“US state legislatures take aim at fashion’s sustainability and safety concerns”, 10 February 2025

While U.S. federal fashion legislation, including the Americas Act, continues to stall, states are taking textile and garment legislation into their own hands...

Here’s a closer look at the new laws and proposed 2025 legislation, and what their impact could be.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the Responsible Textile Recovery Act into law in September 2024. Introduced in 2023, SB707, will establish the nation’s first Extended Producer Responsibility, or EPR, program for textiles, making apparel producers responsible for the end of life cycle of their products….

New York also has an EPR bill that has remained in committee since January 2024…

In September 2024, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the New York State Retail Worker Safety Act into law, requiring retailers to take measures to increase safety within stores…

As part of this policy, it is illegal for brands to retaliate against employees who report concerns about workplace violence…

In January 2023, State Representatives David M. Rogers and Tram T. Nguyen introduced Massachusetts H420. The bill, which takes aim at large fashion companies doing work in Massachusetts, would require supply chain mapping and disclosure, due diligence reports and verification of sustainability and social accountability by the state…

The legislation was referred to the House Committee on Rules in May 2024…

The Washington State Legislature introduced SB5965 and companion HB2068 in January 2024, an act relating to the environmental impacts of fashion. The bill addresses the fashion industry’s water use, chemical and dye-related pollution,

SB5965 was referred to the Committee on Environment, Energy, & Technology, while HB2068 was referred to the Environment and Energy Committee. There has been no movement on either piece of companion legislation since January 2024…