| TO: | Honorable Jane Nelson, Chair, Senate Committee on Health & Human Services |
| FROM: | John S O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board |
| IN RE: | SB506 by Deuell (Relating to consumption advisories for mercury contamination in fish, crustaceans, molluscan shellfish, and other aquatic and terrestrial animals.), As Introduced |
The bill would allow the Director of the Department of State Health Services to use a survey of levels of mercury and mercury compounds in fish, crustaceans, shellfish, and other aquatic and terrestrial animals. The Director shall notify the public about prohibited areas or consumption advisories necessary based on the survey.
The bill would require the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission to issue consumption advisories for fish, crustaceans, shellfish, and other aquatic and terrestrial animals if the survey finds mercury levels of 0.3 mg/kg or higher. The executive commissioner may issue an advisory is the mercury level is less 0.3 mg/kg if it is determined that the risk of consumption requires an advisory.
The bill would require the executive commissioner to post consumption advisories on the website of the department, by the public body of water that is subject to the advisory, and through any other appropriate means.
This analysis assumes that any fiscal implications can be absorbed within existing resources.
The bill would take effect immediately if it receives two-thirds vote of all members in both houses; otherwise it takes effect September 1, 2011.
| Source Agencies: | 529 Health and Human Services Commission, 537 State Health Services, Department of, 802 Parks and Wildlife Department
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| LBB Staff: | JOB, CL, MB, BM, VJC
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