AB 998: Household hazardous waste: vape pens.

Official summary

Legislative Counsel’s Digest (official, as of the latest version). Written by nonpartisan legislative staff; reproduced verbatim.

Under existing law, the Department of Toxic Substances Control generally regulates the management and handling of hazardous waste and hazardous materials. Existing law authorizes certain entities to operate household hazardous waste collection facilities, as defined, under permits issued by the department. A violation of the hazardous waste control laws is a crime.

This bill would, until January 1, 2029, require the department to evaluate opportunities to increase safety and convenience related to the management and disposal of vape pens confiscated from students by a school, as provided, and identify any recommendations that require future legislative action. The bill would authorize a household hazardous waste collection facility to conduct physical treatment activities involving the disassembly of household hazardous waste to separate batteries, valves, electronic components and other parts containing liquids or gases, including, but not limited to, the disassembly of vape pens, in a manner that does not result in the unauthorized release of hazardous materials.

Existing law authorizes a public agency, or its contractor, to conduct a materials exchange program at a household hazardous waste collection facility to make reusable household hazardous products or materials available to recipients, as a part of its household hazardous waste collection program, if the public agency, or its contractor, complies with specified requirements.

The bill would prohibit a public agency, or its contractor, from including vape pens in a materials exchange program.

Because a violation of these provisions would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. August 29, 2025In committee: Held under submission.
2. August 18, 2025In committee: Referred to suspense file.
3. July 17, 2025Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
4. July 16, 2025From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 8. Noes 0.) (July 16).
5. June 18, 2025Referred to Com. on E.Q.
6. June 5, 2025In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.
7. June 4, 2025Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 77. Noes 0. Page 2069.)
8. May 27, 2025Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
9. May 23, 2025Read second time and amended. Ordered returned to second reading.
10. May 23, 2025From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended. (Ayes 14. Noes 0.) (May 23).
11. May 23, 2025Assembly Rule 63 suspended. (Ayes 51. Noes 16. Page 1644.)
12. May 14, 2025In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.