As state legislatures move through their spring sessions, a significant wave of legislation targeting ingredient disclosure, chemical restrictions and labeling requirements for consumer products, including menstrual products, diapers and apparel, is advancing across the country. 

Virginia’s HB 998, covering menstrual product chemical bans, PFAS restrictions and ingredient labeling, has been signed into law by the Governor. The bill, which saw substantive amendments secured early in session, was ultimately enrolled with enforcement placed under the Virginia Consumer Protection Act, a structure that includes a private right of action. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maryland’s HB 1357, addressing labeling and ingredient disclosure for menstrual products, passed the House 132–1 in March and is now advancing through the Senate. The Senate Finance Committee recently approved the bill, with a full Senate vote potentially imminent. Enforcement provisions, including questions around potentially implied private right of action under the Consumer Protection Act, remain under review.

Illinois HB 4702 states yhsy each package or box containing diapers sold in the state shall contain a plain and conspicuous list of ingredients in order of predominance either printed on the package or box or affixed to the packaging. It has cleared both the Rules and Judiciary Committees and will likely pass the House in the near term. It carries a strict civil penalty not to exceed $1000 per violation and, if enacted, would take effect approximately January 1, 2027 (18 months from the likely statutory effective date).

California’s AB 1901, which would require ingredient disclosure for diapers, is currently navigating the appropriations process. The bill was placed on the suspense file at the Assembly Appropriations Committee due to cost implications of its state enforcement provisions, with any action deferred to the May 14 Suspense File hearing. 

Minnesota is advancing two related measures. HF 4257, authored by Rep. Josh Heintzeman, would modify deadlines for manufacturers to report products containing intentionally added PFAS and clarify standards around currently unavoidable uses of PFAS. SF 4601, sponsored by Sen. Julia Coleman, would establish ingredient disclosure requirements for menstrual products.

New Jersey’s AB 3125, which would limit the use of PFAS in menstrual products, has recently advanced out of committee. The bill has drawn attention to the presence of “forever chemicals” in everyday personal care products and has generated public testimony on the health impacts of PFAS exposure.

Utah’s HB 493 requires menstrual product packaging to be labeled with all intentionally added ingredients listed in order of predominance by weight beginning December 1, 2027. Enforcement rests solely with the Division of Consumer Protection, there is no private right of action, with fines up to $2500 per violation and up to $5000 for violations of an administrative or court order.

Key Themes

Across these bills, several common threads are emerging: growing interest from state Attorneys General in securing private rights of action and elevated penalties; ongoing debate over whether enforcement belongs with regulatory agencies or individual consumers; and a general legislative trend toward greater transparency in product ingredient disclosure.

BAHP fosters and advocates for the personal absorbent hygiene products industry in North America by promoting and supporting the safety, sustainability and integrity of its products. More information: [email protected]; www.bahp.com