Texas House Bill HB2682

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/14/11

Caption

Relating to requiring upholstered furniture sold in this state to be made with filling that is burn resistant to an open flame; imposing a criminal penalty.

Impact

If enacted, HB2682 will directly impact manufacturers and retailers of upholstered furniture within Texas, obligating them to comply with newly established burn resistance standards. This not only aims to improve safety practices in the furniture industry but may also raise awareness about fire hazards associated with furniture materials. Consumers will benefit from clearer information regarding the safety features of the products, potentially leading to more informed purchasing decisions. Non-compliance with these standards could result in criminal penalties classified as a Class A misdemeanor, thereby adding a layer of legal accountability for businesses involved.

Summary

House Bill 2682 proposes that all upholstered furniture sold in Texas must utilize filling materials that are resistant to ignition from an open flame. This regulation is aimed at enhancing fire safety standards in residential and commercial settings. The bill places the responsibility on the Department of State Health Services to enforce the new standards and mandates the executive commissioner to establish rules specific to burn resistance criteria. A significant aspect of the bill includes requirements for labeling, which would inform consumers about the fire resistance features of the furniture they are purchasing.

Contention

While the bill aims to strengthen fire safety, it may encounter pushback from industry stakeholders who may view the additional regulations as burdensome. Concerns could arise regarding the costs of compliance, especially for smaller manufacturers who might struggle to meet the new requirements without significant financial strain. The discussion around the bill also revolves around the effectiveness of the proposed burn resistance standards, with some advocates for consumer safety advocating for stringent measures while others may call for a balance between safety and economic feasibility for businesses.

Notable_points

The bill specifies that upholstered furniture must feature a prominent label that states the compliance with burn resistance standards. This requirement emphasizes transparency in consumer products, which is a crucial factor in consumer safety legislation. Additionally, the bill outlines an implementation timeline allowing a year for manufacturers to adapt to the new rules, reflecting consideration for the industry’s operational adjustments.