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SB 3974

GAS APPLIANCE LABELING

104th Regular Session Introduced by Omar Aquino and 9 co-sponsors

Illinois would require a conspicuous warning label on non-externally vented natural gas appliances made on or after 1/1/2027, about indoor air risks and venting.

Sponsor Removed Sen. Christopher Belt
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Bill Summary · SB 3974

Summary of Bill SB3974 (104th Illinois General Assembly)

Bill Overview

  • Title: Gas Appliance Labeling
  • Sponsor: Sen. Omar Aquino
  • Status: Introduced February 6, 2026; House/Senate actions ongoing
  • Jurisdiction: Illinois
  • Primary Objective: Require a warning label on non-externally vented natural gas appliances manufactured on or after January 1, 2027, informing consumers about potential indoor air quality risks and the need for ventilation.

Main Purpose and Intent

The bill adds a new provision to the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act (Section 2MMMM) to prevent the sale of non-externally vented natural gas appliances without a specified safety warning. The intent is to raise consumer awareness about the emission risks (nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide) associated with these appliances when not properly vented, and to encourage use of ducted venting to reduce exposure.

Key Provisions

  1. Labeling Requirement

    • No person may sell, attempt to sell, or offer for sale in Illinois a non-externally vented natural gas appliance manufactured on or after January 1, 2027 unless the appliance bears a warning label with the following message:
      • “WARNING: Gas appliances can release nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide inside homes at levels exceeding the Environmental Protection Agency's standards for outdoor air quality. The presence of these pollutants may exacerbate pre-existing respiratory illnesses or lead to the development of asthma, especially in children. Gas appliances should never be used without a ducted vent hood to reduce exposure to these emissions.”
    • The label must be attached in a conspicuous location and be no smaller than the largest type size used for other consumer information on the product.

  2. Regulatory Authority for Labeling

    • The Illinois Attorney General may adopt rules detailing additional requirements for the placement and formatting of the label.

  3. Enforcement

    • A violation constitutes an unlawful practice under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act, enabling enforcement actions by the state.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Manufacturers/Distributors/Sellers: Entities producing or selling non-externally vented natural gas appliances manufactured on/after January 1, 2027 must ensure proper labeling. Noncompliance could lead to enforcement under the state's consumer protection laws.
  • Consumers/Public Health: Increased awareness of indoor air quality risks associated with certain gas appliances and guidance on venting usage to mitigate exposure.
  • Retailers and Importers: Businesses that market these appliances in Illinois would be responsible for verifying compliance and labeling.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Manufacturing Date Trigger: The labeling requirement applies to appliances manufactured on or after January 1, 2027.
  • Rulemaking: The Illinois Attorney General may promulgate rules specifying placement and formatting details for the label.
  • Enforcement: Violations are categorized as unlawful practices under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Practices Act, enabling potential penalties and remedies under that framework.

Notable Context

  • The bill adds a consumer protection layer focused on indoor air quality and safety related to natural gas appliances.
  • It does not specify penalties beyond treating violations as unlawful practices; details would likely be informed by the existing enforcement framework of the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Practices Act and any accompanying AG rules.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary for a particular audience (e.g., policymakers, industry stakeholders, or general public) or add potential fiscal/implementation considerations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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