Bill > A07594

This bill prohibits the sale of playground surfacing materials that contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a group of man-made chemicals), PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are common pollutants), or lead after December 31, 2027, if these substances have been intentionally added or are present above a level set by the state's environmental department. "Playground surfacing materials" are defined as anything used on the ground surface of a playground, which is an outdoor play area for children. Manufacturers, defined as those who produce or brand the materials or, if they are imported, the first domestic distributor, are responsible for ensuring compliance. However, sellers of these materials will not be penalized if they acted in good faith and relied on a written "certificate of compliance" from the manufacturer, which is a document stating the product meets the bill's requirements. Providing a false certificate of compliance is a violation. Penalties for violating the bill include civil fines of up to $1,000 per day for a first offense, and up to $2,500 per day for a second offense, and the violator can also be legally stopped from continuing the violation.