Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Consumer Protection Cosmetics topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Rep. Lombardi seeks stronger cosmetics ingredient labeling; small-business impacts raised
Summary
Representative Lombardi introduced a bill to require cosmetic manufacturers to fully disclose ingredients. Committee members raised concerns the proposal could burden small, immigrant-owned shops that import products; no oral testimony was offered, though a written opposition letter was submitted.
Representative Lombardi introduced House Bill 5,117, which would amend the Rhode Island Food, Drugs and Cosmetics Act to require that all cosmetics manufactured, sold or offered in the state display complete and accurate ingredient lists.
Lombardi said the change would protect consumers and likened the proposal to existing suits and regulatory fixes related to talc-containing products. Representative Geraldo and Representative Place raised concerns that a strict disclosure requirement could disproportionately affect small businesses that import products and recommended exploring thresholds or exemptions for small-volume sellers.
No witness spoke in person; the committee received a letter of opposition from Lenny Loebes. The bill was included in the committee’s procedural hold for further study.
