SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5060

As of January 28, 2003

Title: An act relating to the children's environmental health and protection advisory council.

Brief Description: Creating the children's environmental health and protection advisory council.

Sponsors: Senators Franklin, Fraser and Kohl-Welles.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 1/29/03.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Staff: Rhoda Donkin (786-7198)

Background: Studies have shown that children are more susceptible to exposure to environmental pollutants than adults. They are particularly vulnerable to such hazards as lead, pesticides, air pollutants, contaminated water, toxic waste, secondhand tobacco smoke, and industrial and home chemicals. Children are more susceptible because they absorb toxins at a much higher rate relative to body weight than do adults. They also have not formed natural biological barriers that block toxins from entering the blood stream, and they tend to play in areas where they are exposed to toxins.

Summary of Bill: The Children's Environmental Health and Protection Advisory Council is created. Membership includes 15 people representing the Legislature, several state agencies, parents of children who have been identified as having been exposed to an environmental hazard, and an expert in environmental toxicology.

The council must meet at least four times a year to review existing laws, rules and regulations which may pose environmental hazards to the health of children. The state Board of Health provides staff support to the council. The council must report to the Governor and the Legislature by December of 2004 and 2005 with recommendations on changes in regulation that would decrease environmental hazards to children.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.