Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Environmental Health Committee

HB 2818

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Reducing the environmental health impact of cleaning in state facilities.

Sponsors: Representatives Chase and Simpson.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires state agencies to purchase and use cleaning products having properties that minimize potential impacts to human health and the environment.

  • Directs the Department of General Administration, in consultation with the Departments of Health and Ecology, to identify and publish a list of environmentally preferred cleaning products for use by state agencies.

Hearing Date: 1/27/10

Staff: Pam Madson (786-7111).

Background:

The Department of General Administration (Department) coordinates state agencies' purchases and sales of goods and services. The Department must establish overall state policy for determining when and where an item in the state supply system should be stocked. In addition, the Department must develop state goals for using recycled or environmentally preferable products. The Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH) must periodically review personal health and sanitation conditions at state-owned or contracted institutions and facilities. The Department of Ecology (DOE) is established as the state agency with the authority to carry out an integrated and coordinated program of pollution prevention and control.

Summary of Bill:

All state agencies that purchase cleaning products or services must use products that minimize the potential impacts to human health and the environment consistent with public health and safety. State agencies include higher education institutions, K-12 school districts, and offices of statewide elected officials.

The Department, in consultation with the DOH and the DOE, must:

  1. identify environmentally preferred cleaning products using nationally recognized accrediting information from multiple sources; and

  2. require those who contract with the state or lease space to the state to use environmentally preferred products and practices.

Agencies must transition to the use of these products within six months of publication of the list of environmentally preferred products in the Washington State Register. The transition must take place in a manner that avoids waste of existing inventories, accommodates new product supply chains, and allows training of employees.

Agencies may use germicidal and disinfectant products as necessary to control disease or infection or where required by law.

Local governments are encouraged to use environmentally preferred products.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Preliminary fiscal note available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.