(1) It is the intent of the legislature that a producer, legacy producer, group of producers or legacy producers, or stewardship organization preparing, submitting, and implementing a mercury-containing light product stewardship program pursuant to this chapter, as well as participating entities in the distribution chain, including retailers and distributors, are granted immunity, individually and jointly, from federal and state antitrust liability that might otherwise apply to the activities reasonably necessary for implementation and compliance with this chapter. It is further the intent of the legislature that the activities of the producer, legacy producer, group of producers or legacy producers, stewardship organization, and entities in the distribution chain, including retailers and distributors, in implementing and complying with the provisions of this chapter may not be considered to be in restraint of trade, a conspiracy, or combination thereof, or any other unlawful activity in violation of any provisions of federal or state antitrust laws.

(2) The department shall actively supervise the conduct of the stewardship organization, the producers and legacy producers of mercury-containing lights, and entities in the distribution chain under this chapter.

Finding—Intent—2024 c 339: See note following RCW 70A.505.010.

Finding—2014 c 119: See note following RCW 70A.505.020.