Federal lead in toys legislation one step closer Bills prompted by state efforts sent to president for signing
Friday, August 08, 2008
LANSING – Federal legislation that extends toy safety regulations was presented to President George W. Bush on Wednesday, said state Sen. Roger Kahn.
Last December, Michigan enacted a law sponsored by Kahn to stiffen penalties on manufacturers or sellers of toys containing lead. The federal legislation is seen as a result of state initiatives like that in Michigan.
“I am glad there is now a national focus to what we in Michigan helped spearhead,” said Kahn, R-Saginaw Township. “Our children must be protected from the dangers of lead content in their toys. This federal measure toughens the penalties we established last year.”
A U.S. House-Senate conference report was recently approved by both chambers, sending HR 4040 to the president for consideration. The bill reauthorizes and reforms the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and includes a number of provisions that increase safety standards on children’s products and paint.
Kahn began advocating for the reforms as a state representative in 2006. Since that time national companies have recalled countless toys due to unsafe levels of lead. China has been the primary exporter of unsafe toys to America.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is a federal agency created in 1972 to protect against unreasonable risks of injuries associated with consumer products. The commission has the authority to regulate the sale and manufacture of more than 15,000 different consumer products, including children’s products and toys.
President Bush is expected to sign the legislation into law.
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