SENATE BILL REPORT

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.

As Reported by Senate Committee On:

Commerce, Labor & Sports, March 29, 2017

Title: An act relating to protecting children and animals from poisoning by antifreeze products.

Brief Description: Concerning antifreeze products.

Sponsors: Representatives Appleton, Pollet and Peterson.

Brief History: Passed House: 2/27/17, 79-17.

Committee Activity: Commerce, Labor & Sports: 3/15/17, 3/23/17, 3/29/17 [DP, DNP].

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.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, LABOR & SPORTS

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Baumgartner, Chair; Braun, Vice Chair; Keiser, Ranking Minority Member; King and Saldaña.

Minority Report: Do not pass.

Signed by Senators Rossi and Wilson.

Staff: Susan Jones (786-7404)

Background: Engine coolant and antifreeze manufactured or distributed in Washington that contains more than 10 percent ethylene glycol must also contain denatonium benzoate, an aversive or bittering agent, to render the coolant or antifreeze unpalatable to humans and animals. Manufacturers, packagers, distributors, recyclers, and sellers of engine coolant or antifreeze must comply. Manufacturers subject to the requirement to add a bittering agent must maintain a record of the trade name, scientific name, and active ingredients of any bittering agent used. This information must be made available to the public upon request.

Manufacturers, packagers, distributors, recyclers, and sellers are not liable for injury or damage caused by inclusion of a bittering agent.

Wholesale containers of 55 gallons or more of engine coolant or antifreeze are exempt from the requirement to add a bittering agent.

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.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: None.

Persons Testifying: No one.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.