H.R. 1692…It will not make major improvements, but it will help some. Congressman Fortenberry’s amendment admits that Congress did not intend CPSIA to apply to ordinary books (defined as those printed using conventional methods and intended to be read, not played with). It also points out that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has determined that books pose minimal risk.

As has been the pattern with this law, this amendment does not answer all the questions it will bring up. My first question is, which books does it apply to? Those that are printed from this point forward? Those that were printed after 1985? Or all books?

As a reseller, an educator, and a mother, those are very important questions.

It is really a shame that we have to applaud efforts such as HR1692 in our push to get this law fixed. But, for now, at least, it seems the best we are going to be able to do….Please, Congress, pass this amendment.

Senate bill 608 has a great sounding name: “Common Sense in Consumer Product Safety Act of 2009″ It is “A bill to amend the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 to exclude secondary sales, repair services, and certain vehicles from the ban on lead in children’s products, and for other purposes.” Govtrack currently lists Senator Tester as the sponsor, and 2 co-sponsors.

On the House side, there’s H.R. 1587: “To amend the lead prohibition provisions of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008…” It would give an exemption to the ATV folks, but that’s about it. “To amend the lead prohibition provisions of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 to provide an exemption for certain off-highway vehicles, and for other purposes.” It is sponsored by Representative Rehberg, and currently has 38 co-sponsors listed.