Bill > A01797

This bill requires hair relaxer manufacturers to provide clear warning labels on product packaging when the product contains carcinogenic chemicals or reproductive toxicants. The bill defines key terms like "hair relaxer" (a product used to straighten hair), "carcinogen" (a cancer-causing chemical), and "reproductive toxicant" (a chemical that can cause birth defects or reproductive harm). Specifically, manufacturers must display warning labels in at least 12-point font that state either "This product contains a chemical known to cause cancer", "This product contains a chemical known to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm", or a combination of these warnings if the product contains both types of harmful chemicals. The bill applies to hair relaxer products sold in New York and empowers the state Attorney General to seek injunctions and impose civil penalties for non-compliance, with fines of up to $250 per unit for a first offense and $500 per unit for subsequent offenses. The law will take effect 18 months after it becomes law, giving manufacturers time to update their product labeling to comply with the new requirements.

Business and Industry, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1797