Dawkins Stuffed Toys Act heads to governor’s desk

Rep. Jason Dawkins    June 24, 2024 | 5:49 PM

HARRISBURG, June 24 – A bill sponsored by state Rep. Jason Dawkins, D-Phila., that would allow recycled materials to be used in stuffed toys passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on concurrence today and will now head to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk to be signed into law.

This legislation (H.B. 1333) would bring Pennsylvania in line with all other global stuffed toy requirements, enabling manufacturers and retailers to make and sell stuffed toys with recycled materials in the commonwealth.

“This is commonsense legislation. Since the law first went into effect in 1961, the manufacturing industry, the retail industry and consumer demands have changed drastically,” said Dawkins, chair of the House Labor and Industry Committee. “Not only is the use of recycled materials commonplace because it’s safe and the materials undergo the same extensive testing as new materials, but it also allows toy manufacturers to reach their sustainability goals and is better for the environment.

“Clarifying this law will bring Pennsylvania law in line with all other global stuffed toy requirements and enable manufactures to make and sell stuffed toys with recycled materials across the country and globally.”

Dawkins said he thanks his colleagues for their support of this environmentally and business friendly legislation, and he looks forward to Shapiro signing the Stuffed Toys Act into law.