Toy Association Advocates for Members at the State Level

May 25, 2023 | While many state legislatures prepare to adjourn their 2023 sessions for the summer, The Toy Association’s state government affairs team is still working around the clock to communicate toy industry priorities with legislators and monitor issues impacting members.

“Although many legislators won’t be at their respective statehouses, holding hearings, or holding votes during the off-season, this is still a critical time for our team to ensure that when votes do resume, our members’ voices are heard and their positions are understood in each statehouse,” said Owen Caine, vice president of government affairs at The Toy Association.

Issues being monitored by the team include data privacy and online safety; chemical regulation, reporting, and bans; extended producer responsibility (EPR) requirements for packaging and batteries; and recycled content proposals among others. In late June, The Toy Association will provide a mid-year update summarizing any new state laws passed which may impact toys.

A current top priority for the Toy Association is passing legislation to amend Pennsylvania’s outdated 1961 Stuffed Toy Manufacturing Act. The law currently requires all stuffed toys distributed and sold within Pennsylvania to be manufactured using new, virgin materials. The amendment will allow for use of recycled materials.

The Toy Association encourages members to join its upcoming State Government Affairs Committee calls to share their opinions with the state government affairs team. The next meeting takes place on Monday, June 12 at 1 p.m. (Eastern).

For more information on The Toy Association’s advocacy initiatives at the state level or to join the State Government Affairs Committee, contact The Toy Association’s Jennifer Gibbons, senior vice president of government affairs.