Bill > SB656

This bill, known as the Crown and Care Act, aims to protect communities from harmful hair chemicals by making it an unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practice to knowingly manufacture, sell, deliver, hold, or offer for sale cosmetic products containing certain intentionally added ingredients, including specific phthalates, formaldehyde, mercury, parabens, certain hair dye chemicals, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). A cosmetic is defined as any substance applied to the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering appearance, excluding soap. Violators of these provisions are liable for civil damages resulting from actual harm sustained by an individual, with a three-year statute of limitations for bringing such actions after the harm is discovered or should have been discovered. The bill also allows courts to award treble damages, punitive damages for willful violations, and reasonable attorney's fees to prevailing plaintiffs. Furthermore, the Department of Health is empowered to investigate complaints and inspect premises to ensure compliance. Importantly, the bill mandates the Department of Health and the Attorney General to develop a plan for a special fund, to be established by December 1, 2026, which will support research and treatment for conditions like fibroids, uterine cancer, and hair loss potentially caused by these harmful chemicals, with funds primarily sourced from penalties collected under the Consumer Protection Act.