Contact: Laura Smith, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162
Signs 10 More Bills into Law at State Capitol
MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today signed into law Senate Bill 271, the BPA-Free Kids Act, at the State Capitol in Madison. The law will help protect children from exposure to the potentially-harmful effects of bisphenol-A (BPA).
“Wisconsin must continue our proud, progressive tradition of passing strong consumer protection laws to keep our residents safe,” Governor Doyle said. “I am proud we are taking this step today to keep our youngest, most vulnerable citizens safe from this hazardous chemical.”
BPA is a toxic chemical commonly found in clear plastic products, including baby bottles and sippy cups, that can leach into beverages. Hundreds of scientific studies have shown that BPA can lead to harmful health effects, especially in infants and young children who are at the critical stage of development.
Senate Bill 271 bans the manufacture or sale of new baby bottles or cups for children aged 3 years or younger that contain BPA. The bill also requires that manufacturers and stores selling these bottles or cups clearly state that they are BPA-free, and creates a fine for manufacturers or wholesalers found guilty of violating the rules.
Governor Doyle thanked Senators Lassa and Carpenter and Representatives Roys and Molepske for their work on the bill.
Today Governor Doyle also signed into law the following 10 bills at the State Capitol in Madison:
Senate Bill 292 extends an exemption for the State Historical Society from public printing requirements to paperback books.
Governor Doyle thanked Senators Lassa and Risser and Representatives Berceau and Kestell for their work on the bill.
Senate Bill 293 designates every March 25th as “Medal of Honor Day” to recognize members of the Armed Forces who have earned the highest military distinction.
Governor Doyle thanked Senators Lassa and Hansen and Representatives Molepske and Turner for their work on the bill.
Senate Bill 308 requires that nonprofits employing fire fighters, medical technicians and other first responders to excuse employees who arrive late because they are responding to a medical emergency that begins before they are scheduled to work.
Governor Doyle thanked Senators Vinehout and Darling and Representatives Gunderson and Clark for their work on the bill.
Senate Bill 455 creates an exception to current law that will allow the donation of unused prescription medications to charitable organizations such as community health centers.
Governor Doyle thanked Senators Sullivan and Kreitlow and Representatives Dexter and Colon for their work on the bill.
Assembly Bill 2 requires agencies seeking to purchase contract services to ensure the services are performed within the United States, with certain exceptions.
Governor Doyle thanked Representatives Pocan and Zigmunt and Senators Wirch and Coggs for their work on the bill.
Assembly Bill 166 eliminates a requirement that veterinary clinics repackaging or using pesticides receive a license from the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).
Governor Doyle thanked Representatives Radcliffe and Tauchen and Senators Vinehout and Lassa for their work on the bill.
Assembly Bill 186 prohibits the sale, delivery or manufacture of Salvinorin A, a psychotropic ingredient, with the intent that it be consumed by a person.
Governor Doyle thanked Representatives Cullen and Staskunas and Senators Plale and Taylor for their work on the bill.
Assembly Bill 411 gives judges the authority to require people convicted of video voyeurism to be placed on the sex offender registry.
Governor Doyle thanked Representatives Zigmunt and Parisi and Senators Plale and Taylor for their work on the bill.
Assembly Bill 419 makes personal information of a rape victim applying for compensation on court records in civil proceedings confidential.
Governor Doyle thanked Representatives Radcliffe and Parisi and Senators Taylor and Kedzie for their work on the bill.
Assembly Bill 592 allows former military vehicles to be registered in a manner similar to antique vehicles, with similar operating restrictions.
Governor Doyle thanked Representatives Zigmunt and Steinbrink and Senators Hansen and Pale for their work on the bill.
