HB 1731-S - DIGEST
(SEE ALSO PROPOSED 2ND SUB)

Declares an intent to reduce the quantity of mercury released into the environment by: (1) Removing mercury containing light switches and antilock brake sensors from end-of-life vehicles in the state of Washington; and

(2) Creating a collection and recovery program for mercury-added components removed from vehicles in the state of Washington.

Requires manufacturers to, individually or as part of a group, submit to the department for review and approval a plan to remove, collect, and recover mercury-added components before crushing or shredding motor vehicles. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that mercury-added components are properly removed, collected, and recovered from end-of-life vehicles.

Requires every effort to be made by vehicle manufacturers to ensure that mercury-added components are removed from vehicles before they are crushed or shredded.

Requires every manufacturer of motor vehicles sold in this state to, individually or as part of a group, submit a plan to the department, within ninety days of the effective date of this act, describing a program meeting the requirements established in this act.

Provides that a manufacturer subject to this act shall, individually or as part of a group, annually report to the department concerning the performance of the manufacturer's plan. The report must include, but is not limited to: (1) A detailed description and documentation of the capture rate achieved and how and where the mercury was recycled or otherwise appropriately managed;

(2) A plan to implement additional or alternative actions, if necessary, to improve the capture rate.

Declares that a violation of this act is punishable by a civil penalty not to exceed one thousand dollars per violation per day. Penalties collected under this provision must be deposited in the state toxics control account created in RCW 70.105D.070. The civil penalties are in addition to any other penalties authorized under other state or local laws governing the use of mercury in motor vehicles.

Takes effect July 1, 2006.