Gregoire signs toy-safety legislation

Gov. Christine Gregoire signed the controversial "toxic toys" bill into law this afternoon, citing last year's barrage of toy recalls as one of the reasons to enact the most stringent toy-safety standards in the nation.

"We can't wait any longer for the federal government to take action," Gregoire said in a statement.

The passage of House Bill 2647, sponsored by Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson, D-Seattle, comes with a few caveats. The governor said she vetoed one section of the bill because of unclear language and another section that she said called for a too-strict timeline.

Gregoire said she will instruct the state Department of Ecology to test only the outside of toys for toxic substances, and not internal electronic components that aren't accessible to children.

The new legislation, which tightens the standards for the amount of lead, cadmium and phthalates allowed in toys and children's products, will go into effect July 1, 2009.

The governor will establish an advisory group to determine a new timeline for when manufacturers of toys and children's products must report to the Washington State Department of Ecology whether their products contain harmful chemicals. She vetoed the original timeline.

The advisory group also will recommend changes to a part of the bill dealing with whether all parts of children's car seats will be subject to the new standards.

Haley Edwards: 206-464-2745 or hedwards@seattletimes.com