February 4, 2026 | On February 2, Toy Association staff met with state legislators in Albany to advocate for toy industry priorities related to packaging and sustainability issues currently under consideration in the New York State Assembly and Senate. The meetings took place as part of a member fly-in hosted by Ameripen, of which The Toy Association is a member, alongside other trade associations and companies across the consumer products and packaging industries.
The fly-in focused on extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation being debated in New York; specifically, concerns were raised around Assembly Bill 1749 and Senate Bill 1464, proposals that would establish one of the most restrictive EPR frameworks in the country.
The Toy Association engaged in discussions with nearly a dozen legislative offices, providing policymakers with industry perspectives on the proposed measures. Staff emphasized the importance of EPR policies that are workable, cost-effective, and grounded in practical implementation.
“As currently drafted, these bills could present significant compliance challenges and cost burdens, which emphasizes the need to reflect on lessons learned from other states and existing EPR programs,” said Charlotte Hickcox, director of state government affairs at The Toy Association. “The toy industry supports environmental policies that are effective and achievable, and we believe sustainability goals are best achieved through regulations that are practical rather than overly onerous. Without a national EPR framework, meeting with state legislators face-to-face gives us an opportunity to share data, pragmatic insights, and policy considerations with lawmakers as deliberations continue.”
The Toy Association will continue to keep the industry apprised of developments regarding state regulations. For more information on The Toy Association’s advocacy initiatives at the state level or to join the State Government Affairs Committee, members may contact Charlotte Hickcox, director of state government affairs (Eastern states) and Lindsey Hueer, senior manager of state government affairs (Western states).