Toy Association & Members Help Defeat Harmful Legislation in Vermont

April 30, 2018 | After months of advocacy by The Toy Association and its members, Vermont Senate Bill 103 was defeated April 25, marking a significant victory for the toy community.

S. 103, which proposed to remove critical scientific criteria from existing law and eliminate important procedural mechanisms for banning children’s products in the state, would have compromised retailers’ ability to sell safe toys in Vermont by allowing the Commissioner of Health to unilaterally restrict or ban a product from distribution or sale.

After being vetoed by Governor Phil Scott, the Vermont Senate overrode the governor’s veto and sent it to the House, but the House failed to secure enough votes to override the veto. The governor’s veto was sustained for the remainder of the Vermont legislative session.

“Once again, mobilizing Toy Association members and their calls for common sense played a crucial role in the governor’s decision to veto legislation that does nothing to increase safety,” said Steve Pasierb, president & CEO of The Toy Association. “This victory underscores the voice and commitment of the toy community, which works every day to ensure that all toys and games sold in the U.S are tested, compliant, and safe for children.”