Senate Bill S6644

                                 BILL NUMBER:  S6644

 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.