(a) In implementing this chapter, the department shall establish a producer responsibility advisory board for the purpose of identifying barriers and solutions to creating a circular economy consistent with this chapter and advising the department, producers, and producer responsibility organizations in the implementation of this chapter. The advisory board shall be composed of 13 voting and 3 nonvoting members as provided in the following categories, who shall be appointed by the director:

(1) One representative nominated by a statewide city association.

(2) One representative nominated by a statewide rural county association.

(3) One representative from an environmental protection organization.

(4) One representative from an ocean advocacy organization.

(5) One representative from an environmental justice organization.

(6) One representative from a disadvantaged or low-income community or rural area.

(7) One representative of a materials recovery facility located within the State of California.

(8) One representative of a recycling service provider, or a representative of an association of recycling service providers.

(9) One representative from the composting industry operating in the State of California.

(10) A representative of each of four manufacturers of covered materials of different material types utilizing postconsumer recycled content, one of which produces third-party certified compostable covered material. These board members shall not be a board member of a PRO.

(11) One representative nominated by a statewide association representing the retail sector. This board member shall be a nonvoting member.

(12) One representative nominated by a statewide association representing the grocery sector. This board member shall be a nonvoting member.

(13) One representative of a producer responsibility organization. This board member shall be a nonvoting member.

(b) The director shall appoint all members to the advisory board on or before July 1, 2023. The director shall appoint the members for staggered three-year terms, and may reappoint a member for additional terms. At its first meeting, the advisory board shall elect a chair who will serve as chair for the calendar year, and who may be reelected as chair.

(c) The advisory board shall meet at least once per year by the call of the chair or by request of a majority of the voting members. The department shall provide administrative support to the advisory board.

(d) The advisory board meetings shall be open to the public and are subject to the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act (Article 9 (commencing with Section 11120) of Chapter 1 of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code).

(e) (1) The advisory board shall provide the PRO and the department, and a third party conducting or updating a needs assessment if applicable, with initial recommendations regarding all of the following:

(A) Key barriers and possible solutions to advance the objectives of increasing recovery of covered materials and decreasing the leakage of plastic into the environment no later than one year after the advisory board’s initial meeting. This shall include key barriers and possible solutions related to available and viable responsible end markets and market development for covered materials.

(B) Key barriers and possible solutions to advance the objectives of reducing the production of virgin material for covered material and reducing the landfilling of covered material.

(C) Key barriers and possible pathways toward reusable packaging and products and refillable systems.

(D) Key barriers and other considerations needed for covered material to meet the requirements of this chapter.

(E) How a PRO will cover the costs incurred by local jurisdictions and local jurisdictions’ recycling service providers associated with implementing this chapter and managing the material covered in a plan.

(2) The department shall consider the recommendations provided under paragraph (1) as it evaluates which specific actions may be appropriate to advance the objectives of this chapter.

(f) The advisory board may take any of the following actions through written recommendations as the advisory board deems appropriate:

(1) Advise the department, producers, or PROs on technical matters in support of the goals of this chapter to create a circular economy and reduce covered material pollution.

(2) Advise the department in the adoption of the regulations required by this chapter.

(3) Advise the department, producers, or PROs on any other pertinent matters in implementing this chapter, as determined by the advisory board or department.

(g) Pursuant to Section 42067, the advisory board shall review any needs assessment or revised needs assessment submitted to it within 90 calendar days of receipt of the assessment.

(h) Within 60 calendar days of receiving a plan submitted pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 42051.2, the advisory board shall review the plan and offer written comments, which may include suggested modifications to the plan.

(i) The advisory board shall submit written recommendations to the department only if a majority of the advisory board’s voting members endorse the recommendation. One or more advisory board members who do not endorse the recommendation may submit a separate written recommendation to the department reflecting the minority opinion or opinions.

(j) If an affected entity asserts that specific actions taken to meet the requirements of this chapter are disrupting or otherwise adversely affecting the sustained operation or commercial viability of solid waste collection programs, solid waste recycling facilities, or composting facilities providing services in accordance with local solid waste handling requirements, the affected entity may bring the concern and evidence supporting this assertion to the advisory board for discussion and ask the advisory board to conduct a preliminary evaluation of the information. If the evaluation demonstrates that specific actions are disrupting or otherwise adversely affecting existing operations, the advisory board shall submit this concern to the department for further analysis. The department shall analyze the information provided by the advisory board and may offer a recommendation for resolution.

(Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 75, Sec. 2. (SB 54) Effective January 1, 2023.)