Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Environment Committee |
2SSB 6120
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: Concerning children's safe products.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Nelson, Swecker, Harper, Hargrove, Kohl-Welles, Fraser, Kastama, Pridemore, Rolfes, Frockt, Ranker, Regala, Shin, Tom, Kline, Chase, Keiser and Conway).
Brief Summary of Second Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/17/12
Staff: Kara Durbin (786-7133).
Background:
Children's Safe Products Act.
In 2008 the Legislature passed the Children's Safe Products Act (CSPA), which limits certain chemicals in children's products and requires the Department of Ecology (DOE) to identify chemicals of high concern for children using certain criteria. The CSPA also requires manufacturers of children's products containing identified chemicals of high concern to annually report product information to the DOE.
The CSPA requires the DOE, in consultation with the Department of Health (DOH), to develop a list of priority chemicals of high concern for children. The DOE identified 66 chemicals of high concern for children by rule that took effect August 21, 2011 [WAC 173-334-130]. These rules also provide notification requirements for manufacturers, and set enforcement actions. The notification requirements are phased-in by manufacturer size and type of children's product. The manufacturer's notice must be filed annually and provide information about chemicals of high concern for children that are intentionally added to the product.
TRIS.
The chemicals TCEP (Tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate) and TDCPP (tris(1, 3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate), known collectively as TRIS, may be added to plastics, foams and textiles as flame retardants in foams, plastics, and fabric backings. TRIS may be found in some children's products such as car seats, baby changing pads, and baby carriers. TRIS has been used as a replacement for certain Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether (PBDE) flame retardants, which have been banned or voluntarily phased out of use.
Summary of Bill:
The manufacture, distribution, and sale of children's products containing TCEP is prohibited beginning July 1, 2014 if the TCEP is intentionally added in amounts greater than 100 parts per million in any component. The prohibition does not apply to recycled materials containing less than .01 percent of TCEP or to previously owned products sold in casual or isolated sales or by nonprofit organizations.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.