BILL ANALYSIS Appropriations Committee Fiscal Summary 1619 (Romero) Hearing Date: 5/16/02 Amended: 5/8/02 Consultant: Miriam B. Ingenito Policy Vote: EQ 5-1 ____________________________________________________________ ___ BILL SUMMARY: SB 1619, in conjunction with SB 1523 (Sher), would establish a program to recover, reuse, and recycle cathode ray tubes (CRTs) and CRT devices, as defined. Fiscal Impact (in thousands) Major Provisions 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 Fund IWMB $80 $160 $160 Special* DTSC Minor and absorbable Special* _______ *Cathode Ray Tube Recycling Account STAFF COMMENTS: This bill meets the criteria for referral to the Suspense file. Under SB 1619, the Integrated Waste Management Board (IWMB) could use the funds in the Cathode Ray Tube Recycling Account (Account), established in SB 1523 (Sher), for the same purposes listed in SB 1523 (Sher). These include: (1) matching grant funds to local governments to establish and maintain convenient and cost-effective collection and processing of CRTs and CRT devices; (2) providing annual recycling incentive payments to CRT handlers; (3) providing grants to nonprofit organizations that refurbish CRTs and CRT devices; (4) providing grants to manufacturers to encourage consumers to return the devices; (5) establishing a public information program; and (6) funding the Department of Toxic Substances Control's (DTSC's) enforcement activities and regulations. IWMB estimates that their costs would be approximately $160,000 (for one additional research analyst and $100,000 in contract authority per year). SB 1619 would make Legislative findings and declarations, and states the goals of the State regarding the diversion, reuse, and recycling of CRTs and CRT devices. SB 1619 would require that all CRTs and CRT devices, and packaging containing those tubes or devices, include a clear and conspicuous label of a size and format approved by the Department of Toxic Substance Control that contains the following: (1) a warning statement approved by DTSC stating that the CRT device contains one or more hazardous materials, which may pose a threat to the environment and public health when disposed of; (2) a list of the hazardous materials; and (3) information on how to properly discard CRTs. DTSC notes that it has some regulations regarding CRTs. Establishing the label, as specified, would require DTSC to adopt regulations. While DTSC has already established some regulations in this area, it would need Legislative authority to develop regulations specific to this program. These costs would be minor and absorbable. STAFF NOTES that SB 1619 is only effective if SB 1523 (Sher) becomes law.