The bill introduces a new chapter, titled "The Personal Hygiene Product Safety and Toxic Metal Removal Act of 2026," to Title 23 of the General Laws. Its purpose is to protect public health by reducing consumer exposure to toxic metals, including lead, cadmium, arsenic, and other harmful substances, through the regulation of personal hygiene and care products. The act establishes strict limits on detectable concentrations of these toxic metals, with specific thresholds set as follows: lead at 0.1 parts per million (ppm), cadmium at 0.05 ppm, and arsenic at 0.1 ppm. For other harmful metals not listed, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will determine appropriate concentration limits.

Manufacturers of personal hygiene and care products sold in the state are required to regularly test their products for the presence of toxic metals, with testing conducted by independent laboratories accredited by the FDA or an equivalent authority. They must submit reports to the Department of Business Regulation (DBR) detailing the results of product testing and ensuring compliance with the established limits. These reports will be made available to the public via the department's website.

The DBR or its designated agents are granted the authority to inspect, seize, and test personal hygiene products suspected of containing harmful levels of toxic metals. Products found in violation of the concentration limits will be subject to recall at the manufacturer's expense. Manufacturers found in violation of the act may face civil penalties of up to $250,000 per violation, with repeat offenders potentially facing increased penalties, including possible suspension of their business license in the state. The DBR may also seek injunctions or other legal relief to prohibit the sale of non-compliant products.

The act mandates that personal hygiene products include a label certifying they have been tested and meet all federal safety standards concerning toxic metals. Additionally, the executive office of health and human services is tasked with implementing an educational campaign to inform consumers about the risks of toxic metals in personal care products and the importance of reading product labels. The act also provides for grants to academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, and industry stakeholders for research and development of safer alternatives to toxic metals in personal hygiene and care products.

The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2030, with manufacturers required to comply with the concentration limits within 180 days thereafter.