City of San Antonio - File #: 15-3299

• File #: 15-3299
• Type: Staff Briefing - Without Ordinance
• In control: Governance Committee
• On agenda: 5/20/2015
• Posting Language: A Briefing and possible action on a request from District 2 Councilmember Alan Warrick for measures to mitigate and prevent San Antonio consumers from purchasing unlabeled and/or untreated secondhand/recycled mattresses. [Erik Walsh, Deputy City Manager; Dr. Thomas L. Schlenker, Director of Public Health]

DEPARTMENT: Health


DEPARTMENT HEAD: Dr. Thomas L. Schlenker


COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide


SUBJECT:

San Antonio Mattress Consumer Protection


SUMMARY:

Council Member Alan Warrick, II, submitted a Council Consideration Request (CCR) on April 1, 2015 asking City staff to research and recommend measures to mitigate and prevent San Antonio consumers from purchasing unlabeled and/or untreated secondhand/recycled mattresses. The CCR requests the City of San Antonio adopt an ordinance implementing certain consumer protection regulations that would require businesses engaged in the sale of secondhand/recycled or re-used mattresses or bedding to register with the City and adhere to certain notification requirements.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Currently, secondhand bedding sales are governed under Texas Administrative Code Chapter 205, Subchapter A, Bedding Rules. Under this regulation, if you sell, manufacture, distribute/wholesale, or import bedding products into the state of Texas, and/or you renovate, or germicidally treat used bedding you are required to register through Texas Department of State Health Services, Regulatory Licensing Unit. Failure to register, properly treat and/or display untreated/unlabeled products can result in Administrative penalties. Complaints and inspections regarding this industry are currently regulated under the Texas Department of State Health Services.

ISSUE:

Secondhand and untreated mattresses may contain perspiration, urine, feces, blood, dust mites, bedbugs and skin cells. San Antonio residents have the right to know if they are purchasing one of these regulated items and the potential health concerns associated with an untreated mattress.

ALTERNATIVES:

As an alternative, the Governance Committee could choose to continue to allow the Texas Department of State Health Services to provide oversight and respond to complaints associated with this industry as currently stated under ...