The Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs has held hearings on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Reform Act (S. 2045), which would make wholesale changes to CPSC jurisdiction and impose new requirements on U.S. industry, including mattress manufacturers.
The bill would eliminate federal pre-emption and allow states to set their own product safety standards in addition to those set by the CPSC. It also would make it easier for state attorneys general to sue manufacturers over product safety issues and would provide financial and other incentives for workers to report CPSC violations by their employers.
In addition, the bill would significantly raise civil and criminal penalties for CPSC violations and increase the risk that company directors and officers would be found personally liable for violations.
The International Sleep Products Association is opposing S. 2045 and is working with a coalition of U.S. manufacturers organized by the National Association of Manufacturers. The group prepared testimony presented at the hearing and is drafting amendments to eliminate provisions in the bill that would hurt the mattress industry.
ISPA encourages mattress manufacturers to contact their senators immediately to tell them why they oppose the bill. ISPA members can use the Legislative Action Center at www.sleepproducts.org where they will find sample letters and talking points. A bill summary and the full copy of the bill also are posted online.
