S. 4746--A 2
INTERNAL REVENUE CODE, AS APPLICABLE FOR PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION.
AMOUNTS REALIZED ON THE SALE OR EXCHANGE OF PROPERTY SHALL NOT BE
REDUCED BY THE COST OF GOODS SOLD OR THE BASIS OF PROPERTY SOLD. GROSS
RECEIPTS, EVEN IF BUSINESS INCOME, SHALL NOT INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING
ITEMS:
(I) REPAYMENT, MATURITY, OR REDEMPTION OF THE PRINCIPAL OF A LOAN,
BOND, MUTUAL FUND, CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT, OR SIMILAR MARKETABLE INSTRU-
MENT;
(II) THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT RECEIVED UNDER A REPURCHASE AGREEMENT OR
OTHER TRANSACTION PROPERLY CHARACTERIZED AS A LOAN;
(III) PROCEEDS FROM ISSUANCE OF THE TAXPAYER'S OWN STOCK OR FROM SALE
OF TREASURY STOCK;
(IV) DAMAGES AND OTHER AMOUNTS RECEIVED AS THE RESULT OF LITIGATION;
(V) PROPERTY ACQUIRED BY AN AGENT ON BEHALF OF ANOTHER;
(VI) TAX REFUNDS AND OTHER TAX BENEFIT RECOVERIES;
(VII) PENSION REVERSIONS;
(VIII) CONTRIBUTIONS TO CAPITAL, EXCEPT FOR SALES OF SECURITIES BY
SECURITIES DEALERS;
(IX) INCOME FROM DISCHARGE OF INDEBTEDNESS;
(X) AMOUNTS REALIZED FROM EXCHANGES OF INVENTORY THAT ARE NOT RECOG-
NIZED UNDER THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE;
(XI) AMOUNTS RECEIVED FROM TRANSACTIONS IN INTANGIBLE ASSETS HELD IN
CONNECTION WITH A TREASURY FUNCTION OF THE TAXPAYER'S UNITARY BUSINESS
AND THE GROSS RECEIPTS AND OVERALL NET GAINS FROM THE MATURITY, REDEMP-
TION, SALE, EXCHANGE, OR OTHER DISPOSITION OF THOSE INTANGIBLE ASSETS;
AND
(XII) AMOUNTS RECEIVED FROM HEDGING TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING INTANGIBLE
ASSETS. A "HEDGING TRANSACTION" MEANS A TRANSACTION RELATED TO THE
TAXPAYER'S TRADING FUNCTION INVOLVING FUTURES AND OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS
FOR THE PURPOSE OF HEDGING PRICE RISK OF THE PRODUCTS OR COMMODITIES
CONSUMED, PRODUCED, OR SOLD BY THE TAXPAYER.
(C) "FASHION SELLER" SHALL MEAN A BUSINESS ENTITY WHICH SELLS ARTICLES
OF WEARING APPAREL, FOOTWEAR, OR FASHION BAGS THAT TOGETHER EXCEED ONE
HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS IN ANNUAL GROSS RECEIPTS, BUT SHALL NOT INCLUDE
THE SALE OF USED WEARING APPAREL, FOOTWEAR, OR FASHION BAGS, NOR SHALL
IT INCLUDE MULTI-BRAND RETAILERS, EXCEPT WHERE THE APPAREL, FOOTWEAR,
AND FASHION BAG PRIVATE LABELS OF THOSE COMPANIES TOGETHER EXCEED ONE
HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS IN GLOBAL REVENUE.
(D) "ARTICLE OF WEARING APPAREL" SHALL MEAN ANY COSTUME OR ARTICLE OF
CLOTHING WORN OR INTENDED TO BE WORN BY INDIVIDUALS.
(E) "FOOTWEAR" SHALL MEAN ANY COVERING WORN OR INTENDED TO BE WORN ON
THE FOOT.
(F) "FASHION BAG" SHALL MEAN FLEXIBLE PACKAGING MADE OF TEXTILES,
LEATHER OR OTHER ANIMAL PRODUCTS, WOVEN MATERIAL OR OTHER SIMILAR MATE-
RIALS INTENDED FOR REPEATED USE.
(G) "DUE DILIGENCE" SHALL MEAN THE COMPREHENSIVE PROCESS COMPANIES
SHALL CARRY OUT TO IDENTIFY, CEASE, PREVENT, MITIGATE, ACCOUNT FOR, AND
REMEDIATE ACTUAL AND POTENTIAL ADVERSE IMPACTS TO THE ENVIRONMENT IN
THEIR OWN OPERATIONS AND IN THEIR SUPPLY CHAIN, IN COMPLIANCE WITH, AT A
MINIMUM, THE STANDARDS OUTLINED IN THE MOST RECENT ORGANISATION FOR
ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES FOR MULTINATIONAL
ENTERPRISES, AND THE MOST RECENT ORGANISATION FOR ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION
AND DEVELOPMENT DUE DILIGENCE GUIDANCE FOR RESPONSIBLE SUPPLY CHAINS IN
THE GARMENT AND FOOTWEAR SECTOR.
(H) "DUE DILIGENCE REPORT" SHALL MEAN THE DOCUMENT PREPARED BY THE
COMPANY TO COMMUNICATE ALL RELEVANT INFORMATION CONCERNING THE EXIST-
S. 4746--A 3
ENCE, IMPLEMENTATION AND OUTCOMES OF DUE DILIGENCE IN ORDER TO COMPLY
WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS SECTION, AND TO COMPLY WITH ANY RULES OR
REGULATIONS ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION.
(I) "RISK-BASED APPROACH" SHALL MEAN COMMENSURATE TO THE LIKELIHOOD
AND SEVERITY OF THE HARM. THE FASHION SELLER SHALL PRIORITIZE THE ORDER
IN WHICH IT TAKES ACTION BASED ON THE LIKELIHOOD AND SEVERITY OF HARM.
SEVERITY OF IMPACTS SHALL BE DETERMINED ACCORDING TO THEIR SCALE OR
GRAVITY, SCOPE, AND IRREMEDIABLE CHARACTER.
(J) "SUPPLY CHAIN TIERS" SHALL MEAN A FOUR TIER SYSTEM DEFINED AS THE
FOLLOWING:
(I) "TIER ONE" SHALL MEAN SUPPLIERS WHO PRODUCE FINISHED GOODS FOR
FASHION SELLERS, INCLUDING SUPPLIERS' SUBCONTRACTORS, WHO PROVIDE THE
FOLLOWING SERVICES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO SEWING AND EMBROIDER-
ING;
(II) "TIER TWO" SHALL MEAN SUPPLIERS TO TIER ONE, INCLUDING SUBCON-
TRACTORS, WHO PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING SERVICES OR GOODS, INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO KNITTING, WEAVING, WASHING, DYEING, FINISHING, PRINTING FOR
FINISHED GOODS, AND COMPONENTS AND MATERIALS FOR FINISHED GOODS WHEN
THEY ARE STAND-ALONE OPERATIONS AND NOT INTEGRATED WITH TIER ONE. COMPO-
NENTS SHALL MEAN MATERIALS USED TO BUILD A PRODUCT, INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO BUTTONS, ZIPPERS, RUBBER SOLES, DOWN, AND FUSIBLES;
(III) "TIER THREE" SHALL MEAN SUPPLIERS TO TIER TWO SUPPLIERS, INCLUD-
ING SUBCONTRACTORS, WHO PROCESS RAW MATERIALS, SUCH AS GINNING, SPIN-
NING, AND SUPPLIERS OF CHEMICALS; AND
(IV) "TIER FOUR" SHALL MEAN COMPANIES, INCLUDING SUBCONTRACTORS, THAT
PROVIDE RAW MATERIALS TO TIER THREE.
(K) "INDEPENDENTLY VERIFIED" SHALL MEAN AUDITED BY A VERIFICATION BODY
ACCREDITED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE AS DESCRIBED IN SUBDIVISION FIVE
OF THIS SECTION.
(L) "LIVING WAGE" SHALL MEAN THE REMUNERATION RECEIVED FOR A STANDARD
WORKWEEK BY A WORKER IN A PARTICULAR PLACE SUFFICIENT TO AFFORD A DECENT
STANDARD OF LIVING FOR SUCH WORKER AND THEIR FAMILY. ELEMENTS OF A
DECENT STANDARD OF LIVING INCLUDE FOOD, WATER, HOUSING, EDUCATION,
HEALTH CARE, TRANSPORTATION, CLOTHING, AND OTHER ESSENTIAL NEEDS INCLUD-
ING PROVISION FOR UNEXPECTED EVENTS. LIVING WAGE SHALL BE DETERMINED
EXCLUSIVE OF OVERTIME WAGES AND BY NET WAGES INCLUDING IN-KIND AND CASH
BENEFITS, AND DEDUCTING TAXES AND DEDUCTIONS.
(M) "OPEN DATA PRINCIPLES" SHALL MEAN DATA THAT CAN BE FREELY USED,
REUSED AND REDISTRIBUTED BY ANYONE. SUCH DATA SHALL BE FINDABLE OR EASI-
LY DISCOVERABLE ON A WEBSITE OR WITHIN A DATABASE, ACCESSIBLE OR AVAIL-
ABLE IN A MACHINE READABLE, CONVENIENT, MODIFIABLE FORM AND PUBLISHED AS
A WHOLE, COMPLETE DATASET, INTEROPERABLE OR ABLE TO BE MIXED WITH
DIFFERENT DATASETS, AND REUSABLE OR PROVIDED UNDER AN OPEN LICENSE THAT
PERMITS REUSE AND REDISTRIBUTION, INCLUDING THE INTERMIXING WITH OTHER
DATASETS.
(N) "EMPLOYEE" SHALL MEAN ALL WORKERS, WHETHER FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME,
PERMANENT OR FIXED-TERM, DIRECTLY CONTRACTED OR HIRED INDIRECTLY THROUGH
AN AGENCY OR OTHER INTERMEDIARY.
2. DUE DILIGENCE. (A) EVERY FASHION SELLER SHALL EFFECTIVELY CARRY OUT
ENVIRONMENTAL DUE DILIGENCE FOR THE PORTIONS OF THEIR BUSINESS RELATED
TO WEARING APPAREL, FOOTWEAR OR FASHION BAGS, INCLUDING WEARING APPAREL,
FOOTWEAR OR FASHION BAGS PRODUCED AS A PRIVATE LABEL, WHICH SHALL
INCLUDE:
(I) SUPPLY CHAIN MAPPING:
S. 4746--A 4
(1) COMPANIES TAKING A RISK-BASED APPROACH AND IMPLEMENTING GOOD FAITH
EFFORTS TO MAP SUPPLIERS ACROSS TIER ONE THROUGH TIER FOUR OF
PRODUCTION.
(2) DISCLOSURE OF SUPPLIERS OF THE PRODUCTION SUPPLY CHAIN INCLUDING:
THE NAME, PARENT COMPANY AND PRODUCT TYPE AT EACH SITE BY COUNTRY, FILED
BY THE FOLLOWING:
(A) TIER ONE SUPPLIERS SHALL BE DISCLOSED WITHIN TWELVE MONTHS OF THE
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION, AND SHALL CONTAIN A MINIMUM OF SEVENTY-
FIVE PERCENT OF SUPPLIERS BY VOLUME.
(B) TIER TWO SUPPLIERS SHALL BE DISCLOSED WITHIN TWO YEARS OF THE
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION, AND SHALL CONTAIN A MINIMUM OF SEVENTY-
FIVE PERCENT OF SUPPLIERS BY VOLUME.
(C) TIER THREE SUPPLIERS SHALL BE DISCLOSED WITHIN THREE YEARS OF THE
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION AND SHALL CONTAIN A MINIMUM OF FIFTY
PERCENT OF SUPPLIERS BY VOLUME OR DOLLAR VALUE.
(D) TIER FOUR SUPPLIERS SHALL BE DISCLOSED WITHIN FOUR YEARS OF THE
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION AND SHALL CONTAIN A MINIMUM OF FIFTY
PERCENT OF SUPPLIERS BY VOLUME OR DOLLAR VALUE.
(II) IN CARRYING OUT EFFECTIVE DUE DILIGENCE, FASHION SELLERS SHALL BE
IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE ORGANISATION FOR ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION AND DEVEL-
OPMENT GUIDELINES FOR MULTINATIONAL ENTERPRISES AND THE ORGANISATION FOR
ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT DUE DILIGENCE GUIDANCE FOR RESPON-
SIBLE SUPPLY CHAINS IN THE GARMENT AND FOOTWEAR SECTOR, REQUIRING FASH-
ION SELLERS TO, AT A MINIMUM:
(1) EMBED RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS CONDUCT INTO THE COMPANY'S POLICIES AND
MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS;
(2) IDENTIFY AREAS OF SIGNIFICANT RISKS IN THE CONTEXTS OF ITS OWN
ACTIVITIES AND BUSINESS AND SUPPLY CHAIN RELATIONSHIPS;
(3) IDENTIFY, PRIORITIZE, AND ASSESS THE SIGNIFICANT POTENTIAL AND
ACTUAL ADVERSE IMPACTS OF THOSE RISKS;
(4) CEASE, PREVENT OR MITIGATE THOSE RISKS. THIS SHALL INCLUDE, BUT
NOT BE LIMITED TO:
(A) ESTABLISHING QUANTITATIVE BASELINE AND REDUCTION TARGETS ON GREEN-
HOUSE GAS EMISSIONS. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INVENTORY SHALL BE
REPORTED ANNUALLY, STARTING IN TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-SIX FOR EMISSIONS IN
THE PRIOR FISCAL YEAR; INCLUDE ABSOLUTE FIGURES; AND CONFORM WITH THE
ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS OF THE MOST RECENT GREENHOUSE GAS
PROTOCOL CORPORATE ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING STANDARD, SCOPE TWO GUID-
ANCE, AND, STARTING IN TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-SEVEN, THE MOST RECENT CORPO-
RATE VALUE CHAIN SCOPE THREE ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING STANDARD PROMUL-
GATED BY THE WORLD RESOURCES INSTITUTE AND THE WORLD BUSINESS COUNCIL
FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INVENTORY REPORTED
IN THE DUE DILIGENCE REPORT REQUIRED PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION THREE OF
THIS SECTION SHALL BE INDEPENDENTLY VERIFIED NO LESS THAN ONCE EVERY TWO
YEARS. FASHION SELLERS SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO AN ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTY
UNDER THIS SECTION FOR ANY MISSTATEMENTS WITH REGARD TO SCOPE THREE
EMISSIONS DISCLOSURES MADE WITH A REASONABLE BASIS AND DISCLOSED IN GOOD
FAITH. WITHIN FOUR YEARS OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION, PRIMARY
DATA SHALL BE USED TO CAPTURE THE FASHION SELLER'S TIER TWO AND TIER
THREE INVENTORY OF ITS MOST SIGNIFICANT SUPPLIERS CONTRIBUTING TO GREEN-
HOUSE GAS EMISSIONS. SIGNIFICANT SUPPLIERS SHALL MEAN SUPPLIERS REPRES-
ENTING SEVENTY-FIVE PERCENT OF FABRIC BY VOLUME IN TIER TWO AND FIFTY
PERCENT OF FABRIC BY VOLUME IN TIER THREE. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION
REDUCTION TARGETS MUST BE NEAR-TERM AND LONG-TERM, COVERING SCOPES ONE,
TWO AND THREE EMISSIONS, AND ALIGN WITH, AT A MINIMUM, SCIENCE BASED
TARGET INITIATIVE'S MOST RECENT TARGET VALIDATION CRITERIA AS PROMULGAT-
S. 4746--A 5
ED BY WORLD RESOURCES INSTITUTE, CDP, UNITED NATIONS GLOBAL COMPACT AND
THE WORLD WILDLIFE FUND. FOR FASHION SELLERS WITH GLOBAL REVENUE OVER
ONE BILLION DOLLARS, THE ABSOLUTE CONTRACTION APPROACH MUST BE USED TO
CALCULATE SCOPE THREE EMISSIONS. FASHION SELLERS SHALL MEET TARGETS AND
REPORT THEIR COMPLIANCE ON AN ANNUAL BASIS IN THEIR DUE DILIGENCE
REPORT, AS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION THREE OF THIS SECTION. IF
FOUND TO BE OUT OF COMPLIANCE, FASHION SELLERS SHALL HAVE EIGHTEEN
MONTHS TO REMEDY THEIR EMISSIONS AND RETURN TO THE NECESSARY REDUCTION
PATHWAY TO DELIVER ON THEIR TARGETS. IN NON-TARGET YEARS, NON-COMPLIANCE
SHALL MEAN AN INCREASE IN ABSOLUTE EMISSIONS IN THREE CONSECUTIVE YEARS,
FOR COMPANIES OVER A BILLION DOLLARS IN REVENUE. IN TARGET YEARS, NON-
COMPLIANCE SHALL MEAN NOT REACHING THE TARGET;
(B) BEING IN COMPLIANCE WITH, AT A MINIMUM, THE ZERO DISCHARGE OF
HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS PROGRAM'S MOST RECENT WASTEWATER GUIDELINES, FASHION
SELLERS SHALL BE REQUIRED, FOR ALL SIGNIFICANT TIER TWO DYEING, FINISH-
ING AND GARMENT WASHING SUPPLIERS, TO SAMPLE AND REPORT ON WASTEWATER
CHEMICAL CONCENTRATIONS AND WATER USAGE, WITHIN TWO YEARS OF THE EFFEC-
TIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION. SUCH REPORTS SHALL BE INDEPENDENTLY VERIFIED.
FASHION SELLERS SHALL ALSO PROVIDE CORRECTIVE ACTION PLANS FOR THEIR
WASTEWATER TREATMENT WITHIN THIRTY MONTHS OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS
SECTION. AFTER THREE YEARS OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION, FASH-
ION SELLERS SHALL BE CONSIDERED OUT OF COMPLIANCE IF THEIR SIGNIFICANT
TIER TWO DYEING, FINISHING AND GARMENT SUPPLIERS HAVE NOT MADE ADEQUATE
PROGRESS IN REMEDIATION OF WASTEWATER POLLUTION CONCENTRATIONS. SIGNIF-
ICANT SUPPLIERS SHALL MEAN SUPPLIERS REPRESENTING SEVENTY-FIVE PERCENT
OF FABRIC BY VOLUME;
(C) UTILIZING RESPONSIBLE EXIT OR DISENGAGEMENT STRATEGIES;
(D) CONSULTING AND ENGAGING WITH IMPACTED AND POTENTIALLY IMPACTED
STAKEHOLDERS AND RIGHTS HOLDERS AND THEIR REPRESENTATIVES;
(5) TRACK IMPLEMENTATION AND RESULTS;
(6) PROVIDE FOR OR CO-OPERATE IN REMEDIATION IN THE EVENT OF AN
ADVERSE IMPACT:
(A) REMEDIES SHALL SEEK TO RESTORE THE AFFECTED PERSON OR PERSONS,
WHERE PRACTICABLE, TO THE SITUATION THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN IN HAD THE
ADVERSE IMPACT NOT OCCURRED AND SHALL ENABLE REMEDIATION THAT IS PROPOR-
TIONATE TO THE SIGNIFICANCE AND SCALE OF THE ADVERSE IMPACT; AND
(B) REMEDIES SHALL INCLUDE, DEPENDING ON THE NATURE AND EXTENT OF THE
ADVERSE IMPACT, REMEDIATION, RESTITUTION OR FINANCIAL OR NON-FINANCIAL
COMPENSATION, INCLUDING ESTABLISHING COMPENSATION FUNDS FOR VICTIMS OR
FOR FUTURE OUTREACH AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS, PUNITIVE SANCTIONS INCLUD-
ING THE DISMISSALS OF STAFF RESPONSIBLE FOR WRONGDOING, AND ESTABLISHING
AND UNDERTAKING MEASURES TO PREVENT FUTURE ADVERSE IMPACTS, WHICH MAY
INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF INTERNAL PROTOCOLS,
PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES TO PREVENT FUTURE ADVERSE IMPACTS.
(B) THE DUE DILIGENCE REQUIREMENTS PURSUANT TO THIS SUBDIVISION SHALL
NOT BE CONDITIONAL UPON THE COMPANY BEING EFFECTIVELY INVOLVED IN THE
SUBSIDIARY'S DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS OR EXERCISING A SUFFICIENT DEGREE OF
CONTROL ON COMPANIES WITHIN ITS SUPPLY CHAIN.
3. REPORTING. EVERY FASHION SELLER SHALL DEVELOP AND SUBMIT TO THE
DEPARTMENT OF STATE ANNUALLY, BEGINNING WITHIN EIGHTEEN MONTHS OF THE
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION, A DUE DILIGENCE REPORT.
(A) SUCH REPORT, EXCLUDING THE INFORMATION REQUIRED IN CLAUSE THREE OF
SUBPARAGRAPH (I) OF PARAGRAPH (A) OF SUBDIVISION TWO OF THIS SECTION,
SHALL ALSO BE MADE PUBLICLY AVAILABLE ON THE FASHION SELLER'S WEBSITE IN
A MACHINE READABLE AND REUSABLE FORMAT, PUBLISHED IN LINE WITH OPEN DATA
PRINCIPLES THROUGH A CLEAR AND EASILY DISCOVERABLE LINK TO THE REQUIRED
S. 4746--A 6
INFORMATION. IN THE EVENT THE FASHION SELLER DOES NOT HAVE AN INTERNET
WEBSITE, THE COMPANY SHALL PROVIDE A WRITTEN DISCLOSURE TO ANY PERSON
WHO HAS REQUESTED INFORMATION WITHIN THIRTY DAYS OF RECEIVING A REQUEST.
SUCH REPORT SHALL ALSO INCLUDE THE FASHION SELLER'S ANNUAL VOLUME OF
MATERIAL PRODUCED, INCLUDING BREAKDOWN BY MATERIAL TYPE.
(B) SUCH REPORT SHALL CONTAIN ANNUAL ACTIVITIES AND FINANCIAL SPENDING
TO SUPPORT SUPPLY CHAIN DUE DILIGENCE.
(C) THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE SHALL IDENTIFY AND NOTIFY FASHION SELLERS
THAT HAVE FAILED TO FILE A DUE DILIGENCE REPORT THAT THEY HAVE THIRTY
DAYS TO FILE SUCH REPORT BEFORE BEING PLACED ON A PUBLIC NON-COMPLIANT
LIST AND THAT THEY MAY BE REFERRED TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR INVESTI-
GATION.
(D) THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE SHALL REVIEW THE DUE DILIGENCE REPORTS FOR
COMPLETENESS.
(E) FASHION SELLERS SHALL HAVE TWELVE MONTHS FROM THE INTRODUCTION OF
ANY UPDATED GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS TO INTEGRATE SUCH GUIDANCE INTO THE NEXT
ANNUAL DUE DILIGENCE REPORT.
4. REGULATIONS. (A) THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE SHALL, IN CONSULTATION
WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION, PROMULGATE ALL RULES
AND REGULATIONS NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION
WITHIN SIX MONTHS FROM THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION.
(B) THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION, SHALL ALSO DEVELOP AND DISSEMINATE EDUCA-
TIONAL MATERIALS TO FASHION SELLERS, INCLUDING PROVIDING ALERTS ON TIME
SENSITIVE ISSUES, EMERGING ISSUES, AND HIGH-RISK COUNTRY SITUATIONS, AND
ASSISTING FASHION SELLERS IN IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF THEIR DUE DILI-
GENCE PROCESSES.
(C) THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE SHALL CONSULT THE MOST RECENT GREENHOUSE
GAS PROTOCOL CORPORATE ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING STANDARD TO DEVELOP
METHODOLOGIES TO CALCULATE DATA CAPTURE AS LAID OUT IN ITEM (A) OF
CLAUSE FOUR OF SUBPARAGRAPH (II) OF PARAGRAPH (A) OF SUBDIVISION TWO OF
THIS SECTION, PRIOR TO THAT REQUIREMENT BECOMING EFFECTIVE.
(D) THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE SHALL DEVELOP REGULATIONS ON REPORTING
REQUIREMENTS THAT MINIMIZE DUPLICATION OF EFFORT AND ALLOWS A FASHION
SELLER TO SUBMIT A DUE DILIGENCE REPORT TO THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE THAT
IS PREPARED TO MEET OTHER NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL REPORTING REQUIRE-
MENTS, INCLUDING ANY REPORTS REQUIRED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, AS LONG
AS SUCH REPORTS SATISFY ALL OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF SUBDIVISION TWO OF
THIS SECTION.
5. VERIFICATION. (A) THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE SHALL, IN CONSULTATION
WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION, DEVELOP A PROCESS FOR
ACCREDITING VERIFICATION BODIES AUTHORIZED TO PROVIDE VERIFICATION
SERVICES FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, INCLUDING WHICH REQUIREMENTS
THE ENTITY IS AUTHORIZED TO VERIFY.
(B) SUCH PROCESS SHALL AT A MINIMUM CONSIDER:
(I) THE DEMONSTRATED QUALIFICATIONS OF VERIFICATION STAFF, INCLUDING
THEIR EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSES. VERIFICATION
BODIES MUST EMPLOY AND RETAIN AT LEAST FIVE TOTAL FULL-TIME STAFF WITH
EXPERTISE IN THE REQUIREMENTS THEY SEEK TO VERIFY UNDER THIS SECTION;
(II) ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS, ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS, OR ADMINISTRATIVE
ACTIONS FILED AGAINST THE BODY WITHIN THE PREVIOUS FIVE YEARS; AND
(III) THE POLICIES AND MECHANISMS IN PLACE TO PREVENT CONFLICTS OF
INTEREST AND TO IDENTIFY AND RESOLVE POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST
SITUATIONS IF THEY ARISE. THE DEPARTMENT SHALL REQUIRE APPLICANTS TO
SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION, AT A MINIMUM:
S. 4746--A 7
(1) IDENTIFICATION OF SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE VERIFICATION BODY, THE
INDUSTRIES THAT THE BODY SERVES, AND THE LOCATIONS WHERE THOSE SERVICES
ARE PROVIDED;
(2) A DETAILED ORGANIZATIONAL CHART THAT INCLUDES THE VERIFICATION
BODY, ITS MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE, AND ANY RELATED ENTITIES; AND
(3) THE VERIFICATION BODY'S INTERNAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY THAT
IDENTIFIES ACTIVITIES AND LIMITS TO MONETARY OR NON-MONETARY GIFTS THAT
APPLY TO ALL EMPLOYEES AND PROCEDURES TO MONITOR CONFLICTS OF INTEREST.
(C) VERIFICATION BODIES SHALL NOT BE AUTHORIZED TO PROVIDE SERVICES TO
A COMPANY WHERE A CONFLICT OF INTEREST EXISTS. A CONFLICT OF INTEREST
SHALL INCLUDE:
(I) WHERE THE VERIFICATION BODY AND REPORTING ENTITY SHARE ANY MANAGE-
MENT STAFF OR BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBERSHIP, OR ANY OF THE SENIOR
MANAGEMENT STAFF OF THE REPORTING ENTITY HAVE BEEN EMPLOYED BY THE
VERIFICATION BODY, OR VICE VERSA, WITHIN THE PREVIOUS FIVE YEARS;
(II) ANY EMPLOYEE OF THE VERIFICATION BODY, OR ANY EMPLOYEE OF A
RELATED ENTITY, OR A SUBCONTRACTOR WHO IS A MEMBER OF THE VERIFICATION
TEAM HAS PROVIDED THE REPORTING ENTITY WITH SERVICES RELATED TO THE
AREAS OF VERIFICATION, OR ANY SERVICES DESIGNATED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF
STATE, WITHIN THE PREVIOUS FIVE YEARS;
(III) ANY STAFF MEMBER OF THE VERIFICATION BODY PROVIDES ANY TYPE OF
NON-MONETARY INCENTIVE TO A REPORTING ENTITY TO SECURE A VERIFICATION
SERVICES CONTRACT; AND
(IV) ANY ADDITIONAL CRITERIA PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE.
(D) VERIFICATION BODIES THAT HAVE BEEN ACCREDITED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF
STATE SHALL NOTIFY THE DEPARTMENT WITHIN THIRTY DAYS IF THEY NO LONGER
MEET THE VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS SET FORTH BY THIS SECTION.
6. MONITORING AND ENFORCEMENT. (A) THE REQUIREMENTS IMPOSED ON FASHION
SELLERS BY THIS SECTION SHALL BE MONITORED, INVESTIGATED, AND ENFORCED
BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OR AN ADMINISTRATOR DESIGNATED BY THE ATTORNEY
GENERAL TO BRING CIVIL PROCEEDINGS FOR AN INJUNCTION, OR FINES FOR MONE-
TARY DAMAGES AS DESCRIBED IN THIS SECTION, OR CIVIL PERFORMANCE OF A
STATUTORY DUTY. FASHION SELLERS SHALL BE DEEMED NON-COMPLIANT WITH THIS
SECTION IF THEY FAIL TO CONDUCT EFFECTIVE DUE DILIGENCE PURSUANT TO
SUBDIVISION TWO OF THIS SECTION OR FAIL TO FILE A DUE DILIGENCE REPORT
PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION THREE OF THIS SECTION.
(B) THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE SHALL IDENTIFY AND NOTIFY FASHION SELLERS
THAT HAVE FAILED TO FILE A COMPLETE DUE DILIGENCE REPORT. IF SUCH FASH-
ION SELLERS FAIL TO FILE A COMPLETE REPORT, AFTER A PERIOD OF THREE
MONTHS, THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE SHALL REFER FASHION SELLERS TO THE
ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR ENFORCEMENT FOR FAILURE TO FILE A COMPLETE REPORT.
(C) THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION SHALL REVIEW AND
CERTIFY EFFECTIVE DUE DILIGENCE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS IN THE DUE
DILIGENCE REPORT AND IDENTIFY FASHION SELLERS FOR REFERRAL TO THE SECRE-
TARY OF STATE FOR ANY FAILURES.
(D) THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE SHALL COMPILE AND MAINTAIN A LIST OF NON-
COMPLIANT FASHION SELLERS ON THE DEPARTMENT'S WEBSITE. THE DEPARTMENT OF
STATE SHALL REFER TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR INVESTIGATION ANY FASHION
SELLER WHO FAILS TO FILE A DUE DILIGENCE REPORT OR FAILS TO CONDUCT
EFFECTIVE DUE DILIGENCE, ONCE ANY GRACE PERIOD LAPSES AND THE FASHION
SELLER REMAINS IN NON-COMPLIANCE.
(E) FASHION SELLERS FOUND TO BE OUT OF COMPLIANCE WITH THIS SECTION
AFTER THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, OR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S DESIGNATED ADMIN-
ISTRATOR AS APPLICABLE, HAS PROVIDED NOTICE OF NON-COMPLIANCE, AND AFTER
A THREE-MONTH PERIOD TO MEET OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS SECTION HAS LAPSED,
MAY BE FINED UP TO TWO PERCENT OF ANNUAL REVENUES. SUCH FINES SHALL BE
S. 4746--A 8
DEPOSITED IN THE COMMUNITY BENEFIT FUND ESTABLISHED BY SECTION NINETY-
SEVEN-CCC OF THE STATE FINANCE LAW.
(F) THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, OR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S DESIGNATED ADMIN-
ISTRATOR SHALL USE A RISK-BASED APPROACH IN ENFORCEMENT AND SHALL
PUBLISH ENFORCEMENT GUIDELINES.
(G) ANY PERSON MAY REPORT A VIOLATION OF THIS SECTION TO THE ATTORNEY
GENERAL'S OFFICE.
§ 399-MMM. FASHION ENVIRONMENTAL ACCOUNTABILITY ACT COMPACT. 1. RULES
OF CONSTRUCTION. (A) THIS COMPACT SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED TO DISPLACE
FEDERAL RULES OR REGULATIONS RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF GARMENTS OR
OTHER SUCH PRODUCTS COVERED BY THE FASHION ENVIRONMENTAL ACCOUNTABILITY
ACT.
(B) THIS COMPACT SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN A MANNER TO ACHIEVE THE
PURPOSES AND INTENT ENUNCIATED IN THE FASHION ENVIRONMENTAL ACCOUNTABIL-
ITY ACT. IT IS THE INTENT OF THIS COMPACT TO ESTABLISH A BASIC STRUCTURE
BY WHICH THE COMMISSION MAY ACHIEVE THOSE PURPOSES THROUGH THE APPLICA-
TION, ADAPTATION, AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE REGULATORY TECHNIQUES PURSUANT
TO THE FASHION ENVIRONMENTAL ACCOUNTABILITY ACT AND TO AFFORD THE
COMMISSION SUFFICIENT FLEXIBILITY TO DEVISE REGULATORY MECHANISMS TO
ACHIEVE THE PURPOSES OF THIS COMPACT IN LINE WITH THE INTENT OF THE
FASHION ENVIRONMENTAL ACCOUNTABILITY ACT. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS
INTENT, THE COMMISSION SHALL USE THE TERMS AND PURPOSE DEFINED IN THIS
ACT, SOLELY FOR THE INTENT OF COORDINATING RULES AND REGULATIONS EXCLUD-
ING IMPLEMENTATION, WHICH SHALL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PARTICIPAT-
ING STATES. THE COMMISSION MAY FURTHER DEFINE THE TERMS USED IN THIS
COMPACT, DEVELOP ADDITIONAL CONCEPTS AND DEFINE ADDITIONAL TERMS AS IT
MAY FIND APPROPRIATE TO ACHIEVE ITS PURPOSES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.
(C) THIS COMPACT SHALL COME INTO FORCE UPON ENTRY OF TWO OR MORE
PARTICIPATING STATES.
2. INTERSTATE FASHION ENVIRONMENTAL ACCOUNTABILITY COMMISSION. THERE
IS HEREBY CREATED AN INTERSTATE FASHION ENVIRONMENTAL ACCOUNTABILITY
COMMISSION TO ADMINISTER THE COMPACT, COMPOSED OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM
EACH PARTICIPATING STATE. A REPRESENTATIVE SHALL BE APPOINTED BY A
PARTICIPATING STATE AT SUCH STATE'S DISCRETION. A STATE'S REPRESENTATIVE
SHALL BE A RESIDENT OF SUCH STATE WITH RELEVANT EXPERTISE OR SCIENTIFIC
KNOWLEDGE IN THE AREAS INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO FASHION ENVIRON-
MENTAL SUSTAINABILITY, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, INTERNATIONAL SUPPLY
CHAINS, THE ESTABLISHMENT OF BY-LAWS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS FOR INTER-
STATE COMPACTS, INTERSTATE COMMERCE, AND SUBJECT TO SUCH CONFIRMATION
PROCESS AS IS PROVIDED FOR IN THE APPOINTING STATE. IN ALL OTHER
RESPECTS, SUCH REPRESENTATIVE SHALL SERVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF
THE PARTICIPATING STATE AND FOR A TIME AS DETERMINED BY THE PARTICIPAT-
ING STATE. THE COMPENSATION, IF ANY, SHALL BE DETERMINED BY THE BY-LAWS
OF THE COMPACT. EACH STATE REPRESENTATIVE SHALL BE ENTITLED TO ONE VOTE
IN THE CONDUCT OF THE COMMISSION'S AFFAIRS. ANY EXPENSES INCURRED FOR
THE PURPOSES OF PARTICIPATION SHALL BE PAID BY THE COMMISSION AND SHALL
BE SHARED EQUITABLY ACROSS PARTICIPATING STATES.
3. VOTING REQUIREMENTS. ALL ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE COMMISSION, SHALL BE
BY MAJORITY VOTE OF THE REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT, EXCEPT FOR THE ADOPTION
OF BY-LAWS, WHICH SHALL BE BY A TWO-THIRDS VOTE. A MAJORITY OF THE
REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE PARTICIPATING STATES SHALL CONSTITUTE A QUORUM
FOR THE CONDUCT OF THE COMMISSION'S BUSINESS.
4. ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT. (A) THE COMMISSION SHALL ELECT ANNU-
ALLY FROM AMONG THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PARTICIPATING STATES A CHAIR-
PERSON, A VICE-CHAIRPERSON, A SECRETARY, AND A TREASURER. THE COMMISSION
SHALL APPOINT AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND FIX THEIR DUTIES IN CARRYING OUT
S. 4746--A 9
THE INTENT OF THE COMPACT AS WELL AS COMPENSATION. THE EXECUTIVE DIREC-
TOR SHALL SERVE AT THE PLEASURE OF THE COMMISSION, AND, TOGETHER WITH
THE TREASURER, SHALL BE BONDED IN AN AMOUNT DETERMINED BY THE COMMIS-
SION.
(B) THE COMMISSION SHALL ADOPT BY-LAWS FOR THE CONDUCT OF ITS BUSINESS
BY A TWO-THIRDS VOTE, AND SHALL HAVE THE POWER BY THE SAME VOTE TO AMEND
OR RESCIND SECTIONS OF SUCH BY-LAWS. THE COMMISSION SHALL PUBLISH ITS
BY-LAWS IN A CONVENIENT FORM WHICH SHALL BE ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC
WITH THE APPROPRIATE AGENCY OR OFFICER IN EACH OF THE PARTICIPATING
STATES. THE BY-LAWS SHALL PROVIDE FOR APPROPRIATE NOTICE, TO THE STATE
REPRESENTATIVES, OF ALL COMMISSION MEETINGS AND HEARINGS AND OF THE
BUSINESS TO BE TRANSACTED AT SUCH MEETINGS OR HEARINGS. NOTICE ALSO
SHALL BE GIVEN TO OTHER AGENCIES OR OFFICERS OF PARTICIPATING STATES AS
PROVIDED BY THE LAWS OF THOSE STATES.
(C) THE COMMISSION SHALL FILE AN ANNUAL REPORT WITH RESPECT TO ITS
ACTIVITIES AND OUTCOMES FOR THE PRECEDING YEAR WITH EACH OF THE PARTIC-
IPATING STATES BY SUBMITTING COPIES TO THE GOVERNOR, BOTH HOUSES OF THE
LEGISLATURE, AND THE HEAD OF THE STATE'S DEPARTMENTS DEEMED NECESSARY BY
EACH RESPECTIVE PARTICIPATING STATE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS ACT.
(D) IN ADDITION TO THE POWERS AND DUTIES ELSEWHERE PRESCRIBED IN THIS
COMPACT, THE COMMISSION SHALL HAVE THE POWER TO:
(I) ACQUIRE, HOLD, AND DISPOSE OF REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY BY GIFT,
PURCHASE, LEASE, LICENSE, OR OTHER SIMILAR MANNER, FOR THE EXCLUSIVE
PURPOSE OF COORDINATING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ACT BETWEEN PARTICIPATING
STATES;
(II) APPOINT SUCH OFFICERS, AGENTS, AND EMPLOYEES AS IT MAY DEEM
NECESSARY AND PRESCRIBE THEIR POWERS, DUTIES, AND QUALIFICATIONS; AND
(III) CREATE AND ABOLISH SUCH EMPLOYMENTS AND POSITIONS AS IT DEEMS
NECESSARY FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE COMPACT AND PROVIDE FOR THE REMOVAL,
TERM, TENURE, COMPENSATION, FRINGE BENEFITS, PENSION, AND RETIREMENT
RIGHTS OF ITS EMPLOYEES AND POSITIONS. THE COMMISSION MAY ALSO RETAIN
PERSONAL SERVICES ON A CONTRACT BASIS FOR THE EXCLUSIVE PURPOSE OF COOR-
DINATING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FASHION ENVIRONMENTAL ACCOUNTABILITY ACT
BETWEEN PARTICIPATING STATES.
5. RULEMAKING POWER. THE COMMISSION IS FURTHER EMPOWERED TO ADOPT
UNIFORM ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES AND RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FASHION ENVIRONMENTAL ACCOUNTABILITY ACT AND TO
MAKE AND ENFORCE SUCH ADDITIONAL RULES AND REGULATIONS AS IT DEEMS
NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT ANY PROVISIONS OF THIS COMPACT. THE COMMISSION
SHALL ALSO PROVIDE A CONCISE GENERAL STATEMENT OF BASIS AND PURPOSE AS
REQUIRED BY SECTION 4(B) OF THE FEDERAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE ACT, AS
AMENDED (5 U.S.C. SEC. 553(C)).
6. POWERS TO PROMOTE REGULATORY UNIFORMITY, SIMPLICITY, AND INTERSTATE
COOPERATION. THE COMMISSION IS HEREBY EMPOWERED TO:
(A) CONDUCT MONITORING AND EVALUATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS AND RULES
AND REGULATIONS OF THE PARTICIPATING STATES, INCLUDING THE QUALITY AND
EXTENT OF THEIR IMPLEMENTATION AND THEIR IMPACT RELATED TO REGULATED
ENTITIES TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THE INTENT OF THE FASHION ENVIRON-
MENTAL ACCOUNTABILITY ACT;
(B) PREPARE AND TRANSMIT TO PARTICIPATING STATES MODEL RULES AND REGU-
LATIONS TO ENSURE THE EFFECTIVE ADMINISTRATION OF THE FASHION ENVIRON-
MENTAL ACCOUNTABILITY ACT AND ITS INTENT;
(C) STUDY AND RECOMMEND TO THE PARTICIPATING STATES JOINT OR COORDI-
NATED PROGRAMS FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE FASHION ENVIRONMENTAL
ACCOUNTABILITY ACT AND TO PREPARE ESTIMATES OF COST SAVINGS AND BENEFITS
OF SUCH PROGRAMS;
S. 4746--A 10
(D) ENCOURAGE COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE REGULATED ENTI-
TIES OF THE FASHION ENVIRONMENTAL ACCOUNTABILITY ACT AND PARTICIPATING
STATES FOR THE PROPER COMPLIANCE OF FASHION SELLERS PURSUANT TO THE
FASHION ENVIRONMENTAL ACCOUNTABILITY ACT AND PARTICIPATING STATES' MUTU-
AL CHALLENGES TO ENFORCEMENT, INCLUDING THROUGH MEETINGS, SYMPOSIUMS OR
CONFERENCES DESIGNED TO IMPROVE INDUSTRY RELATIONS, COORDINATION BETWEEN
PARTICIPATING STATES, OR A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF CHALLENGES WITH
REGARDS TO THE ACHIEVING INTENT OF THE FASHION ENVIRONMENTAL ACCOUNT-
ABILITY ACT;
(E) PREPARE AND RELEASE PERIODIC REPORTS ON ACTIVITIES AND RESULTS OF
THE COMMISSION'S EFFORTS WITH THE PARTICIPATING STATES WHICH SHALL BE
READILY ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC;
(F) REVIEW THE INTERPRETATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF DUE DILIGENCE
PROCEDURES AND COMPLIANCE WITH THE FASHION ENVIRONMENTAL ACCOUNTABILITY
ACT BETWEEN PARTICIPATING STATES AND MAKE RECOMMENDED CHANGES AS NECES-
SARY TO ENSURE UNIFORMITY AND CONTINUITY OF COMPLIANCE BETWEEN SUCH
PARTICIPATING STATES IN KEEPING WITH THE INTENT OF THE FASHION ENVIRON-
MENTAL ACCOUNTABILITY ACT; AND
(G) FACILITATE THE SHARING BETWEEN PARTICIPATING STATES OF DATA
REGARDING REGULATED ENTITIES AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INTENT OF THE
ACT.
7. RULEMAKING PROCEDURE. UPON ENTRY INTO FORCE OF THIS COMPACT, THE
COMMISSION SHALL CONDUCT AN INFORMAL RULEMAKING PROCEEDING, INCLUDING NO
LESS THAN ONE PUBLIC HEARING PER PARTICIPATING STATE, TO PROVIDE INTER-
ESTED PERSONS WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO PRESENT DATA AND VIEWS. SUCH RULE-
MAKING PROCEEDING SHALL BE GOVERNED BY SECTION FOUR OF THE FEDERAL
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE ACT, AS AMENDED (5 U.S.C. SEC. 553). IN ADDI-
TION, THE COMMISSION SHALL PUBLISH NOTICE OF RULEMAKING PROCEEDINGS IN
THE OFFICIAL REGISTER AND WEBSITES OF THE DESIGNATED DEPARTMENTS OF EACH
PARTICIPATING STATE, AT MINIMUM. THE COMMISSION MAY COMMENCE A RULEMAK-
ING PROCEEDING ON ITS OWN INITIATIVE OR MAY IN ITS SOLE DISCRETION ACT
UPON THE PETITION OF ANY PERSON OR REGULATED ENTITY, CONSUMER OR PUBLIC
INTEREST GROUPS, AND LOCAL, STATE, OR FEDERAL OFFICIALS.
8. RECORDS, REPORTS, ACCESS TO PREMISES. (A) THE COMMISSION MAY BY
RULE AND REGULATION PRESCRIBE RECORDKEEPING AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
FOR ALL PARTICIPATING STATES FOR THE PURPOSES OF COORDINATING IMPLEMEN-
TATION. FOR PURPOSES OF THE ADMINISTRATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS
COMPACT, THE COMMISSION IS AUTHORIZED TO EXAMINE THE BOOKS AND RECORDS
OF ANY PARTICIPATING STATE RELATING TO THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE FASHION
ENVIRONMENTAL ACCOUNTABILITY ACT. THE COMMISSION'S PROPERLY DESIGNATED
EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS SHALL HAVE FULL ACCESS DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS
TO THE PREMISES AND RELEVANT RECORDS OF ALL RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS OF
PARTICIPATING STATES.
(B) INFORMATION FURNISHED TO OR ACQUIRED BY THE COMMISSION OFFICERS,
EMPLOYEES, OR ITS AGENTS PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION SHALL BE AVAILABLE TO
ALL PARTICIPATING STATES BUT CONFIDENTIAL WITH RESPECTS TO ANY LAW,
RULE, OR REGULATION REGARDING PROPRIETARY INFORMATION AND NOT SUBJECT TO
PUBLIC DISCLOSURE EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THAT THE COMMISSION DEEMS DISCLO-
SURE TO BE NECESSARY IN ANY ADMINISTRATIVE OR JUDICIAL PROCEEDING
INVOLVING THE ADMINISTRATION OR IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS COMPACT OR OTHER
REGULATIONS OF THE COMMISSION. THE COMMISSION MAY PROMULGATE REGULATIONS
FURTHER DEFINING THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THIS
SUBDIVISION. NOTHING IN THIS SUBDIVISION SHALL BE DEEMED TO PROHIBIT THE
PUBLICATION BY DIRECTION OF THE COMMISSION OF THE NAME OF ANY PARTIC-
IPATING STATE VIOLATING ANY REGULATION OF THE COMMISSION, TOGETHER WITH
A STATEMENT OF THE PARTICULAR PROVISIONS VIOLATED BY SUCH STATE. THE
S. 4746--A 11
COMMISSION IS AUTHORIZED TO REQUIRE COMPLIANCE OF A PARTICIPATING STATE
VIOLATING ANY REGULATION OF THE COMMISSION BY MAJORITY VOTE OF THE
COMMISSION. FAILURE TO ADHERE TO SUCH COMPLIANCE SHALL DEEM SUCH PARTIC-
IPATING STATE NOT-IN-GOOD STANDING WITH THE COMPACT AND BE VOID OF ALL
PARTICIPATION OR REQUIREMENTS PURSUANT TO THE BY-LAWS ESTABLISHED BY THE
COMMISSION.
(C) NO OFFICER, EMPLOYEE, OR AGENT OF THE COMMISSION SHALL INTEN-
TIONALLY DISCLOSE INFORMATION, BY INFERENCE OR OTHERWISE, WHICH IS MADE
CONFIDENTIAL PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION. ANY PERSON VIOLATING THE
PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION, UPON CONVICTION, SHALL BE REMOVED FROM
OFFICE.
(D) THE COMMISSION SHALL REFER ANY ALLEGATION OF A VIOLATION OF A
REPRESENTATIVE PURSUANT TO THIS SUBDIVISION TO THE RESPECTIVE PARTIC-
IPATING STATE AND APPROPRIATE STATE ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY.
9. FINANCE OF STARTUP AND REGULAR COSTS. IN ORDER TO FINANCE THE COSTS
OF ADMINISTRATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS COMPACT THE COMMISSION IS
HEREBY EMPOWERED TO COLLECT AN ASSESSMENT FROM EACH PARTICIPATING STATE,
PURSUANT TO RULES AND REGULATIONS ENACTED BY THE COMMISSION. SUCH RULES
AND REGULATIONS SHALL PROVIDE FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF A RESERVE FOR THE
COMMISSION'S ONGOING OPERATING EXPENSES. PARTICIPATING STATES MAY FUND
THE INITIAL EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE BY-LAWS,
RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE COMPACT AND COMMISSION STAFF.
10. AUDIT AND ACCOUNTS. (A) THE COMMISSION SHALL KEEP ACCURATE
ACCOUNTS OF ALL RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS, WHICH SHALL BE SUBJECT TO
THE AUDIT AND ACCOUNTING PROCEDURES ESTABLISHED UNDER ITS RULES AND
REGULATIONS. IN ADDITION, ALL RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS OF FUNDS
HANDLED BY THE COMMISSION SHALL BE AUDITED YEARLY BY A QUALIFIED PUBLIC
ACCOUNTANT AND THE REPORT OF THE AUDIT SHALL BE INCLUDED IN AND BECOME
PART OF THE ANNUAL REPORT AND THE ANNUAL BUDGET OF THE COMMISSION.
(B) THE ACCOUNTS OF THE COMMISSION SHALL BE OPEN AT ANY REASONABLE
TIME FOR INSPECTION BY DULY CONSTITUTED REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PARTIC-
IPATING STATES AND BY ANY PERSONS AUTHORIZED BY THE COMMISSION.
(C) NOTHING CONTAINED IN THIS COMPACT SHALL BE CONSTRUED TO PREVENT
COMMISSION COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS RELATING TO AUDIT OR INSPECTION OF
ACCOUNTS BY OR ON BEHALF OF ANY PARTICIPATING STATE OR OF THE UNITED
STATES.
11. ENTRY INTO FORCE; ADDITIONAL MEMBERS. THE COMPACT SHALL ENTER INTO
FORCE FOR A PARTICIPATING STATE EFFECTIVE WHEN ENACTED INTO LAW BY SUCH
STATE, DISTRICT, OR TERRITORY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
12. VOLUNTARY WITHDRAWAL FROM COMPACT. ANY PARTICIPATING STATE MAY
WITHDRAW FROM THIS COMPACT BY ENACTING A STATUTE REPEALING THE SAME, BUT
NO SUCH WITHDRAWAL SHALL TAKE EFFECT UNTIL ONE YEAR AFTER NOTICE IN
WRITING OF THE WITHDRAWAL IS GIVEN TO THE COMMISSION AND THE GOVERNORS
OF ALL OTHER PARTICIPATING STATES. NO WITHDRAWAL SHALL AFFECT ANY
LIABILITY ALREADY INCURRED BY OR CHARGEABLE TO A PARTICIPATING STATE
PRIOR TO THE TIME OF SUCH WITHDRAWAL.
13. RESERVATION OF RIGHTS; IN GENERAL. THE RIGHT TO ALTER, AMEND, OR
REPEAL THIS COMPACT IS EXPRESSLY RESERVED.
§ 3. The state finance law is amended by adding a new section 97-ccc
to read as follows:
§ 97-CCC. FASHION REMEDIATION FUND. 1. THERE IS HEREBY ESTABLISHED IN
THE JOINT CUSTODY OF THE COMPTROLLER, THE COMMISSIONER OF TAXATION AND
FINANCE, THE COMMISSIONER OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION, AND THE COMMIS-
SIONER OF LABOR A SPECIAL FUND TO BE KNOWN AS THE FASHION REMEDIATION
FUND.
S. 4746--A 12
2. SUCH FUND SHALL CONSIST OF ALL MONEYS DEPOSITED PURSUANT TO PARA-
GRAPH (C) OF SUBDIVISION SIX OF SECTION THREE HUNDRED NINETY-NINE-MM OF
THE GENERAL BUSINESS LAW.
3. THE MONEYS IN THE FUND SHALL BE EXPENDED BY THE COMPTROLLER FOR THE
PURPOSE OF IMPLEMENTING ONE OR MORE ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFIT PROJECTS OR
ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION PROJECTS THAT DIRECTLY AND VERIFIABLY BENEFIT
THE WORKERS AND COMMUNITIES DIRECTLY IMPACTED, TO THE EXTENT PRACTICA-
BLE, AT THE LOCATION THE INJURY HAS OCCURRED.
4. ON OR BEFORE THE FIRST DAY OF FEBRUARY EACH YEAR, THE COMPTROLLER
SHALL CERTIFY TO THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE, AND THE SPEAKER
OF THE ASSEMBLY, THE AMOUNT OF MONEY DEPOSITED BY SOURCE IN THE FUND
DURING THE PRECEDING CALENDAR YEAR, AS WELL AS ALL DISBURSEMENTS FROM
THE FUND DURING THE PRECEDING CALENDAR YEAR.
5. MONEYS SHALL BE PAYABLE FROM THE FUND ON THE AUDIT AND WARRANT OF
THE COMPTROLLER ON VOUCHERS CERTIFIED AND APPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER
OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION AS APPLICABLE.
§ 4. The attorney general shall certify to the governor that the
office of the attorney general is prepared to execute the duties
assigned in subdivision 6 of section 399-mm of the general business law
within one year following the effective date of this act. If, after the
expiration of one year, the attorney general requires more time to
certify that the office of the attorney general is prepared to execute
such duties, the attorney general may, for good cause shown, apply to
the governor for an extension of time. The governor may grant or deny an
extension of up to one year according to their discretion.
§ 5. Severability. If any word, phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph,
section, or part of this act shall be adjudged by any court of competent
jurisdiction to be invalid, such judgment shall not affect, impair, or
invalidate the remainder thereof, but shall be confined in its operation
to the word, phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph, section, or part ther-
eof directly involved in the controversy in which such judgment shall
have been rendered.
§ 6. This act shall take effect immediately; provided, however, that
subdivision 6 of section 399-mm of the general business law as added by
section two of this act shall take effect one year after the attorney
general certifies that the office of the attorney general is prepared to
execute the duties assigned in such subdivision. The attorney general
shall notify the legislative bill drafting commission upon the occur-
rence of such certification in order that the commission may maintain an
accurate and timely effective data base of the official text of the laws
of the state of New York in furtherance of effectuating the provisions
of section 44 of the legislative law and section 70-b of the public
officers law.