Bill > HB1429

This bill prohibits the manufacture and sale of personal care products and over-the-counter drugs containing synthetic plastic microbeads, which are defined as intentionally added, nonbiodegradable solid plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size used for exfoliation or cleansing in products meant to be rinsed off. An "over-the-counter drug" is clarified as a personal care product labeled as a drug according to federal regulations (21 C.F.R. section 201.66), while a "personal care product" is any substance applied to the body for cleansing, beautifying, or altering appearance, excluding prescription drugs. The bill establishes a phased-in approach, with the prohibition on manufacturing taking effect on December 31, 2017, followed by prohibitions on the sale of personal care products and the manufacture of over-the-counter drugs containing microbeads starting December 31, 2018, and finally extending the sale prohibition to over-the-counter drugs on December 31, 2019. Violations of these provisions will result in a civil penalty of up to $5,000 per violation, with the commissioner of the department of health and human services responsible for establishing rules for notice and hearings before penalties are imposed.