Oklahoma Senate Bill SB149

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21
• Report Pass: 2/22/21
• Engrossed: 3/11/21
• Refer: 3/22/21
• Report Pass: 3/31/21

Caption

Safe sleep; removing certain duty of State Board of Health; requiring retailers to comply with certain requirements. Effective date.

Impact

The bill's passage marks a significant change in consumer safety regulations related to bunk beds, affecting retailers above the previously mandated standards. By setting these requirements, the bill aims to mitigate potential safety hazards associated with bunk bed designs that could lead to accidents or injuries, especially concerning children. This regulation represents a proactive measure to promote safe sleep environments in homes, reflecting a growing concern for child safety in residential settings.

Summary

Senate Bill 149 addresses the safety requirements surrounding the sale of bunk beds by amending existing regulations of the Oklahoma Administrative Code. The bill specifically removes certain responsibilities from the State Board of Health and establishes new compliance requirements for retailers selling bunk beds. Retailers will need to follow specific guidelines, ensuring that each set of bunk beds sold includes an indelible warning label according to relevant safety standards, and will limit the space between the guard rail and bed frame to no more than three and a half inches to enhance child safety.

Sentiment

Support for SB149 seems to stem predominantly from safety advocates and lawmakers who prioritize child protection as a critical aspect of retail regulations. The sentiment surrounding the bill appears largely positive as it is seen as a necessary step to ensure that consumers, particularly families with young children, are better protected against unsafe products in the market. This proactive approach to legislation reflects an acknowledgment of the need for more stringent safety measures in product sales.

Contention

While the discussion surrounding SB149 was generally supportive, there are concerns regarding the removal of oversight previously held by the State Board of Health. Critics may assert that eliminating these responsibilities could reduce the overall effectiveness of safety enforcement and lead to less rigorous compliance monitoring. Nonetheless, the bill is primarily viewed as a forward step in strengthening consumer safety laws concerning bunk beds.