LABEL NOTICE; DISPOSABLE WIPES H.B. 4596 (H-4):

SUMMARY OF BILL

REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

House Bill 4596 (Substitute H-4 as reported without amendment)

Sponsor: Representative Denise Mentzer

House Committee: Natural Resources, Environment, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation

Senate Committee: Natural Resources and Agriculture

CONTENT

The bill would create a new act to require manufacturers of certain disposable wipes to include an approved label or symbol on product packaging sold or distributed after February 1, 2025, indicating that the product should not be flushed down a toilet. The bill would prescribe civil penalties for not doing so.

BRIEF RATIONALE

According to testimony before the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Agriculture, disposable wipe use increased during the COVID-19 pandemic and many consumers are unaware that the wipes do not break down after being flushed. Reportedly, flushed wipes have caused backups in sewers and damaged pumps for wastewater facilities in the State. It has been suggested that wipes sold in the State should have a do not flush symbol on the packaging to increase consumer awareness and reduce the burden on wastewater systems.

Legislative Analyst: Eleni Lionas

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill could have a positive fiscal impact on the State and local units of government. The bill would impose a civil fine of up to $10,000. Revenue collected from civil fines is used to support local public libraries and county law libraries. Additionally, $10 of the civil fine would be deposited into the State Justice System Fund. This Fund supports justice-related activities across State government in the Departments of Corrections, Health and Human Services, State Police, and Treasury. The Fund also supports justice-related issues in the Legislative Retirement System and the Judiciary. The amount of revenue to the State or for local libraries is indeterminate and dependent on the actual number of violations.

Date Completed: 3-7-24 Fiscal Analyst: Bruce R. Baker

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.