewardship bill to expand recycling and shift costs from local governments

Committee hears ‘Matthew’s Law’ to require carbon monoxide warning labels on gasoline-powered boats

Bill would require a model pesticide management plan for state lands to limit aesthetic uses of higher‑risk pesticides

Anne Arundel-backed bill would authorize managed aquifer recharge pilot using treated reclaimed water

Sponsor seeks 10¢ cap on municipal paper bag fees as committee hears mixed reactions from retailers and counties