Bill > A1044

Introduced Session

This bill would restrict the amount of phosphorus in household cleansing products and require the labeling of certain ingredients, such as phosphorus, in household cleansing products. The bill would prohibit the distribution, selling, or offering for sale of any household cleansing product unless its wrapper or container is labeled to identify the weight of each ingredient the Commissioner of Environmental Protections determines may adversely affect human health or the environment. The bill would also generally prohibit any household cleansing product from being distributed, sold, or offered for sale in the State if it contains a phosphorus compound other than trace concentrations. However, a household cleansing product could be distributed, sold, or offered for sale in the State if it contains a phosphorus compound not more than: 0.5% by weight, for a product used in dishwashers; and 8.7% by weight for a product used in food and beverage processing equipment and dairy equipment. A person could distribute, sell, or offer for sale existing stock of household cleansing products only for a period of up to one year beyond the date of enactment of this bill into law. A person who violates the labeling requirement or sale restrictions, set forth in section 2 or 3 of the bill, would be subject to a penalty of not less than $500 nor more than $1,000 for each offense. If the violation is of a continuing nature, each day during which it continues would constitute an additional, separate, and distinct offense. Under the bill, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) may adopt rules and regulations to require manufacturers of household cleansing products to submit certain information to the DEP, which would also be posted on the DEP website. A number of states have taken action to restrict the amount of phosphorus in household cleaning products, and at least 17 states restrict phosphorus in dishwashing detergents.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Paul Kanitra (R)*,  Greg McGuckin (R)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee (on 01/09/2024)

Official Document