FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 6131

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.

Background: The Legislature has enacted several measures regulating mercury. The use of mercury components in a number of consumer products is prohibited and mercury-containing lights must be recycled. Additionally, the sale or purchase of bulk mercury is prohibited beginning June 30, 2012. Bulk mercury is defined as including any elemental, nonamalgamated mercury and does not include products containing mercury collected for recycling or disposal at permitted disposal facilities.

The sale, purchase, and delivery of bulk mercury is prohibited. However, the prohibition does not apply to dangerous waste recycling facilities; treatment, storage, and disposal facilities; and sales to research and industrial facilities approved by the Department of Ecology (DOE). These facilities must submit an annual inventory of their purchases and uses of bulk mercury to DOE.

The restrictions on mercury do not apply to prescription drugs regulated by the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act or to biological products regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Summary: The definition of bulk mercury is revised to exclude mercury-added products. The restrictions on mercury do not apply to devices regulated by the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

The provision that dangerous waste recycling facilities; treatment, storage, and disposal facilities; and sales to research and industrial facilities must submit an annual inventory of their purchases and uses of bulk mercury to DOE is deleted.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	48	0
House	98	0