HB5541Introduced in the House
FOOD WASTE&COMPOSTING
Introduced by Anna Moeller, District 43
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
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Official description
Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Repeals the definition of "food scrap"; adds definitions for "anaerobic digestion", "biogas", "digestate", "food waste", "organic material", and "organic waste"; and updates the definitions of "compost" and "composting". In provisions regarding pollution control facilities, includes a new exemption for portions of sites or facilities used for composting or anaerobic digestion of organic waste that meet specified siting, setback, floodplain, and operational requirements. In provisions regarding prohibited acts, establishes permitting requirements for organic waste composting operations and organic waste anaerobic digesters, and creates exemptions for small-scale and certain farm-based composting operations that meet volume limits, setback distances, and other environmental safeguards. Provides that anaerobic digesters using only non-waste feedstock are exempt from solid waste permitting and clarifies that digested material returned to the economic mainstream is not regulated as waste. Authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency to recommend, and the Pollution Control Board to adopt, performance standards for organic waste compost facilities and testing procedures for end-product compost, and requires a Technical Advisory Committee with balanced stakeholder representation. Specifies that standards apply to compost offered for sale or use and exempts on-site residential composting. Makes conforming changes throughout to integrate new definitions and regulatory requirements.
Where it stands
Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0707
July 31, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
House votes
2 recorded votes · each counted separately
Senate votes
1 recorded vote · each counted separately
SenateStage: Senate Environment and Conservation Committee · April 30, 2026
7
Yes
0
No
3
Absent or Not Voting
10 senators recorded in this Senate vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.
See how each senator voted
| Senator | District | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Sara Feigenholtz | 6 | Not Voting |
| Laura Fine | 9 | Not Voting |
| Laura Ellman | 21 | Yes |
| Karina Villa | 25 | Yes |
| Mark Walker | 27 | Yes |
| Julie Morrison | 29 | Yes |
| Adriane Johnson | 30 | Yes |
| Donald DeWitte | 33 | Yes |
| Andrew Chesney | 45 | Not Voting |
| Jason Plummer | 55 | Yes |
Bill history
Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Anna Moeller
First Reading
Referred to Rules Committee
Assigned to Energy & Environment Committee
House Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Anna Moeller
House Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred to Rules Committee
House Committee Amendment No. 1 Rules Refers to Energy & Environment Committee
House Committee Amendment No. 1 Adopted in Energy & Environment Committee; by Voice Vote
Do Pass as Amended / Short Debate Energy & Environment Committee; 026-000-000
Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate
Second Reading - Short Debate
Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Sonya M. Harper
Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Margaret A. DeLaRosa
Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 103-000-000
Arrive in Senate
Placed on Calendar Order of First Reading
Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Adriane L. Johnson
First Reading
Referred to Assignments
Assigned to Environment and Conservation
Do Pass Environment and Conservation; 007-000-000
Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading May 5, 2026
Second Reading
Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading May 18, 2026
Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Javier L. Cervantes
Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading **
Third Reading - Passed; 059-000-000
Passed Both Houses
Sent to the Governor
Governor Approved
Effective Date January 1, 2027
Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0707
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