Bill > H696

This bill establishes a process to identify and reduce the use of toxic chemical substances in consumer products by creating a "chemicals of concern" list, designating certain chemicals as "priority chemical substances" and "alternatives assessment substances," and requiring manufacturers and users to notify state agencies about their use. The bill also mandates the development of safer alternatives to these toxic chemicals, provides funding for businesses to transition to safer options through a "Safer Alternatives in Products Fee," and establishes a "Massachusetts Safer Alternatives Inventory" to inform consumers and businesses. The Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) at UMass Lowell and the Office of Technical Assistance (OTA) will play key roles in research, business assistance, and worker retraining, with reporting requirements to legislative committees. The bill also includes provisions for interstate cooperation and clarifies enforcement mechanisms, while exempting end-users of consumer products from enforcement actions and ensuring that actions taken under this bill do not conflict with federal law.