PROHIBIT DEVICES HAVING MERCURY

House Bills 6196 and 6198

Sponsor:  Rep. Jack Minore

Committee:  Land Use and Environment

Complete to 12-1-04

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILLS 6196 AND 6198 AS INTRODUCED 9-9-04

 

The bills would regulate the labeling and sale of thermostats, and also the sale and use of blood pressure recording devices, if they contained mercury or a mercury compound.  A more detailed description of each bill follows.

House Bill 6196 would amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (MCL 324.17201) to require that beginning January 1, 2006, a thermostat manufacturer attach a label indicating the device contained mercury (or a mercury compound).  Further, the manufacturer would be required to provide instructions for the proper disposal of the thermostat, as well as for proper cleanup of the mercury, if a spill, leak, or discharge occurred.

Finally, beginning January 1, 2010, a person would be prohibited from selling a thermostat containing mercury or a mercury compound in this state, or for use in this state.

House Bill 6198 would amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (MCL 324.17204) to say beginning January 1, 2006, a person would be prohibited from selling, offering for sale, or offering for promotional purposes in this state, or for use in this state, a blood pressure recording, measuring, or monitoring device that contained mercury (or a mercury compound) intentionally added to the device.

Finally, beginning January 1, 2010, a person would be prohibited from using a device such as that described above, in Michigan.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   J. Hunault

                                                                                                                       

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.