H.R.3686 - Supporting Accessible, Flexible, and Effective Sunscreen Standards; SAFE Sunscreen Standards Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 3686, the SAFE Sunscreen Standards Act, aims to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to improve the regulatory review process for nonprescription sunscreen active ingredients. The bill emphasizes the importance of sunscreen in preventing skin cancer and seeks to streamline the approval process for new sunscreen ingredients. It also promotes the use of non-animal testing methods and requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to Congress on the implementation of these standards.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill is faster approval of new sunscreen active ingredients. This would provide consumers with more options for sun protection. It also encourages innovation in the sunscreen industry by reducing regulatory hurdles.
Potential Benefits
- Improved Public Health: Increased access to effective sunscreens can reduce the incidence of skin cancer.
- Streamlined Regulatory Process: A more efficient approval process can bring new and innovative products to market faster.
- Reduced Animal Testing: Encouraging non-animal testing methods aligns with ethical considerations and may lead to more efficient testing.
- Increased Transparency: Reporting requirements ensure that Congress and the public are informed about the implementation of the new standards.
- Economic Benefits: Innovation in the sunscreen industry could lead to new business opportunities and job creation.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for Insufficient Safety Testing: Streamlining the approval process could lead to inadequate safety testing of new ingredients if not carefully managed.
- Unintended Consequences: Changes in regulations could have unforeseen impacts on the availability or cost of existing sunscreens.
- Industry Influence: The emphasis on real-world evidence could be influenced by industry-sponsored studies, potentially biasing the approval process.
- Limited Scope: The bill focuses primarily on regulatory processes and may not address other factors contributing to skin cancer, such as access to healthcare or public awareness campaigns.
- Reporting Burden: The reporting requirements could create an administrative burden for the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's broad mandate to "promote the general Welfare" (Preamble). Congress has the power to regulate interstate commerce through the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), which includes the regulation of drugs and cosmetics. The emphasis on scientific evidence and transparency also aligns with principles of due process and accountability.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).