Bill > S453

This bill aims to promote safer alternatives to toxic chemicals by amending Massachusetts General Laws chapter 21I, which governs toxics use reduction. Key provisions include establishing definitions for terms like "safer alternative" and "priority chemical substance," requiring manufacturers and users of certain chemicals to notify state agencies, and mandating the development of "chemical action plans" to phase out hazardous substances. The bill also directs the Toxic Use Reduction Institute (TURI) to create a list of chemicals categorized by concern, develop educational programs, and conduct assessments to identify safer substitutes. Furthermore, it establishes a technical assistance grant program to help organizations research and understand chemical impacts, and it specifically targets three chemicals—cadmium, trichloroethylene, and nonylphenol ethoxylates—for immediate action plans. The bill also clarifies that end-users of consumer products will not be subject to enforcement actions and includes provisions for worker retraining if job losses occur due to these changes.