On May 6, 2026, the Connecticut General Assembly passed a new bill that will expand the state’s PaintCare program to include aerosol coating products, if it becomes law. The bill is expected to be sent to Governor Ned Lamont for signature soon. The governor will then have 15 calendar days to sign or veto the bill. If the governor takes no action, the bill will automatically become law.
As passed, Senate Bill 147 Schedule A (LCO# 4101) defines aerosol coating products as any pressurized coating products that contain pigments or resins dispensed by propellant and are packaged and sold in disposable aerosol containers for handheld application or for use in specialized equipment for ground traffic or marking applications. The definition of “aerosol coating products” does not include paint thinner, paint remover, graffiti remover, or caulking compound that contains no appreciable level of opaque fillers or pigments.
The bill requires that aerosol coatings products are registered with the stewardship program, that a PaintCare fee is added to their purchase price, and that educational materials regarding the program are provided to consumers of the products.
If the bill becomes law, it will require PaintCare to submit a revised program plan to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection by July 1, 2028. The agency will then have three months to approve the plan. Once approved, PaintCare will have six months to implement the revised program. PaintCare staff are preparing to make these updates, including the development of a fee structure covering the management of aerosol coatings.
We will continue to keep manufacturers updated on the status of the bill and program changes. For more information, please contact Jacob Saffert, Director of Eastern States, at or (612) 772-4902.