H 4018 Joint Resolution, By Merrill, Ott, Whipper, Bailey, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, 
Dantzler, Davenport, Emory, Frye, Hosey, Jefferson, Mack, Parks, Umphlett and 
Funderburk
 A JOINT RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL
 CONTROL TO PREPARE A REPORT TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY BEFORE
 JANUARY 1, 2007, THAT, AMONG OTHER THINGS, PROVIDES A STRATEGY FOR MINIMIZING
 AND ELIMINATING MERCURY USE IN PRIORITY PRODUCTS IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

   04/28/05  House  Introduced and read first time HJ-48
   04/28/05  House  Referred to Committee on Medical, Military,
                     Public and Municipal Affairs HJ-48
   01/17/06  House  Member(s) request name added as sponsor: Funderburk

DIRECTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL TO PREPARE A REPORT TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2007, THAT, AMONG OTHER THINGS, PROVIDES A STRATEGY FOR MINIMIZING AND ELIMINATING MERCURY USE IN PRIORITY PRODUCTS IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION    1.    (A)    Because of the growing scientific understanding of the effects of mercury on human health and wildlife, the Department of Health and Environmental Control shall prepare a report that must include a strategy for minimizing and eliminating, where feasible, mercury use in priority products in South Carolina.

(B)    The report must contain:

(1)    a summary of available information on the amount of mercury in: mercury added measuring devices, switches, and relays. Measuring devices include, but are not limited to, instruments such as barometers, flow meters, thermometers, and blood pressure gauges. Switches include tilt switches, float switches, pressure switches, and temperature switches. This summary must concentrate on products typically sold in large quantities in off-the-self applications. The summary must include:

(a)    an estimate of the amount of mercury in these products on a per-product basis; and

(b)    an estimate of the total amount of mercury found in each product category.

(2)    a summary of actions taken by other states to minimize or eliminate the use of mercury in products;

(3)    recommendations for a strategy to reduce and eliminate, to the extent feasible, the use of mercury in priority products in this State and proposed legislation to implement this strategy.

(C)    The department shall submit this report to the General Assembly before January 1, 2007.

SECTION    2.    This joint resolution takes effect upon approval by the Governor.