Environmental protection: hazardous products; polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in consumer products and packaging; require warning label. Creates new act.
Impact
If enacted, SB 735 will require manufacturers, distributors, and retail sellers of PFAS consumer products to affix warning labels and provide annual notices concerning these chemicals. The bill stipulates that beginning January 1, 2025, retailers must also comply with labeling requirements while carrying products with known PFAS content. This represents a significant shift in product information transparency, as it compels companies to foster awareness and allow consumers to make informed choices based on potential health risks associated with PFAS exposure.
Summary
Senate Bill 735 aims to enhance consumer safety by requiring disclosures related to the presence of certain fluorinated organic chemicals, particularly polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), in consumer products and their packaging. By mandating warnings about potential exposure, the bill seeks to inform consumers of the potential risks associated with products derived from such chemicals. The legislation classifies 'consumer products' broadly, encompassing anything sold for personal use, including food and water, therefore impacting a wide range of industries and sectors.
Contention
The bill has sparked debates regarding the balance between business interests and consumer safety. While supporters argue that the legislation is essential for protecting public health and the environment, opponents voice concerns regarding potential compliance burdens on small businesses and the feasibility of implementing such widespread labeling requirements. Furthermore, the bill raises questions about the adequacy of existing state regulations and whether additional layers of regulation could prove unnecessary or redundant given current federal standards.
Enforcement
SB 735 establishes a system of civil penalties for violations of its provisions, with escalating fines based on the timing and severity of the infraction. This framework aims to incentivize compliance among businesses while providing clear penalties for negligence or failure to adhere to the new labeling and notification requirements. By delineating the roles of state and local governmental bodies in enforcing these regulations, the bill creates an organized approach for addressing infractions, thereby enhancing its potential effectiveness.
Providing for consumer protection and prohibiting the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in certain products; imposing powers and duties on the Department of Environmental Protection; and imposing penalties.