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.