Section 9-2503 - Producer responsibility advisory council(a) There is a producer responsibility advisory council.(b) The purpose of the advisory council is to provide advice and make recommendations regarding establishing and implementing a producer responsibility program in the State for packaging materials.(c)(1) The advisory council shall consist of up to 21 members, appointed by the Secretary, representing a broad range of interested stakeholders, including:(i) Representatives from the following industries or entities in the State: 1. Local government agencies responsible for recycling programs;2. Recyclables and compostable materials collectors from both the public and private sectors;3. Recycling processors from both the public and private sectors;4. Organics recycling processors;5. Producers from the consumer goods sector;6. Retail and small businesses; and7. Material-oriented trade groups;(ii) A representative from the producer responsibility organization approved by the Department under § 9-2502 of this subtitle;(iii) Representatives of at least two nonprofit organizations in the State with missions related to reducing waste;(iv) At least one representative of an environmental advocacy organization;(v) At least one representative of an advocacy organization that advocates on behalf of overburdened or underserved communities, as defined in § 1-701 of this article; and(vi) At least two members of the public who reside in the State.(2) In appointing members to the advisory council, the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, ensure that the membership of the advisory council represents: (i) All geographic regions of the State;(ii) Large and small counties and municipalities; and(iii) The variability in how waste and recyclable and compostable materials are collected and processed in the State.(d) From among the advisory council members, the Secretary shall designate two representatives to serve as cochairs.(e) The Department shall provide staff for the advisory council.(f) A member of the advisory council:(1) May not receive compensation as a member of the advisory council; but(2) Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.(g) The advisory council shall meet at the request of the Secretary.(h)(1) The advisory council shall evaluate and make recommendations, including legislative recommendations, on how to effectively establish and implement a producer responsibility program in the State for packaging materials.(2) In making recommendations under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the advisory council shall include recommendations regarding the responsibilities of producers under a producer responsibility program.(i) On or before December 1, 2024, the advisory council shall report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2-1257 of the State Government Article, the Senate Committee on Education, Energy, and the Environment and the House Environment and Transportation Committee.Added by 2023 Md. Laws, Ch. 465, Sec. 1, eff. 7/1/2023.