Bill
Bill > S4477
NJ S4477
NJ S4477Bans carcinogens, reproductive toxicants, flame resistant chemicals, and volatile organic compounds from certain hair products.
summary
Introduced
05/19/2025
05/19/2025
In Committee
06/12/2025
06/12/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill bans certain materials from being intentionally added to hair products manufactured, sold, or distributed in this State. The bill defines hair product to mean a product made through the synthesis of artificial materials such as polyester, nylon, acrylic, or cellulose to create fibers that undergo various processes to resemble human hair. Under the bill, carcinogens, reproductive toxicants, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and flame resistant chemicals are prohibited from being intentionally added to hair products. The bill defines a carcinogen as a chemical identified by the World Health Organization as a "Group 1 carcinogen" or "group 2A carcinogen"; a chemical identified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as "known to be a human carcinogen" and "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen"; or a chemical recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency as "group A carcinogens" or "group B carcinogens." The bill also defines reproductive toxicant to mean any chemical identified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as a reproductive or developmental toxicant. The bill provides that it is an unlawful practice and a violation of the consumer fraud act for any person to manufacture, sell, distribute, or offer for sale in this State a hair product that emits VOCs when used as intended, or contains an intentionally added carcinogen, reproductive toxicant, or flame resistant chemical. A violation of the bill's provisions is punishable by a monetary penalty of not more than $10,000 for a first offense and not more than $20,000 for any subsequent offense. In addition, a violation can result in cease and desist orders issued by the Attorney General, the assessment of punitive damages, and the awarding of treble damages and costs to the injured.
AI Summary
This bill aims to protect consumers by prohibiting potentially harmful chemicals in hair products manufactured, sold, or distributed in New Jersey. Specifically, the bill defines and bans hair products containing carcinogens (cancer-causing chemicals), reproductive toxicants (chemicals that can harm reproductive health), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and flame resistant chemicals. The bill provides detailed definitions for these terms, referencing classifications from organizations like the World Health Organization, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Environmental Protection Agency. A "hair product" is defined as an artificial fiber product designed to resemble human hair, made from materials like polyester, nylon, acrylic, or cellulose. Any person who manufactures, sells, distributes, or offers such a product that emits VOCs or contains these prohibited chemicals will be in violation of the consumer fraud act. Penalties for violations include monetary fines up to $10,000 for a first offense and $20,000 for subsequent offenses, with potential additional consequences such as cease and desist orders, punitive damages, and treble damages. The bill will take effect on the first day of the thirteenth month after enactment, allowing time for manufacturers and retailers to adjust their product offerings.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Reported from Senate Committee, 2nd Reading (on 06/12/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
Document Type | Source Location |
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State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4477 |
Analysis - Statement SCM 6/12/25 | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S4500/4477_S1.PDF |
BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S4500/4477_I1.HTM |
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