Bill > S463

This bill, titled "To ensure microbead-free water," amends Chapter 21A of the General Laws by adding a new section that defines "microbead" as any plastic component in a personal care product or over-the-counter (OTC) drug that is smaller than five millimeters. OTC drugs are defined as medications that do not require a prescription. Personal care products are defined as items applied to the body for cleansing, beautifying, or altering appearance, excluding prescription drugs. The bill establishes a phased-in ban on the manufacture and sale of products containing microbeads: starting December 31, 2018, personal care products (excluding OTC drugs) with microbeads cannot be manufactured for sale; starting December 31, 2019, these products also cannot be accepted for sale, and OTC drugs with microbeads cannot be manufactured for sale; and finally, starting December 31, 2020, OTC drugs with microbeads cannot be accepted for sale. Violators face civil penalties, with penalties increasing for subsequent offenses, and can be subject to injunctions to stop the violation. The relevant department will create regulations to implement this section.