No kids clothes are garage sales or thrift stores after Feb. ???

What about GoodWill ? No things for kids 12 and under at garage sales ???? WTF ??
[link to www.keyetv.com]

Your child's old toys or clothes won't be put up for sale as easily as before when a new bill takes effect.

This act could potentially have a dramatic effect on families and the economy because the law would require all children's clothing and toys to be tested for chemicals, even those that are second hand.

Some families say this bill goes too far.

Megan and her mother were shopping at the Polka Dot Pony on Anderson Mill road, Tuesday.

Polka Dot Pony is a Austin consignment shop that carries clothes and toys, especially for children 12 and under like Megan.

“We do bring clothes in when kids outgrow them and sometimes come in and purchase clothing that's been gently used and we like it,” said shopper Jennifer Carey.

But shops like this may take a huge hit February 10th when the Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act becomes a law.

It will prohibit selling any clothing item or toy intended for children 12 and under without having first been tested for lead or phthalates.

“I think it's going to put a lot of families in a bad position,” Carey said.

Officials say anything on the shelves at any store will have to be approved for a lead content below a specified amount. In August 2009, the requirement will become stricter.

“It's sure going to affect a lot of people,” Carey said.

Shoppers are worried this law will limit how much they can afford for their families

The future of businesses like the Polka Dot Pony has now become uncertain.

CBS 42 talked to several consignment shop owners who are torn up about this law, which many heard of for the first time Tuesday.

To be compliant with the law, stores will have to ship their inventories out to be tested, which is expensive.

The law also applies to online sites like Craigslist or eBay.

And if you're thinking about yard or garage sales the law will even make that illegal if the items you’re selling have not been tested.


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