HB 404 Summary

• Requires the Department of Health to adopt rules establishing a classification system for composting facilities and operations based on health and environmental factors, including pollution prevention, disease control, public safety, and resource conservation.

• Permits composting and co-composting operations in agricultural districts, including on lands with Class A and Class B soil productivity ratings.

• Mandates that Department of Health rules encourage food waste composting, avoid unnecessary requirements, consider climate benefits, and weigh climate risks of not composting against perceived health risks based on facility size and food waste volume.

• Appropriates funding for a full-time program specialist position (1.0 FTE) in the Department of Health's solid and hazardous waste branch for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to update composting administrative rules.

• Effective date: July 1, 2025.