On May 13, Ohio Representative David Thomas introduced House Bill 873, which would modernize the state’s outdated stuffed toy law (Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3713) by allowing the use of recycled materials in stuffed toys manufactured and sold in the state.
The legislation follows ongoing discussions between The Toy Association and the Ohio Department of Commerce aimed at updating Ohio’s manufacturing requirements to reflect current industry practices and sustainability efforts. The Association has made modernization of Ohio’s law a top advocacy priority after successfully supporting similar legislative changes in Pennsylvania in 2024.
Ohio is now the only state actively prohibiting recycled fill in stuffed toys manufactured or sold within its borders, despite existing federal safety requirements governing stuffed toy materials. For decades, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts maintained similar state laws requiring stuffed toys to use new, virgin fill materials, even when recycled materials met applicable safety and quality standards. Pennsylvania updated its law in 2024, while Massachusetts is currently not enforcing its prohibition on recycled fill and is also considering updates to its state law.
And, because Ohio’s current stuffed toy requirements closely mirror Pennsylvania’s former stuffed toy law, differing requirements between the two states over the past two years have created operational challenges for manufacturers and retailers, particularly related to labeling requirements.
“The current Ohio law is the only remaining state restriction in the country actively prohibiting recycled material in stuffed toys — a requirement that provides no additional safety benefit beyond existing federal standards,” said Charlotte Hickcox, director of state government affairs at The Toy Association. “Updating the law will help align Ohio with modern manufacturing practices while reducing unnecessary operational burdens for companies selling products in multiple states.”
House Bill 873 must pass both the Ohio House of Representatives and Senate before advancing to the governor’s desk for consideration.
The Toy Association will continue to keep the industry apprised of developments regarding state regulations. For more information on The Toy Association’s advocacy initiatives at the state level or to join the State Government Affairs Committee, members may contact Charlotte Hickcox, director of state government affairs (Eastern states) and Lindsey Hueer, senior manager of state government affairs (Western states).