Law to Ban Weighted Sleep Products Introduced in Congress

Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Reps. Tony Cárdenas (D-CA-29) and Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA-08) introduced the Safeguarding Infants from Dangerous Sleep Act in the U.S. Senate and House that would ban weighted sleep products for infants. The AAP has emphasized that these dangerous sleep products, could increase the risk of SUID by impairing arousal from sleep. Additionally, pressure on infants’ underdeveloped rib cages could affect their breathing and heart rate. Read our press release applauding the introduction of this legislation to protect infants from these inherently dangerous products.

Amazon Found Responsible for Unsafe Products

In a 5-0 vote, the CPSC found Amazon responsible for selling hazardous products on its site, specifically faulty carbon monoxide (CO) detectors, hairdryers without electrocution protection, and children’s sleepwear that violated federal flammability standards. Amazon had agreed that these products posed a substantial product hazard under the Consumer Product Safety Act, but argued that it was not a “distributor” of these products. An Administrative Law Judge found that Amazon was indeed a distributor under its Fulfilled by Amazon program, which the CPSC affirmed. Under the CPSC’s Decision and Order, Amazon must submit proposed plans to notify consumers and the public about the hazardous products, and to remove the products from the market by incentivizing their return or destruction. The CPSC will consider these plans and then issue a second order on notification and remedies. KID applauds the CPSC’s decision and urges Amazon to take immediate action to remove these hazardous products out of homes and from the secondhand market. Read our joint press release with consumer organizations.

House Committee Holds Hearing Over CPSC Budget

The U.S. House Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce held a hearing regarding the FY2025 budget of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The CPSC’s budget has historically been much lower than other comparable regulatory agencies such as FDA and NHTSA despite being tasked to product consumers from over 15,000 types of products. All five of the agency’s commissioners testified at the hearing with CPSC Chairman Alex Hoehn-Saric articulating that, “at some point, we can’t do more with less.” This year, the CPSC’s appropriation was just $151 million, and the House Appropriations Committee approved cutting the FY2025 budget by 6% to just $142 million, a far cry from the agency’s requested amount of $183.05 million. Read our blog on the hearing, which includes statements from members of Congress highlighting the importance of the agency.

Kick Back With KID on August 15

Join KID's Young Professionals Board at our annual summer fundraising event, Kick Back With KID. Tickets include 3-hour drink package, small bites, and games. All proceeds support KID's life-saving work to protect children by fighting for product safety. Bring your friends and coworkers, and meet fellow KID supporters! The bar is dog friendly so bring your 4-legged friends. 21+ only. Forward this invitation to any young professionals in your workplace, family, and networks to join as well. If you can't attend in person, you can support KID by making a donation or buying raffle tickets online and we'll let you know if you're the winner. Purchase tickets here.

KID in the Community

KID had a blast at PeacePalooza at Oakwood Beach this month. KID talked to local residents about our work and shared our lifesaving materials. Want to be a part of the fun while making a difference? Join us at these upcoming events in Chicago. Reply to this email if you have questions or need directions.

State Rep. Kam Buckner's 3rd Annual Back To School Event

08/13/2024 (3 - 6pm)

Ellis Park, Chicago

Vive tu Vida! Get Up! Get Moving!

08/24/2024 (10am - 3pm)

UIC Outdoor Field Complex, Chicago