BRACE Act
Latest action (15 Sep 2026): On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
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 Separately, the bill updates outdated cross-references in the Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act to point to current federal regulations.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
This bill passed in the House on September 15, 2026 and goes to the Senate next for consideration.
Timeline
15 Sep 2026
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
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?
- Not yet. As of 15 Sep 2026, H.R. 9615 is passed house (senate next).
- Who sponsored H.R. 9615?
- H.R. 9615 was sponsored by Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks [R-IA1] (Republican-IA), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9615?
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (15 Sep 2026).
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