| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Select Committee on Environmental Health | |
HB 1601
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: Creating the children's environmental health and protection advisory council.
Sponsors: Representatives Rolfes, Campbell, Chase, Hudgins, Hunt, Morrell, Upthegrove, McCoy, Santos, Dickerson, Hasegawa, Sells, Schual-Berke, Wood and Simpson.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/8/07
Staff: Amy McCormick (786-7290).
Background:
Studies have shown that children are more susceptible and more exposed to environmental
hazards than adults. Children are particularly vulnerable to such hazards as lead, pesticides, air
pollutants, contaminated water, toxic waste, secondhand tobacco smoke, and industrial and home
chemicals. As children's bodies and biological systems develop, they are uniquely vulnerable to
damage from toxic substances. Children are also more exposed to toxins from the environment,
as well as school and homes. Proportional to body weight, children take in far higher
concentrations of toxins in the environment than adults.
Summary of Bill:
The Children's Environmental Health and Protection Advisory Council (Council) is created.
Membership of the council consists of fifteen people, including members of the Legislature,
representatives of several state agencies, a tribal representative, a licensed pediatric health care
provider with expertise in the field of children's environmental health, a parent whose child has
been diagnosed with exposure to an environmental health hazard, and an expert in the field of
human toxicology.
The Council must meet at least four times a year to review and comment on existing laws, rules,
regulations, and standards to ensure adequate protection of the health of children from
environmental hazards. The State Board of Health must provide staff support to the Council.
The Council must report to the governor and the legislature by December 1, 2007 and December
1, 2008 with recommendations of changes in regulation that would reduce children's exposure to
environmental hazards and recommendations for collaborative approaches to public education.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 2, 2007.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.