BRACE Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (16 Sep 2026): Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
What this bill does
H.R. 9615, the BRACE Act, addresses how used lithium-ion batteries are handled before recycling. Until the Environmental Protection Agency issues a formal rule, facilities that store lithium-ion batteries before recycling would follow specific interim federal handling requirements—modeled on existing "universal waste" rules for other hazardous materials—rather than current storage standards. The bill also directs the EPA Administrator to issue, within 18 months of enactment, a rule addressing the management of lithium-ion batteries as universal waste, and lists issues the agency should consider, such as tailored safety standards, provisions to support recycling and recovery of critical minerals, and additional safeguards for health and the environment. It clarifies that this requirement does not limit the EPA's ability to pursue future related rulemakings. Separately, the bill updates outdated cross-references in the Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act to point to current federal regulations.
The bill primarily affects battery recycling facilities, waste handlers, and the EPA, along with industries involved in battery manufacturing and critical mineral recovery, by setting clearer, interim federal rules for battery storage and setting a timeline for permanent regulations.
The bill was introduced in July 2026, amended and reported by the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and passed the House by voice vote on September 15, 2026. It now goes to the Senate for consideration.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Battery Recycling for America’s Competitive Economy Act or the BRACE Act
This bill modifies the regulation of lithium-ion batteries under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act in order to facilitate the recycling of lithium-ion batteries and the recovery of critical minerals. Specifically, the bill directs certain facilities that store lithium-ion batteries prior to recycling them to follow regulations for large quantity handlers of universal waste instead of following the more stringent hazardous waste regulations that currently apply, thereby allowing these facilities to store lithium-ion batteries without needing a special permit.
Timeline
16 Sep 2026
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9615 do?
- H.R. 9615, the BRACE Act, addresses how used lithium-ion batteries are handled before recycling. Until the Environmental Protection Agency issues a formal rule, facilities that store lithium-ion batteries before recycling would follow specific interim federal handling requirements—modeled on existing "universal waste" rules for other hazardous materials—rather than current storage standards. The bill also directs the EPA Administrator to issue, within 18 months of enactment, a rule addressing the management of lithium-ion batteries as universal waste, and lists issues the agency should consider, such as tailored safety standards, provisions to support recycling and recovery of critical minerals, and additional safeguards for health and the environment. It clarifies that this requirement does not limit the EPA's ability to pursue future related rulemakings. Separately, the bill updates outdated cross-references in the Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act to point to current federal regulations. The bill primarily affects battery recycling facilities, waste handlers, and the EPA, along with industries involved in battery manufacturing and critical mineral recovery, by setting clearer, interim federal rules for battery storage and setting a timeline for permanent regulations. The bill was introduced in July 2026, amended and reported by the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and passed the House by voice vote on September 15, 2026. It now goes to the Senate for consideration.
- Has H.R. 9615 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 9615. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9615?
- H.R. 9615 was sponsored by Rep. Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [R-IA-1] (R-IA), with 3 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9615?
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (16 Sep 2026).
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