The bill amends existing Washington state law regarding lead content in cookware and utensils, specifically focusing on aluminum and brass materials. It introduces new definitions for "aluminum or brass cookware" and "aluminum or brass utensils," clarifying what items fall under these categories. 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, it specifies that retailers and wholesalers are not liable for unknowingly selling restricted products and exempts certain casual sales from these regulations.

Furthermore, the bill allows the Washington State Department of Ecology, in consultation with the Department of Health, to potentially lower the lead limits after December 2030 if deemed feasible and necessary for public health. It also clarifies that the department retains authority over lead regulations in cookware and utensils under a separate chapter of the law. Overall, the bill aims to enhance consumer safety by reducing lead exposure from cookware and utensils made of aluminum and brass.

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