AB 142 Summary

• Increases manufacturer battery fee on lead-acid batteries from $1 to $2 per battery on and after April 1, 2022, and makes the fee permanent (previously set to expire March 31, 2022).

• Allows manufacturers not subject to state jurisdiction to agree in writing with importers to pay the manufacturer fee on their behalf, with specific documentation and record-keeping requirements.

• Exempts California battery fees when new motor vehicle dealers sell or lease used vehicles with replacement lead-acid batteries incorporated by the dealer.

• Establishes the Lead-Acid Battery Recycling Facility Investigation and Cleanup Program (LABRIC Program) to identify contaminated sites and manage public notice, investigation, and designation procedures with a 2-year deadline for site determinations.

• Directs that manufacturer battery fees be credited to the paying manufacturer's account and applied against any state liability judgments for hazardous substance releases from lead-acid battery recycling facilities.