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Toy Makers Face Maze Of Regulations By States

The Toy Industry Association, which represents more than 75 companies, says it won't make economical sense for its members to ship products to Washington if a bill that sets the toughest restrictions in the nation on the lead content of children's products the bill becomes law. Lawmakers overwhelmingly passed the bill, and Democratic Gov. Chris Gregoire is expected to sign it soon.

In a last-ditch effort to stop the measure, representatives of Mattel and Hasbro, the country's two biggest toy makers, met with Gregoire March 17, according to people familiar with the matter. At that meeting, and elsewhere, these people say, Mattel has told Washington officials that half of the products made by its Fisher-Price unit would be barred from the state if the law is adopted.

Sponsors of bills in 29 state legislatures have also proposed lead limits and other toy-safety standards. Illinois and Michigan have already enacted lead laws that aren't as tough as the Washington bill. A ban on phthalates is due to take effect in California next year. The TIA says it has hired lobbyists to battle legislative proposals in 10 states, including Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Vermont and Wisconsin.

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