So when Dillon, owner of 4 Doors Down, discovered early last month a federal law that could have severe implications for her store and profession, she took notice. "Why do they want to punish small business people and consumers that need it most?" she asked. The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act requires all merchandise, including clothing and toys, for children 12 and under to be tested for lead and other potentially dangerous chemicals used in plastic products. Approved by Congress last year, the federal law is scheduled to go into effect Feb. 10. The way the law reads, Dillon noted, is if store owners fail to test their merchandise for lead, they would be held liable and face criminal charges should they be caught. The law also could curtail garage sales and donations to other agencies. However, since the law has become publicly known, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a clarification last month alerting sellers of used children's products that they would not be required to certify that their products adhere to the new lead standards. Then last week, the CPSC announced manufacturers and importers of children's products will not need to test or certify to the new requirements until next year. According to the commission's report, the extra year will allow more time to decide what materials and products should be tested. In addition, testing requirements and how it is conducted also will be finalized. The changes are a relief, but Dillon still has her doubts. "I don't like the way the law is written," she stated. "It needs to be changed. You are hitting the sector of our community that needs this." Other local thrift store owners are worried about the new law's impact as well. Sherry Miller owns Castaway's Resale and Consignment store in Warrenton and said she could stay afloat without selling children's merchandise. Still, she doesn't agree with the way the commission ignores manufacturers who import their products that don't meet standards set by the United States. "They should not be punishing us," Miller said. Pearl Penrod, co-owner of Gimme A 2nd, said she remains "in limbo" trying to decipher the law. Similar to the other store owners, she was concerned that just as her shop was beginning to draw a consistent client base the end may be near. Penrod's store in Wright City is in its second year of existence and unlike many of the other second hand stores in the area which offer a diverse selection of goods, her shop handles only children's merchandise. "We would be forced to close," Penrod said. Fortunately, that shouldn't be the case for the immediate future. The resale profession is one of few to see an increase in sales since last year's recession began. "It's my business," Miller said. "It concerns me when they start sticking their nose in little businesses, especially in a time like now. Now is not the time."