SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1014
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, March 25, 2015
Title: An act relating to antifreeze products.
Brief Description: Concerning antifreeze products.
Sponsors: Representative Appleton.
Brief History: Passed House: 3/02/15, 96-1.
Committee Activity: Commerce & Labor: 3/20/15, 3/25/15 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Baumgartner, Chair; Braun, Vice Chair; Hasegawa, Ranking Minority Member; Conway, Keiser, King and Warnick.
Staff: Richard Rodger (786-7461)
Background: Engine coolant and antifreeze manufactured or distributed in Washington that contain more than 10 percent ethylene glycol must contain Denatonium Benzoate, a bittering agent, to render it unpalatable to humans and animals. Denatonium Benzoate may also be known under the trade names of Bitrex or Aversion. The minimum concentration required is 30 parts per million, and the maximum is 50 parts per million. Manufacturers, packagers, distributors, recyclers, and sellers of engine coolant or antifreeze must comply. Wholesale containers of 55 gallons or more of engine coolant or antifreeze are exempt from this statutory requirement.
Manufacturers, packagers, distributors, recyclers, and sellers are not liable for injury caused by inclusion of the bittering agent, and manufacturers subject to the bittering agent requirement must maintain a record of the trade name, scientific name, and active ingredients of any agent used, and they must make this information available to the public upon request.
Summary of Bill: Wholesale containers of 55 gallons or more of engine coolant or antifreeze are no longer exempt from the requirement that they contain Denatonium Benzoate, a bittering agent.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Ethylene glycol is harmful, but it apparently tastes like sugar. The addition of a bittering agent makes it aversive to animals and children. This is a common-sense bill and would help protect our kids, wild animals, and pets. Several years ago the park rangers at Hurricane Ridge started closing down the parking lots at 5:00 p.m. because deer were dying from licking the antifreeze that was left over by leaking vehicles.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Appleton, prime sponsor.
Persons Signed in to Testify But Not Testifying: No one.