This bill mandates that all Halloween costumes intended for children must include reflective material, either attached to the costume or packaged with it for the buyer to attach. The definition of a child is specified as anyone under 18 years of age, and reflective material is described as highly visible items such as reflective tape or fabric. The bill imposes penalties for non-compliance, with fines set at a maximum of $500 for the first offense and $1,000 for subsequent offenses, enforceable through civil action.
The intent of the legislation is to enhance the safety of children during Halloween by increasing their visibility in low-light conditions, thereby reducing the risk of accidents. The bill aligns with recommendations from the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, which emphasizes the importance of visibility for trick-or-treaters. The law is set to take effect immediately and will apply to costumes sold on or after November 15 following the enactment date.