SB374 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

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

Summary

SB374 would require most antifreeze and engine coolants sold in Alabama to include a bittering agent, set up public recordkeeping, and shield manufacturers from certain liability, with some exceptions.

What This Bill Does

It would require antifreeze or engine coolant containing more than 10% ethylene glycol and manufactured after January 1, 2012 to include denatonium benzoate at 30–50 parts per million to make it unpalatable. Manufacturers must keep a public record of the bittering agent's name and ingredients. It would limit liability for manufacturers, distributors, recyclers, or sellers for harm caused by the bittering agent if used as required, with exceptions if the cause is unrelated. It would prevent local governments from adding stricter or different rules, and it provides specific exemptions for the sale of vehicles and for very large, bulk containers; the act would take effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Manufacturers, processors, distributors, recyclers, and retailers of antifreeze/engine coolant would have to include the bittering agent, maintain public records, and receive liability protections when compliant.
• Local governments in Alabama would be barred from enacting additional or different requirements beyond SB374.
• Consumers and the general public would gain access to safer products and could request public records about the bittering agent.
• Vehicle sellers and buyers, and buyers of very large (55-gallon) bulk containers, are exempt from the main requirements.

Key Provisions

• Requires antifreeze/engine coolant containing more than 10% ethylene glycol, manufactured after Jan 1, 2012, to contain denatonium benzoate at 30–50 ppm.
• Manufacturers must keep a public record of the bittering agent's trade name, scientific name, and active ingredients; information available on request.
• Provides a limitation of liability for manufacturers, distributors, recyclers, or sellers for harm caused by the bittering agent if concentrations meet the requirement; exceptions apply if the cause is unrelated.
• Prevents counties and municipalities from imposing different or additional requirements beyond SB374.
• Exempts the sale of motor vehicles containing antifreeze and wholesale containers of 55 gallons or more.
• Effective date: the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Antifreeze