Bill

Bill > A2244


NJ A2244

NJ A2244
Bans carcinogens, reproductive toxicants, flame resistant chemicals, and volatile organic compounds from certain hair products.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 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 prohibits the intentional addition of certain harmful chemicals to hair products manufactured, sold, or distributed in New Jersey, defining "hair product" as synthetic fibers designed to resemble human hair. Specifically, it bans carcinogens, which are chemicals identified as cancer-causing by organizations like the World Health Organization and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; reproductive toxicants, identified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as harmful to reproduction or development; volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are chemicals that easily turn into gas or vapor; and flame resistant chemicals. Manufacturing, selling, or distributing hair products that emit VOCs when used or contain these intentionally added prohibited substances will be considered an unlawful practice and a violation of the consumer fraud act, punishable by fines of up to $10,000 for a first offense and $20,000 for subsequent offenses, along with potential cease and desist orders, punitive damages, and treble damages for injured parties.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee (on 01/13/2026)

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