Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) today praised the final version of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, which contains important provisions she fought to include to protect America’s families from hazardous toys and products.

Senator Boxer was a member of the Conference Committee tasked with reconciling the House and Senate versions of the legislation, which will help reform and strengthen consumer product safety rules in the wake of a significant increase in product recalls over safety concerns.

Senator Boxer said, “I am proud to have participated in some very tough negotiations which have resulted in a big win for America’s families, especially our children.  California has long led the way on product safety, and this bill ensures that the State's key laws that protect and inform our consumers remain strong.”

The Conference Report included two provisions authored by Senator Boxer: a requirement that Internet and catalogue advertisements for toys and games include the same cautionary statements, such as choking warnings, that are required in stores and a requirement that manufacturers of durable infant or toddler products provide consumers with postage paid registration forms in order to better inform the public of product recalls.  Senator Boxer and Representative Waxman also successfully fought to include an important ban on toxic phthalates in many toys and childcare articles, initiated by Senator Feinstein.  In addition, Senator Boxer worked closely with Senator Klobuchar and Representative Waxman and other conferees to include a strong ban on lead in toys and other children’s products.

Final passage of the legislation by the House and Senate is anticipated this week, after which it will go to the President for his signature.

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