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Assemblymember Stephanie wins committee approval for bill to phase out bisphenols in receipt paper

California State Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee · March 10, 2026

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Summary

The Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee advanced AB 1604, which would ban BPA in thermal receipts by Jan. 1, 2027 and all intentionally added bisphenols by Jan. 1, 2028, citing health risks to cashiers and contamination of recycling streams.

Assemblymember Stephanie introduced AB 1604 on Tuesday, asking the committee to approve a phase‑out of bisphenols from thermal receipt paper. The bill would prohibit BPA in paper receipts by Jan. 1, 2027 and all intentionally added bisphenols (including BPS) by Jan. 1, 2028.

"No one should face higher cancer risk just for doing their job," Assemblymember Stephanie said in opening remarks, urging manufacturers and retailers to switch to safer alternatives. Witnesses from health and waste‑reduction groups backed the bill. Nancy Beumeier of Breast Cancer Prevention Partners described studies showing that BPA has often been replaced by similar chemicals such as BPS and urged the committee to adopt a class‑based prohibition. Tony Hackett of Californians Against Waste said thermal receipt paper contaminates paper recycling streams and that non‑bisphenol receipt technologies already exist.

Multiple environmental and public‑health organizations offered supporting testimony, including groups representing sustainable businesses, waterkeepers, and physician organizations. No members of the public testified in opposition during the hearing.

The chair moved and the committee voted to do pass AB 1604 as amended to the Judiciary Committee. The roll call included a unanimous recorded 'aye' outcome during the session.