as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 02/27/2023 03:06pm
A bill for an act
relating to health; creating a public awareness campaign on the health dangers of
using skin-lightening products containing mercury and hydroquinone; appropriating
money; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 145.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
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The commissioner of health shall award grants through
a request for proposal process to community-based organizations that serve ethnic
communities and focus on public health outreach to Black and people of color communities
on the issues of colorism, skin-lightening products, and chemical exposures from these
products. Priority in awarding grants shall be given to organizations that have historically
provided services to ethnic communities on the skin-lightening and chemical exposure issue
for the past four years.
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Grant recipients must use grant funds awarded under this
section to conduct public awareness and education activities that are culturally specific and
community-based and that focus on:
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(1) increasing public awareness and providing education on the health dangers associated
with using skin-lightening creams and products that contain mercury and hydroquinone and
are manufactured in other countries, brought into this country, and sold illegally online or
in stores; the dangers of exposure to mercury through dermal absorption, inhalation,
hand-to-mouth contact, and contact with individuals who have used these skin-lightening
products; the health effects of mercury poisoning, including the permanent effects on the
central nervous system and kidneys; and the dangers to mothers and infants of using these
products or being exposed to these products during pregnancy and while breastfeeding;
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(2) identifying products that contain mercury and hydroquinone by testing skin-lightening
products;
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(3) developing a train the trainer curriculum to increase community knowledge and
influence behavior changes by training community leaders, cultural brokers, community
health workers, and educators;
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(4) continuing to build the self-esteem and overall wellness of young people who are
using skin-lightening products or are at risk of starting the practice of skin lightening; and
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(5) building the capacity of community-based organizations to continue to combat
skin-lightening practices and chemical exposure.
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$....... in fiscal year 2024 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of
health for the skin-lightening products public awareness and education grant program under
Minnesota Statutes, section 145.9275.
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