Bill > S2302

This bill aims to protect children and families by restricting the use of certain harmful chemical flame retardants in common household items. It defines "covered products" to include bedding, carpeting, children's products (intended for those 12 and under), and window treatments. Manufacturers and retailers will be prohibited from selling, distributing, or importing these products if they contain specific listed flame retardants, or any chemical analog, above a certain threshold (1,000 parts per million by weight). The bill also empowers the Department of Environmental Protection to review and add other harmful flame retardants to this list every three years, provided they meet specific criteria related to health and environmental risks, such as causing developmental harm, cancer, or being persistent in the environment. Exceptions are made for inventory manufactured before January 1, 2017, and for certain components of motor vehicles and previously-owned products. Penalties are established for violations, with escalating fines for repeat offenses, though retailers are only liable if they knew or should have known about the prohibited chemicals. The bill also mandates that manufacturers notify retailers about the new law by October 3, 2016, and the restrictions will take effect on January 1, 2017.