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Sponsors
1 Co-sponsor
History
- Referred to finance
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Prohibits state agencies from purchasing hand soap or cleaning products containing triclosan, triclocarban or derivatives of such antibacterial compounds
In Assembly Committee · Governmental Operations · Sponsor Michelle Schimel
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the state finance law, in relation to prohibiting state agencies from purchasing hand soap or cleaning products containing triclosan, triclocarban or derivatives of such antibacterial compounds
Purpose
Prohibits state agencies and state authorities from purchasing hand soap and cleaning products that contain triclosan, triclocarban, or derivatives of such antibacterial compounds in any form.
Summary of provisions
Amends Section 165 of the state finance law by adding subdivision 9, which prohibits the state and any political subdivision of the state or state authority as defined in subdivision one of section two of the public authorities law, from purchasing any hand soap and cleaning products that contain triclosan, triclocarban, or derivatives of such antibacterial compounds. This prohibition shall not apply to the purchase of hand soap and cleaning products that are used solely in medical facilities or any binding contractual obligations for purchase of commodities entered into prior to the effective date of this subdivision.
Justification
Triclosan is a synthetic broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that is found in an array of consumer products, including antibacterial soaps, dishwashing products, laundry detergents and softeners, and cleaning products. Many scientists and physicians are concerned that triclosan may promote the emergence of bacteria resistant to antibiotics. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has indicated that antibacterial soaps are no more effective against germs than using regular soap and water.
Increasing amounts of triclosan has been found in surface waters, soil, sediments, and algae. Several studies have found Triclosan to be toxic to aquatic life and algae. A United States Geologic Survey (USGS) study found triclosan to be one of the most frequently detected compounds in wastewater contaminants. Over 95 percent of the uses of triclosan are in consumer products that are disposed of down residential drains. Since wastewater treatment plants are unable to completely remove triclosan from the water and the compound is highly stable for long periods of time, an increasing amount of triclosan is emitted into waterways.
Last year, Minneosota became the first state to phase out the use of products containing triclosan by state agencies. Due to the environmental risks posed by the use of consumer products containing triclosan, New York should also prohibit state agencies and authorities from purchasing products containing triclosan. This bill would not apply to the procurement of hand soap and cleaning products that are used solely in medical facilities.
Legislative history
2014: A.8707
Fiscal implications
None to the state.
Effective date
This act shall take effect one year from the date it was signed into law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.