MI HB5703

Expands the definition of "beverage" to include nonalcoholic carbonated or noncarbonated water and nonalcoholic carbonated or noncarbonated drinks in liquid form intended for human consumption, excluding unflavored rice milk, unflavored soymilk, milk, and dairy-derived products.

Modifies beverage container requirements by creating separate standards for alcoholic beverages (metal, glass, paper, or plastic containers up to 1 gallon) and nonalcoholic beverages (metal, glass, or plastic containers up to 1 gallon, with certain aluminum-plastic or aluminum-paper combination restrictions).

Requires a deposit of not less than 10 cents on returnable containers with a corresponding 10-cent cash refund payable by all dealers and distributors selling beverages in returnable containers.

Adds definitions for "unflavored soymilk" and "rice milk" as exempt beverages from deposit requirements, and expands the definition of "mixed spirit drink" to include spirits-based beverages sold in metal beverage containers regardless of alcohol content.

Establishes effective date of January 1, 2013 for the amendments to Michigan's beverage container deposit law.