COMMITTEE APPROVES REP. CHAPIN INITIATIVE TO ELIMINATE PROPOSED INCREASE IN BOTTLE BILL DEPOSIT

On Wednesday, February 18, the Legislature’s Environment Committee approved measures introduced by State Representative Clark Chapin to limit proposed expansion of the state’s bottle deposit law. Rep. Chapin serves as Ranking Member (House Republican leader) of the committee.

The Environment Committee considered two bills to expand the state’s bottle deposit law. Both measures would have increased the current five cent deposit to ten cents. Senate Bill 662, which was approved by the Committee, would expand the law to include bottled water. Rep. Chapin introduced an amendment which passed, eliminating the proposed five cent increase on the deposit cost. The legislation now goes before the Finance Committee for consideration.

Rep. Chapin then made a motion to ‘box’ Senate Bill 661, which would have expanded the deposit law to include bottles containing juice and energy drinks as well as water bottles. A motion to ‘box’ is a rarely-used procedural motion which in effect kills the proposed legislation. The motion was approved in a 24-3 vote.

“There have been numerous ‘bottle bill’ attempts to expand the deposit law during the past few years,” said Rep. Chapin. “I’ve heard from many residents in the 67th District regarding proposed bottle bill expansion. While there have been roughly equal amounts of people for and against expansion, very few expressed support to increase the deposit to ten cents.”

Rep. Chapin said that he has not decided whether he will support any expansion legislation if it comes before the full House of Representatives but said he thinks that if it is enacted, it is better done on a more gradual basis. “As always, I welcome the views of my constituents on this issue as the legislation moves forward. I encourage residents to email me at Clark.Chapin@cga.ct.gov or call my office at 1-800-842-1423.”