Bill > HB1533

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 specific intentionally added ingredients, including certain phthalates, formaldehyde, lead, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). A "cosmetic" is defined as any substance intended to be 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 injury is discovered or should have been discovered. The bill also allows for treble damages, punitive damages if the violation was willful, and reasonable attorney's fees to a prevailing plaintiff. Furthermore, the Maryland Department of Health and the Attorney General are required to develop a plan for a special fund to support research and treatment for conditions like fibroids, uterine cancer, and hair loss that may be caused by these harmful chemicals, with the fund to be comprised of certain funds recovered by the Attorney General's office and interest earnings. The Department of Health is also granted the authority to investigate complaints and inspect premises for compliance.