Mercury-related bills have passed in 12 states since 2000. Some of them touch upon several aspects of mercury pollution and dangers, while others are specific to particular products or dangers. There are advantages and disadvantages to each – choose whatever works best for the circumstances exsiting in your state. The following are brief summaries of what each of the bills contains. Click on the highlighted bill number to view bill text.

California
SB 633, enacted October 10, 2001, restricts the use and distribution of mercury fever thermometers and regulates the disposal of appliances and vehicle components containing mercury. Additionally, it bans the sale of cars containing mercury switches, the use of mercury-containing items in schools (except for measuring devices), and the addition of mercury to novelties and clothing articles.

Connecticut
HB 5539, enacted June 2, 2002, prohibits the sale and distribution of mercury fever thermometers after January 1, 2003 and places restrictions on the sale of other mercury-containing equipment.

Indiana
HB 1901, enacted May 10, 2001, restricts the sale of mercury-added products, establishes labeling, recycling, and disposal requirements for such products, and establishes notice requirements for same. It also mandates the study of issues related to mercury-added products and establishes limits on the use of elemental mercury.

Maine
LD 2084, enacted June 8, 2001, requires labeling and restricts disposal of mercury-containing products, mandates the establishment of collection programs, and bans the sale of mercury-containing toys, games, and apparel. Additionally, it requires the development of a plan for reducing mercury pollution resulting from dental procedures.

LD 385, enacted March 18, 2003, changes reporting requirements for the state’s mercury switch removal program for motor vehicles. Reports must now include, at minimum, the number of mercury switches removed and recycled per year, the estimated total amount of mercury contained in the components, and any recommendations to improve future collection and recycling.

LD 697, enacted May 27, 2003, requires the installation of dental amalgam separator systems in dental offices that place or remove dental amalgams (i.e., fillings, crowns, etc.). Separators remove dental amalgams from the waste stream prior to its discharge into the local wastewater disposal system.

LD 743, enacted May 14, 2003, institutes a number of measures aimed at protecting public health and the environment from electronic waste. The bill requires producer implementation of a program to ensure the environmentally sound collection, treatment, recovery, and final disposition of electronic waste. The act also bans the incineration and landfilling of electronic waste, requires producers to phase out the use of hazardous material in electronic products by 2006, requires labeling of electronic equipment, and mandates producer-run public education and awareness programs.

LD 1159, enacted May 19, 2003, bans the sale or distribution, with some exception, of mercury switches, mercury relays, and certain mercury-added measuring devices and instruments effective July 1, 2006.

Maryland
HB 75, enacted May 18, 2001, prohibits the sale or provision of mercury fever thermometers and prohibits the use of elemental or chemical mercury in primary or secondary classrooms.

Massachusetts
HB 3772, enacted February 25, 2002, bans the sale or supply of mercury fever thermometers.

Michigan
HB 4599, enacted October 3, 2002, bans the sale or promotional distribution of mercury thermometers.

Minnesota
HF 274, enacted April 26, 2001, bans the sale or distribution of mercury thermometers, with minor exceptions.

New Hampshire
HB 1418, enacted June 20, 2000, prohibits the sale of certain merucy-added products, establishes notification and disclosure requirements for mercury-containing products, and limits the use of elemental mercury.

Oregon
HB 3007, enacted August 8, 2001, prohibits the sale of fever thermometers, novelty products, and automotive light switches containing mercury. It also requires the phase-out of mercury thermostats.

Rhode Island
S 0153, enacted July 13, 2001, prohibits the sale or distribution of mercury thermometers in the state.

Washington
HB 1002, enacted May 14, 2003, bans the sale of mercury-containing novelties, the sale of most mercury-containing thermometers and mercury switches in automobiles, and the sale of mercury-containing manometers to health care facilities. It also requires labeling of fluorescent lamps that contain mercury, prohibits the installation of mercury thermostats and establishes mercury criteria for the state purchasing program.

“Ready for Signature” State Legislation

Illinois
Awaiting the governor’s signature, HB 1165 would create the seven-member Computer Equipment Disposal and Recycling Commission. The commission would be tasked with investigating problems and concerns related to, advising the legislature regarding, and making recommendations for the disposal and recycling of computer equipment.

Also awaiting the governor’s signature, HB 1530 would prohibit the sale, distribution, or promotional gift of mercury fever thermometers and mercury-added novelty products as of July 1, 2004. The manufacture of mercury fever thermometers would also be prohibited as of July 1, 2004. Violators would be subject to a fine of not less than $50 and not more than $200. The law would not apply to mercury thermometers sold or provided for use in health care facilities.

The Mercury Policy Project also has a list of mercury related legislation.