ASSEMBLY WOMEN AND CHILDREN COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR

ASSEMBLY, Nos. 1685 and 3854

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  SEPTEMBER 29, 2022

      The Assembly Women and Children Committee reports favorably an Assembly Committee Substitute for Assembly Bill No. 1685 and Assembly Bill No. 3854.

      This committee substitute requires the ingredients of menstrual products to be listed on the package or box.

      Under the provisions of this committee substitute, every package or box of menstrual products that is sold or offered for sale in the State is required to contain a label listing all of the ingredients contained in the menstrual product and the percentage of each ingredient.  The information is required to be displayed in a manner that is conspicuous and easily understandable to consumers.

      The committee substitute provides that is an unlawful practice and a violation of the consumer fraud act to manufacture a package or box of menstrual products that does not meet the requirements set forth in the bill.

      Under the committee substitute, “menstrual product” is defined as a product used for the purpose of catching menstruation and vaginal discharge, including but not limited to a tampon, sanitary pad, disc, menstrual cup, and underwear.  The term includes both disposable and reusable products.

      An unlawful practice under the consumer fraud act 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, violations may 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 party.