HF 1898

as introduced - 91st Legislature (2019 - 2020) Posted on 02/17/2020 04:39pm

A bill for an act
relating to health; creating a public awareness campaign on the health dangers of
using skin lightening creams containing mercury; appropriating money.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin SKIN LIGHTENING PRODUCTS PUBLIC AWARENESS AND
EDUCATION GRANT PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Establishment; purpose. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of health shall develop a
grant program for the purpose of increasing public awareness and education on the health
dangers associated with using skin lightening creams and products that contain mercury
that are manufactured in other countries and brought into this country and sold illegally
online or in stores.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Grants authorized. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall award grants through a request
for proposal process to community-based organizations serving ethnic communities, local
public health entities, and nonprofit organizations that focus on providing health care and
public health outreach to minorities. Priority shall be given to organizations that have
historically served ethnic communities at significant risk from these products, but have not
traditionally had access to state grant funding.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Grant allocation. new text end

new text begin (a) Grantees must use the funds to conduct public awareness
and education activities that are culturally specific and community-based and focus on:
new text end

new text begin (1) the dangers of exposure to mercury through dermal absorption, inhalation,
hand-to-mouth contact, and through contact with individuals who have used these skin
lightening products;
new text end

new text begin (2) the signs and symptoms of mercury poisoning;
new text end

new text begin (3) the health effects of mercury poisoning, including the permanent effects on the central
nervous system and kidneys;
new text end

new text begin (4) the dangers of using these products or being exposed to these products during
pregnancy and breastfeeding to the mother and to the infant;
new text end

new text begin (5) knowing how to identify products that contain mercury; and
new text end

new text begin (6) proper disposal of the product if the product contains mercury.
new text end

new text begin (b) The grant application must include:
new text end

new text begin (1) a description of the purpose or project for which the grant funds will be used;
new text end

new text begin (2) a description of the objectives, a work plan, and a timeline for implementation; and
new text end

new text begin (3) the community or group the grant proposes to focus on.
new text end

new text begin (c) The commissioner shall award 50 percent of the grant funds to community-based
organizations and nonprofit organizations and 50 percent of the funds to local public health
entities.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin $....... in fiscal year 2020 and $....... in fiscal year 2021 are appropriated from the general
fund to the commissioner of health for the skin lightening products public awareness and
education grant program.
new text end