Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Bottle Bill Alternative Redemption topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee advances SB 992 to floor with due-pass recommendation amid concerns over access for low-income recyclers
Summary
The House Committee on Climate, Energy, and Environment voted May 15 to move Senate Bill 992 A to the floor with a due-pass recommendation; the bill would authorize OLCC-approved alternative-access bottle redemption centers and change convenience-zone dealer rules.
The House Committee on Climate, Energy, and Environment voted May 15 to send Senate Bill 992 A to the House floor with a due-pass recommendation. The bill would authorize the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) to approve one or more Bottle Bill alternative-access redemption centers, modify dealer requirements within convenience zones, establish low-impact convenience zones and address hours of operation and the types of containers wineries must accept.
A staff summary noted minimal fiscal impact and no revenue impact. Vice Chair Gamba moved the measure to the floor with a due-pass recommendation; the motion carried on a roll call.
Representative Marsh said she would vote no and explained the reason at length. "I worry about it a little bit because we're putting a tremendous amount of pressure for the whole system on a nonprofit that frankly doesn't even have a site at this moment," Marsh said. She also warned that moving much of the redemption work to alternative centers could reduce access for people who rely on immediate refunds from cans and bottles: "Those individuals ... are the reason that our redemption rates are so high because there are actually people out there who need cans and bottle returns right now and they are the people who are scouring my alleyway multiple times a day to pick up any cans that wind up in my recycling so that they can turn them in."
The roll call recorded yes votes from Representative Anderson, Representative Edwards, Representative Helm, Representative Emerson Levy, Representative Osborne, Vice Chair Gamba and Vice Chair Bobby Levy, and Chair Lively; Representative Marsh recorded a no vote. Representatives Owen and Wallen were excused. Committee staff reported no amendment and no subsequent referral.
Vice Chair Gamba volunteered to carry the bill to the floor. Committee discussion focused on operational details, equitable access for low-income residents who rely on immediate redemptions, and site availability for any nonprofit operators of alternative-access centers. The committee completed the work session and closed the item for that day.
