Last week the administration also announced that the U.S. will proceed with $50 billion in tariffs on U.S. imports from China, with a final list of targeted products to be released by June 15. As you know, AAFA has been closely tracking developments and continues to be vocal on the issues (see our letters, comments, testimony here for background). We will continue to send clarifying member notes as events unfold.

 

Microfiber legislation update: California's bill (AB 2379) did not receive a vote in the Assembly by the June 1 deadline. As a result, it is unlikely to be considered this session. Simultaneously, the bill being considered in New York State (A10599) has been referred to the Environmental Conservation committee, but has not been scheduled for a hearing yet. The bill would need to be passed before New York's legislative session ends on June 20 in order to become law this year. 

 

Meanwhile, Connecticut recently passed a bill (H.B. 5360, originally proposed as S.B. 341) that requires the formation of a working group to study the issue of synthetic clothing and microfiber pollution. If Connecticut Governor Malloy signs the microfiber working group bill into law as predicted, AAFA will participate on the working group to study microfiber pollution. Members interested in the impact this legislation could have on their business are encouraged to connect with Kristen Kern.  

 

Senate calls attention to counterfeits: Last week, the Senate Finance Committee called on rights holders, trade associations, online retailers, shipping companies, and payment processors to share information to help the committee better inform American consumers on the dangers of counterfeit goods. The committee has been active on brand protection issues since the beginning of the year. In January, at the request of Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-UT), the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report explaining how changes in the market for counterfeit goods, specifically the growth in e-commerce, pose new challenges for consumers. In March, the committee convened a hearing to examine how to better protect consumers by enforcing intellectual property rights. AAFA has been working closely with the Senate Finance Committee and will be providing input on behalf of member brands to inform of the dangers of counterfeit goods. If you would like to learn more on the efforts of the Senate Finance Committee or to contribute information, please contact Christina Mitropoulos.