The bill amends existing Washington state law regarding lead content in cookware and utensils, specifically targeting aluminum and brass items. It introduces new definitions for "aluminum or brass cookware" and "aluminum or brass utensils," specifying the types of items included and excluding those that are completely enclosed by stainless steel. The bill sets strict limits on lead content, prohibiting the manufacture, sale, or distribution of aluminum or brass cookware and utensils containing lead at levels exceeding 90 parts per million starting January 1, 2026, and 10 parts per million beginning January 1, 2028.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that retailers and wholesalers are prohibited from knowingly selling these items with excessive lead content, while providing exemptions for previously owned cookware sold in casual transactions or by nonprofit organizations. The Department of Ecology is granted the authority to lower the lead limits in the future if deemed necessary for public health, particularly for vulnerable populations. The bill emphasizes the importance of protecting human health from lead exposure in cookware and utensils.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 70A.565.010, 70A.02.010
Substitute Bill: 70A.565.010, 70A.02.010
Engrossed Substitute: 70A.565.010, 70A.02.010
Bill as Passed Legislature: 70A.565.010, 70A.02.010
Session Law: 70A.565.010, 70A.02.010