PROHIBIT SALE OF MERCURY THERMOMETERS
House Bill 4599
Sponsor: Rep. Jack Minore
Committee: Commerce
Complete to 7-30-01
A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4599 AS INTRODUCED 4-17-01
House Bill 4599 would add a new part to the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (MCL 324.17201 et al.) to prohibit the sale, offering for sale, or offering for promotional purposes of mercury thermometers in the state or for use in the state beginning on January 1, 2003. The law would make an exception for selling, offering for sale, or offering for promotional purposes a mercury fever thermometer for which there was a prescription. The manufacturer would have to supply clear instructions on the careful handling of the thermometer to avoid breakage and proper cleanup should a breakage occur with each thermometer sold by prescription. Violations of the new part would be considered misdemeanors punishable by imprisonment for not more than 60 days or a fine of not more than $1,000, or both. The Department of Natural Resources would be responsible for enforcing these provisions.
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This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.