CPSC Shutdown Plan: Continue Enforcement, Pause Public Engagement And Civil Penalties

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC) issued itsLapse Planin advance of the federal government shutdown. The CSPC will furlough 35% of full-time employees, with the overwhelming majority of those retained focused on "protect[ing] life and property." Under the Lapse Plan, consumer-oriented programs and, notably, civil penalties, will pause for the duration of any shutdown.

The anticipated pause in rulemaking and voluntary standards activities may not present a significant change as the CPSC recently withdrew several pending rulemakings and indicated it planned on being more pointed in this area moving forward. Notably, the CPSC will cease:

• Public information and education efforts regarding Safe Sleep practices, drowning prevention, toy safety, and other hazards;