Bill > S3643

Introduced Session

This bill would prohibit the manufacture, sale, and promotion of consumer products containing plastic microbeads, beginning on January 1, 2022. The bill defines "consumer products" as products that are customarily produced for consumption by individuals for personal care or for the performance of services ordinarily rendered within the household, and which are designed to be expended in the course of such use. Microbeads are small plastic particles commonly used to exfoliate or cleanse. Although microbeads are effective abrasive agents, they end up in fresh waters and the ocean, where they are eaten by fish and other wildlife and enter the food chain. Some studies indicate that microbeads may absorb contaminants from the surrounding environment, such as harmful bacteria found in wastewater treatment plants. Microbeads also may contain chemicals left over from the manufacturing process. Current State law prohibits the manufacture, sale, and promotion of personal care products containing microbeads. In addition, the federal "Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015" prohibits the manufacturing, packaging, and distribution of rinse-off cosmetics containing microbeads. This bill would expand the prohibition to include all consumer products.

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Linda Greenstein (D)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee (on 05/13/2019)

Official Document