Welcome to the latest ISSA Legislative & Regulatory Update, a biweekly roundup of the public-policy issues currently impacting the full cleaning supply chain. This update touches on ISSA’s latest State Pesticide Registration Survey, the increasing price of menstrual-care products, an ISSA webinar on August 29 on OSHA’S updated Hazard Communication, and more.

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ISSA Advocacy

Updated State Pesticide Registration Survey Now Available
What it means: ISSA announces the release of its updated State Pesticide Registration Survey. This valuable resource provides essential information on pesticide registration requirements for each state within the continental United States.
Why it matters: Pesticide registration is a critical component of the cleaning industry, as many cleaning products fall under this regulatory category. Understanding the specific requirements of each state is essential for ensuring compliance and avoiding costly penalties.
What ISSA is doing: The 2024 ISSA State Pesticide Registration Survey offers comprehensive data on fees, renewal deadlines, penalties, and contact information for state regulatory agencies. We encourage our members to utilize this valuable resource and provide us with feedback on its usefulness. Learn more

Price of Menstrual Products Increasing

What it means: In recent years, the average price for period products such as pads and tampons has surged. While these prices have caught many off guard, they’ve also led to a decrease in sales of period products.
Why it matters: One factor contributing to the increase in prices is the “tampon tax.” As of May 2024, 20 states charge sales tax on period products, ranging from 4% to 7%.
What ISSA is doing: ISSA is advocating in support of public policies to make menstrual products more available as part of its End Period Poverty campaign. Learn more

Webinar – Cleaning Up Your Compliance: A Guide to OSHA’s Updated Hazard Communication
Why attend: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently updated the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to align with Revision 7 of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. This OSHA update provides a common and coherent approach to classifying chemicals and communicating hazard information on labels and safety data sheets.

Register now for the August 29 ISSA webinar Cleaning Up Your Compliance: A Guide to OSHA’s Updated Hazard Communication. This webinar, which will cover key changes to the HCS, is a must for anyone in the cleaning industry, particularly those involved in the manufacturing and distribution of cleaning products. Learn more and register

Webinar – Navigating Extended Producer Responsibility in the Cleaning Industry
Why attend: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a regulatory system that holds brands and other enterprises accountable for the waste that their products produce. EPR-related legislation aims to reduce packaging waste and support a circular economy.

In this ISSA webinar on October 22, we’ll explore how EPR is shaping the cleaning industry and what it means for your business. Learn more and register

Workshop – Keeping It Clean: Regulatory Compliance Review
Why attend: Ensure your continued success in the marketplace by attending Keeping it Clean: Regulatory Compliance Review on November 18 in Las Vegas, Nevada. This one-day, in-person workshop will address the trending topics that impact the manufacturing, packaging, marketing, and sale of household and commercial cleaning products, including regulatory, legislative, and sustainability updates.

The Cleaning Products Workshop is presented by ISSA and HCPA. Although part of ISSA Show North America 2024, separate registration for the workshop is required. Learn more and register

Additional Updates

Regulatory & Judicial

EPA Finalizes Revisions to Safer Choice Standard
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updated its Safer Choice Standard for cleaning products. Key changes include stricter packaging requirements, a new certification for cleaning services using Safer Choice products, and expanded criteria for pet-care products. These modifications aim to enhance product safety, environmental impact, and transparency. Learn more

EPA Proposes Ban on Chemical Used in Stain Removers
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed a rule banning the solvent 1-bromopropane under the Toxic Substances Control Act to “safeguard public health and protect consumers and workers,” Cleaning & Maintenance Management reports. Learn more

FTC Ruling Banning Noncompete Clauses
In a recent Take 5 with Cleanfax interview, Scott Tackett, a business development advisor with Violand Management Associates and noted human-resources expert, said that the issue of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) banning non-compete clauses might take some time to develop. Nonetheless, savvy business owners should consider what they can do in anticipation of this ruling taking effect September 4. Learn more

Trade Groups Attempt to Block Noncompete Ban
Trade groups representing the hospital, insurance, and financial services industries are pushing courts to block the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s non-compete ban amid a divide in the judiciary over the regulator’s powers, according to Bloomberg Law. Learn more

IRS-Refunds Crackdown Hits Snags
The U.S. Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) first large batch of rejected claims of a pandemic-era tax credit contains obvious mistakes by the government, tax advisers say, as the IRS struggles to separate legitimate refund requests from bogus ones, the Wall Street Journal reports. Learn more

State News

MI Supreme Court Ruling Will Significantly Increase Minimum Wage
The Michigan Supreme Court ruled that Republican lawmakers unconstitutionally blocked two ballot proposals in 2018, a decision that will increase the state’s hourly minimum wage early next year, enact a new paid sick leave standard for workers, and have economic repercussions across the state, The Detroit News reports. Learn more

Stathakis Wins MI Primary
Adam Stathakis, Director of Operations at Stathakis, an ISSA member company, won the Republican primary to represent District 22 for the Michigan House of Representatives with 73% of the vote. Stathakis will face Matt Koleszar (D) in the November 5 general election. Learn more

IL Bans Companies from ‘Forcing Workers to Listen to Anti-Union Talk’
Illinois is the latest state to adopt legislation aimed at “protecting workers from their employers’ anti-union messaging,” according to NPR. Learn more

Denver’s Minimum Wage Set to Increase
Denver, Colorado employers will have to pay their hourly workers 52 cents more starting next year, KGNU reports. Learn more