Committee takes no position on Maryland bottle-deposit bill, asks for study of local fiscal impacts

The Prince George's County General Assembly Committee on March 11 took no position on House Bill 232 / Senate Bill 346, legislation that would establish a statewide beverage-container redemption and stewardship program with a 10–15¢ refund and producer-funded stewardship organization.

What the bill would do: Presenters said the bill would create a redemption system where consumers return containers for refunds and producers fund a stewardship organization; it sets labeling and redemption targets and provides enforcement mechanisms. The draft requires large retailers to provide multiple redemption options and contemplates limited retailer obligations for smaller businesses.

County concerns and committee posture: County representatives and Mako officials expressed concerns that a state program could reduce revenue that counties currently earn from scrap-material sales and that counties could face transition costs. Mako recommended studying local fiscal impacts and operational consequences before adopting a formal county position.

Committee action: Council Member Harrison moved and Council Member Oriada seconded a motion for no position that also indicated support for further study; the roll call recorded the motion as carrying (recorded vote indicated "Harris 3 0" in the clerk's entry).

Next steps: County staff will follow state committee activity and explore whether a formal fiscal study or request for deferred implementation is warranted to protect county operations and revenues.