Virginia General Assembly passes mattress recycling measure introduced by Del. Laufer

A measure from Del. Amy J. Laufer establishing a statewide mattress recycling program and defining industry requirements has been approved in both the House and Senate, the Virginia State House reports.

The legislation gained formal enrollment on March 30, 2026, passing with a 66-30 vote in the House and a 20-20 split in the Senate.

Designated as HB86 and filed on Jan. 14, 2026, for the 2026 regular session, the proposed law’s summary by the legislature reads: “Mattress Stewardship Program; established, definitions, report.”

An overview follows, based on the official bill text, with additional interpretation to explain the bill’s terms.

The legislation authorizes creation of a Mattress Stewardship Program to oversee the collection and recycling of used mattresses across Virginia. It funds the initiative with a standardized recycling fee per mattress or renovated mattress, itemized separately on receipts. Under the bill, a certified nonprofit will register mattress producers, retailers and renovators; craft a comprehensive plan—subject to state approval—that outlines collection logistics, education, recycling cooperation and yearly public reporting. The Department of Environmental Quality must approve the plan, provide oversight, adopt necessary regulations, and protect confidential business information. Violators, including retailers and producers, could receive daily civil fines, with those funds allocated to the Litter Control and Recycling Fund. The program will launch after state approval, with producer and planning milestones set for 2027.

Among delegates, 61 Democrats and five Republicans supported the bill; it was opposed by 30 Republicans.

In the Senate, 20 Democrats supported it, while opposition came from 19 Republicans and one Democrat.

The sponsors included Del. Amy J. Laufer (Democrat-55th District), Del. Jackie H. Glass (Democrat-93rd District), and Del. Paul E. Krizek (Democrat-16th District).

Laufer holds a BS degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, awarded in 1996.

She was elected to the House in 2024 for Virginia’s 55th House district, taking over from previous representative Buddy Fowler.

Virginia’s legislative process begins with introduction in either chamber and moves into committee assignment for review and amendment. Approval sends the measure to both floors for debate and voting. Passage in both chambers refers the bill to the governor for signature, veto, or enactment into law without signature. The General Assembly meets each year beginning the second Monday of January, with members introducing hundreds of bills—only some of which are enacted.

Information in this article was obtained from the Virginia State House. The source data can be found here.