Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Business & Financial Services Committee

HB 1095

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: Representatives Appleton, Pollet and Peterson.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Eliminates the exemption from adding a bittering agent for wholesale containers of 55 gallons or more of engine coolant or antifreeze.

Hearing Date: 1/24/17

Staff: Robbi Kesler (786-7153).

Background:

Engine coolant and antifreeze manufactured or distributed in Washington that contains more than 10 percent ethylene glycol must also contain denatonium benzoate, a bittering agent, to render it unpalatable to humans and animals. 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 the requirement to add the bittering agent.

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.

Summary of Bill:

Wholesale containers of 55 gallons or more of engine coolant or antifreeze are no longer exempt from the requirement to add 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.