Summary of Bill S 195: An Act Relative to Toxic-Free Kids

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: S 195
- Title: An Act Relative to Toxic-Free Kids
- Status: Accompanied a new draft, see S2660
- Introduced: February 27, 2025
- Classification: Legislative Bill

Purpose and Intent

The primary aim of Bill S 195 is to enhance the safety of children's products by eliminating harmful chemicals. The bill seeks to protect children, defined as individuals 12 years of age and under, from exposure to toxic substances that could pose health risks, including cancer and other toxic effects.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes several significant changes to existing laws regarding the regulation of chemicals in children's products:

1. Definition of Terms:

   • Establishes clear definitions for critical terms such as "children's product," "chemical," "contaminant," and "engineered nanoobject."
   • Specifies that "children's products" include toys, clothing, cosmetics, and various other items intended for use by children.

2. Regulation of Chemicals:

   • Mandates the identification and regulation of harmful chemicals in children's products based on guidelines from recognized authoritative bodies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
   • Introduces the concept of "de minimis levels" for chemicals, which will be determined by the Department of Environmental Protection.

3. Exemptions:

   • Lists specific items that are excluded from the definition of "children's products," such as batteries, bicycles, and certain electronic devices.

4. Implementation and Oversight:

   • The Department of Environmental Protection will be responsible for enforcing these regulations and setting standards for acceptable chemical levels in children's products.

Impact

The bill is expected to have a broad impact on:
- Manufacturers: Companies producing children's products will need to comply with new regulations, potentially leading to reformulations of products to eliminate harmful chemicals.
- Consumers: Parents and guardians will benefit from increased safety in products marketed for children, reducing the risk of exposure to toxic substances.
- Public Health: The legislation aims to improve overall public health outcomes by minimizing children's exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Procedural Aspects

• The bill was referred to the Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure on February 27, 2025.
• A hearing was scheduled for April 29, 2025, to discuss the bill further.
• As of November 7, 2025, the bill has been accompanied by a new draft (S2660), indicating ongoing legislative activity and potential revisions.

Related Legislation

• SD 1507: This bill replaces previous similar legislation, indicating a continued legislative focus on the issue of toxic chemicals in children's products.

This summary provides an overview of Bill S 195, highlighting its objectives, key provisions, and potential implications for public health and safety regarding children's products.