Fire retardants and baby products: This isn't kid stuff

At an Assembly hearing last week, the deputy director of the state Department of Consumer Affairs, which regulates baby products and reports to the governor, unexpectedly said that the agency was coming out in opposition to the bill. Under intense questioning, she acknowledged that her department had decided to oppose passage only hours before the hearing.

Some legislators now question how trustworthy the department was in the matter and whether intense lobbying by chemical companies against the bill have influenced the governor's staff.

The bill would be unnecessary if the governor exercised the authority he has to modify the regulations himself.

Despite the administration's opposition, the bill, which is supported by professional firefighters, makers of juvenile products and conservation, consumer and environmental justice groups, passed the Assembly Business and Professions Committee 7 to 2 and now heads to the Appropriations Committee.

For the benefit of California's infants, let's hope the Legislature holds firm.