New Jersey considering rules on furniture tip-overs

Would require producers to provide information about how to prevent accidents

Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, September 8, 2009

TRENTON, N.J. — A bill that requires furniture producers to provide consumers with information about how to prevent accidents caused by furniture tipping over awaits action in the New Jersey Senate.

The bill is known as "Chloe and Samantha's Law," in honor of two girls, ages 18 months and 3 years old, who were killed when large televisions tipped onto them in separate accidents.

An Associated Press story reports that the measure passed the New Jersey General Assembly in June. It would require furniture manufacturers to provide consumers with written notice about devices that can anchor, stabilize or prevent tip-overs at the point of sale or rental.

The law would impose $250 to $500 fines for each violation and would apply to dressers, bookcases, bureaus and armoires that are 42 inches or more in height and all television stands.

To see the Associated Press story, click here.