Bill > A4593

Introduced Session

This bill requires retailers who sell certain new furniture to offer for sale compatible tip restraint devices and post a notice about the risk of furniture tipping. The bill applies to furniture storage units over 36 inches in height, including, but not limited to, shelving units, entertainment stands or towers, chests, dressers, armoires, and bureaus. Specifically, the bill requires a retailer selling or offering for sale new furniture to a consumer to: (1) maintain in stock and prominently display within the retail establishment tip restraint devices available for sale that are compatible with the furniture; and (2) post a notice that is conspicuous and easily understandable, stating: "Certain furniture may become unstable and tip over, leading to possible injury or death. Tip restraint devices may prevent tipping of furniture when properly installed." A person in violation of the bill's provisions would be subject to a $500 civil penalty. The bill requires that tip restraint devices sold, offered for sale, or offered gratuitously as part of a furniture purchase are to include installation instructions. The bill does not require retailers to maintain in stock and display tip restraint devices for furniture that includes a tip restraint device as part of the purchase. Additionally, the bill is not applicable to online furniture retailers. There is a growing problem of certain clothing storage furniture tipping over and causing serious injury or death. According to the Federal Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were 195 fatalities between 2000 and 2016, and 65,200 injuries between 2006 and 2016 related to furniture tipping over. These tragedies often involve young children with over 86% of reported deaths under the age of 18 and a majority under the age of 6. The bill will require retailers that sell certain new furniture to display and offer for sale compatible tip restraint devices. This will provide consumers with readily available safety products which reduce the risk of furniture tipping over. Selling tip restraint devices in tandem with certain furniture will encourage consumers to purchase and install this inexpensive yet potentially lifesaving device.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Nancy Pinkin (D)*,  Gary Schaer (D)*,  Britnee Timberlake (D)*, 

Reported out of Assembly Comm. with Amendments, 2nd Reading (on 06/06/2019)