CA SB1232

Allows manufacturers to label products as "biodegradable," "degradable," or "decomposable" if the product contains no intentionally added ingredients that present human health risks from dermal or oral exposure, as determined by the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.

Requires products claiming biodegradability to be composed exclusively of nonsynthetic organic materials (with allowance for up to 10 percent synthetic substances by weight and mineral fillers not exceeding 25 percent of product weight).

Mandates laboratory testing under ASTM standard D6691-17 to demonstrate that biodegradable products will be consumed by marine bacteria within five years.

Establishes an alternative pathway allowing the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, in consultation with the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, to determine biodegradability claims based on competent and reliable evidence specific to a product, material, or ingredient.

Transfers primary authority for evaluating health risk determinations from the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery to the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.