Bill > S397

This bill aims to promote healthier families and businesses by reducing the use of toxic chemicals and encouraging the adoption of safer alternatives. It establishes a framework for identifying and assessing "priority chemical substances" and "alternatives assessment substances," which are chemicals of concern due to their potential harm to human health and the environment, with particular attention to vulnerable populations like children and workers. The bill mandates that manufacturers and users of these substances notify state agencies and provides for the development of a "chemicals of concern" list and a "Massachusetts Safer Alternatives Inventory" to inform the public and businesses. It also creates a "Safer Alternatives in Products Fee" to fund these initiatives, with revenue allocated to the Toxics Use Reduction Institute and the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs for various programs including business assistance, worker retraining, and research into safer chemicals. Furthermore, the bill outlines processes for regulatory responses to address the use of hazardous chemicals, including potential labeling requirements and substitution mandates, and establishes an "Assist Business to Compete Fund" (ABC Fund) to support businesses in transitioning to safer alternatives. Finally, it clarifies that end-users of consumer products are not subject to enforcement actions under this act and ensures that no actions required by the bill will preempt federal law.