HB377 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Antifreeze and engine coolant, addition of bittering agent (denatonium benzoate) required, exceptions

Summary

HB377 would require antifreeze and engine coolants sold in Alabama to include a bittering agent (denatonium benzoate) and would limit liability for suppliers while blocking stricter local rules.

What This Bill Does

It would require all antifreeze or engine coolant sold in Alabama that contains more than 10% ethylene glycol to include denatonium benzoate at 30 to 50 parts per million to make the product unpalatable. Manufacturers must keep records of the bittering agent’s trade name, scientific name, and active ingredients, and those records would be available to the public on request. It would provide a liability limitation for manufacturers, processors, distributors, recyclers, or sellers for losses resulting from the inclusion of denatonium benzoate when concentrations are within the mandated range, with exceptions if the liability is caused by something unrelated. It would bar local governments from enacting laws or ordinances that add extra requirements beyond this bill, and it includes certain exemptions related to vehicle sales and wholesale containers; it becomes effective after governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Manufacturers of antifreeze/engine coolant: must include the bittering agent and maintain records; subject to liability limits.
• Distributors, recyclers, and sellers of antifreeze/engine coolant: same obligations and liability limits as manufacturers.
• The public: may request access to the records detailing the bittering agent's ingredients.
• Local governments: prohibited from varying or adding requirements beyond this act.

Key Provisions

• Requires denatonium benzoate in antifreeze/engine coolant with more than 10% ethylene glycol at 30–50 parts per million.
• Manufacturer must maintain records of the bittering agent’s trade name, scientific name, and active ingredients; records available to the public on request.
• Provides a liability limitation for manufacturers, processors, distributors, recyclers, or sellers for losses tied to the presence of denatonium benzoate within mandated concentrations; exceptions apply if the liability is unrelated to the bittering agent.
• Preempts local laws/ordnances that impose different requirements beyond this act.
• Exempts the sale of motor vehicles containing antifreeze and wholesale containers of 55 gallons or more from certain provisions.
• Effective date: on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval (or when it becomes law).

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Antifreeze