TN State/Haley Ham Bill

Bill Summary for House Bill 2808 / Senate Bill 2399

Under this bill, all antifreeze with at least 10 percent ethylene glycol must contain between 30 and 50 parts per million of a bittering agent. Noncompliance would be a Class C misdemeanor, punishable only by a fine of $50.00 per occurrence. This bill requires that any such antifreeze sold on or after January 10, 2009, be clearly and conspicuously labeled with the name and concentration of the bittering agent. This bill provides that a manufacturer, processor, distributor, recycler, or seller of antifreeze who complies with this bill would not be liable for any personal injury, death, property damage, environmental damage, or economic loss caused by the inclusion of such bittering agent.

ON FEBRUARY 6, 2008, THE SENATE ADOPTED AMENDMENT #1 AND PASSED SENATE BILL 2399, AS AMENDED.

AMENDMENT #1 adds a short title to this bill, the "Haley Ham Law."

This amendment requires the use of denatonium benzoate as the bittering agent in antifreeze. If a federal or state agency determines that denatonium benzoate is unsuitable for use, then the commissioner of agriculture will be authorized to establish by rule an alternative bittering agent.

This amendment exempts sales of motor vehicles that contain engine coolant or antifreeze from the provisions of this bill.