SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 5543

                    AS OF FEBRUARY 12, 1993

Brief Description:  Extending the state preemption of product packaging regulation.

SPONSORS: Senators Sutherland, Barr, Deccio and Winsley

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ECOLOGY & PARKS

Staff:  Shannon Murphy (786‑7483)

Hearing Dates: February 15, 1993

BACKGROUND:

In 1989 legislation passed authorizing the state to preempt the ability of local governments to impose prohibitions on the sale or distribution of products and product packaging.  As well, the state is authorized to preempt the imposition of deposits or taxes by local governments on certain products and product packaging.  The preemptions are effective through July 1, 1993.

The 1989 legislation also required the formation of a product packaging task force.  The task force was charged with evaluating methods to reduce the volume, weight and toxicity of packaging entering the waste stream.  The task force  submitted a report on their findings to the Legislature on January 2, 1991.

SUMMARY:

The state's authority to preempt local government's authority to impose certain bans or taxes on products or product packaging is extended from July 1, 1993 to July 1, 1997.

The Clean Washington Center shall make a recommendation to the Legislature by December 1, 1996 as to whether the preemptions should be made permanent.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect June 30, 1993.