Several new laws will take effect in Washington today

SEATTLE – Washington state is banning the sale of televisions, computers or residential upholstered furniture containing a toxic chemical flame retardant starting today.

The new law is one of a handful to take effect New Year’s Day.

Another law prohibits the use of lead wheel weights used to balance tires. State officials say about 40 metric tons of lead wheel weights fall off of vehicles every year in Washington. Lead fragments and dust from the weights contaminate soil and water, and pose hazards to aquatic life, they said.

Washington state was the first in the nation to phase out the use of decaBDE, the flame retardant, which has been found in people and wildlife.

“It’s really exciting to see this very forward-thinking policy go into effect that will protect all of Washington residents,” said Erika Schreder, staff scientist with the Washington Toxics Coalition.

She noted that the only two U.S. makers of deca and the largest importer of deca voluntarily agreed in late 2009 to stop producing and importing deca for most uses by 2012.

“Action here at the state level can have national implications and change the whole way the industry does business,” Schreder said.

Deca, one of three main types of PBDEs, or polybrominated diphenyl ethers, is largely used in the black plastic casings of TVs.

Washington’s law required state officials to identify safer alternatives that would meet fire safety standards before the ban on deca could take effect today. A state fire safety committee approved those alternatives in November 2008.

Also taking effect today is a law that stiffens fines for those who don’t give enough room to police, emergency workers and tow trucks that are pulled over on the side of the road with emergency lights activated.

The new law builds on a 2007 law that created a 200-foot buffer around emergency vehicles that are stopped with lights on. Under that law, drivers must change lanes if it’s safe to do so, or slow down if they are unable to change lanes or move over. That area is designated as an “emergency zone” under the new law.

The new law doubles the fine for drivers who don’t move over or slow down. The ticket increases from a base of $124 to $248, with additional speeding charges. Drivers can also be charged with endangering an emergency worker and could face possible jail time and a suspended license.

In September, a tow truck driver working on a disabled vehicle on the side of Interstate 5 was killed when an SUV crashed into him.

Other laws taking effect today:

• A new law expands the category of drivers arrested for drunken driving who can apply for a special license to drive with an ignition-interlock device. The device tests for alcohol in their breath before the car will start. Under a 2008 law, only drivers arrested for drunken driving could apply for the device. Now those who have been convicted of vehicular homicide or vehicular assault due to DUI can also apply. The new law also requires that a driver with a device have no failed blows on starting their car for four consecutive months before the device can be removed.

• A measure that requires a judge to personally set bail for people arrested on felony charges. It was one of several bills sparked by the fatal shootings of four Lakewood police officers in November 2009.