Budget Amendment ID: FY2025-S4-87-R1

Redraft ENV 87

Small Business Plastics Alternatives Pilot Program

Ms. Rausch and Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2200-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $150,000 shall be expended to the department of environmental protection to develop and administer a grant program for small businesses to support alternatives to single-use plastics; provided further, that grants may be used by grantees to purchase biodegradable, compostable or reusable food service ware, water bottles, bags, packaging or other similar single-use plastics reduction efforts or activities; provided further, that small businesses located in low-income communities shall be prioritized in the grant application review process; provided further, that not later than June 30, 2025, the department shall submit a report to the senate and house committees on ways and means and the joint committee on environment and natural resources on the implementation of the grant program which shall include, but not be limited to: (i) the names and locations of the grantees; (ii) the grant amounts distributed; (iii) the implemented plastic reduction efforts through utilization of grant funds; and (iv), if possible, the estimated amount of single-use plastics reduced”; and by striking out the figure “$499,997” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$649,997”.