Committee approves mattress stewardship bill requiring producer plans, sales and disposal limits

The Economic Matters Committee approved House Bill 858 on a voice vote, moving the bill as amended to the next stage of the legislative process.

House Bill 858 requires producers of mattresses, or a representative organization, to develop and implement a statewide mattress stewardship plan and submit that plan to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) by July 1, 2027; an approved plan must be implemented within one year of plan approval. The bill directs MDE to adopt regulations for the program, establishes a uniform mattress stewardship assessment charged at point of sale to cover program costs, and prohibits the sale of mattresses in the state unless the producer participates in an approved stewardship program. The bill also prohibits disposal of mattresses in a landfill or an incinerator beginning Jan. 1, 2031. An amendment adopted before the vote made mainly technical changes, removed references to…