HOUSE BILL REPORT

SHB 2818

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 Summary of Substitute Bill

Requires state agencies to purchase and use cleaning products having properties that minimize potential impacts to human health and the environment.
Directs the Department of General Administration, in consultation with the Departments of Health and Ecology, to identify and publish a list of environmentally-preferred cleaning products for use by state agencies.

Background:

The Department of General Administration (Department) coordinates state agencies' purchases and sales of goods and services. The Department must establish overall state policy for determining when and where an item in the state supply system should be stocked. In addition, the Department must develop state goals for using recycled or environmentally-preferable products. The Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH) must periodically review personal health and sanitation conditions at state-owned or contracted institutions and facilities. The Department of Ecology (DOE) is established as the state agency with the authority to carry out an integrated and coordinated program of pollution prevention and control.

Summary of Substitute Bill:

All state agencies that purchase cleaning products or services must use products that minimize the potential impacts to human health and the environment consistent with public health and safety. State agencies include higher education institutions, K-12 school districts, and offices of statewide elected officials.

The Department, in consultation with the DOH and the DOE, must:

identify environmentally-preferred cleaning products using nationally recognized accrediting information from multiple sources; and
require those who contract with the state or lease space to the state to use environmentally-preferred products and practices.

Agencies must transition to the use of these products within six months of publication of the list of environmentally-preferred products in the Washington State Register. The transition must take place in a manner that avoids waste of existing inventories, accommodates new product supply chains, and allows training of employees.

Agencies may use germicidal and disinfectant products as necessary to control disease or infection or where required by law.

Local governments are encouraged to use environmentally-preferred products.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This bill is very timely and is a good first step. It complements current executive orders. It is very important to add an environmental criteria to the purchasing criteria for state products along with performance, availability, and price. Products are available at comparable prices. One-half of the state purchasing for cleaning is for green cleaning supplies. Having a list of preferred products makes it easier for agencies to use them. It would be helpful to more clearly define the roles of the agencies. Use of these products will help protect custodians and building residents from toxic exposures. It would improve indoor air quality. This legislation sends a signal to the industry to embrace environmentally-preferred products that will help bring the cost down.

(Opposed) School districts should be treated similarly to local government. They should be encouraged to use these products. As a requirement for school districts, there is concern over an unfunded mandate on 295 school districts. Environmentally-preferred cleaning products are being used. This is a local issue and not a state issue. These are financially challenging times. A number of products are available that are under three commonly accepted certification programs that could be included in the bill for consideration in listing available products. These certification programs include environmentally-preferred available products at competitive prices.

Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative Chase, prime sponsor; K Seiler, Department of Ecology; Nancy Napolilli, Department of Health; and Steve Krueger, Department of General Administration.

(Opposed) Dan Steele, Washington State School Directors' Association; Mitch Denning, Alliance of Education Association; and Bill Stauffacher, Consumer Specialty Products Association.