SB 303 Summary

• Modifies dispute resolution procedures for the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act by allowing affected entities to request nonbinding arbitration when PRO or producer actions disrupt solid waste operations, with arbitrators empowered to propose plan revisions and the department making final determinations within 60 days.

• Establishes a 90-day timeline for the producer responsibility advisory board to offer recommendations to resolve disputes, and allows either party to request a de novo adjudicative proceeding within 60 days after the arbitrator's proposed decision is submitted.

• Requires the department to publicly notice and review any proposed producer responsibility plan revisions resulting from arbitration, with authority to approve or reject revisions based on consistency with chapter requirements and regulatory standards.

• Clarifies that approved producer responsibility plans remain in effect during dispute resolution proceedings, and deems arbitrators' proposed decisions final if no action is taken within 60 days.

• Authorizes the department to adopt regulations establishing standards for producer responsibility organizations regarding responsible end markets for covered materials, prioritizing environmental benefits and minimizing public health and worker safety risks.