Senate Commerce Committee Statement to Senate, No. 4477 — State of New Jersey (June 12, 2025)

Summary

The Senate Commerce Committee of the State of New Jersey, in a statement dated June 12, 2025, reports favorably Senate Bill No. 4477. The bill bars intentionally adding carcinogens, reproductive toxicants, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and flame resistant chemicals to hair products manufactured, sold or distributed in the State, defining hair product as fibers made from artificial materials to resemble human hair. Selling a hair product that emits VOCs or contains an intentionally added carcinogen, reproductive toxicant or flame resistant chemical would be an unlawful practice under the consumer fraud act. Penalties are not more than $10,000 for a first offense and not more than $20,000 for any subsequent offense.

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SENATE COMMERCE COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No.
4477

STATE
OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: JUNE
12, 2025

The Senate Commerce Committee reports favorably Senate
Bill No. 4477.

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.

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