Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Business & Financial Services Committee |
HB 1014
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: Concerning antifreeze products.
Sponsors: Representative Appleton.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/14/15
Staff: Linda Merelle (786-7092).
Background:
Engine coolant and antifreeze manufactured or distributed in Washington that contains more than 10% ethylene glycol must contain Denatonium Benzoate, a bittering agent, to render it unpalatable to humans and animals. Denatonium Benzoate may also be known under the trade names of Bitrex or Aversion. The minimum concentration required is 30 parts per million and the maximum, 50 parts per million. Manufacturers, packagers, distributors, recyclers, and sellers of engine coolant or antifreeze must comply. Wholesale containers of 55 gallons or more of engine coolant or antifreeze are exempt from this statutory requirement.
Manufacturers, packagers, distributors, recyclers, and sellers are not liable for injury caused by inclusion of the bittering agent, and manufacturers subject to the bittering agent requirement must maintain a record of the trade name, scientific name, and active ingredients of any agent used, and they must make this information available to the public upon request.
The Department of Agriculture Weights and Measures Program has authority to enforce these requirements. However, in the 2011 - 2013 biennial operating budget, the funding for enforcement related to antifreeze requirements was eliminated.
Summary of Bill:
Wholesale containers of 55 gallons or more of engine coolant or antifreeze are no longer exempt from the requirement that they contain Denatonium Benzoate, a bittering agent.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.