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SB 656 Maryland Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Public Health - Cosmetic Products - Enforcement and Penalties for Prohibited Ingredients (Crown and Care Act - Protecting Communities from Harmful Hair Chemicals)

SB 656 bans 12 specific harmful chemicals in cosmetics sold in Maryland, including formaldehyde, mercury, and certain PFAS chemicals. It creates civil liability for manufacturers or sellers who violate this ban, allowing consumers to sue for damages. The Maryland Department of Health gains authority to investigate complaints, inspect businesses, and collect product samples. The law exempts trace amounts of banned ingredients that occur unavoidably during manufacturing. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.
Issues: ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans PFAS and toxic chemicals (pollution sources) in cosmetics, reducing environmental contamination and strengthening regulatory controls.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBans harmful cosmetic chemicals (formaldehyde, mercury, PFAS) to prevent health risks, directly advancing public health protection under healthcare policies.95% confidence
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Apr 2026
Senate Passage
Apr 2026
House of Delegates Passage
Apr 2026
Signed into Law
Apr 2026
Introduced Feb 6, 2026 Signed Apr 28, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

Third - Public Health - Cosmetic Products - Enforcement and Penalties for Prohibited Ingredients (Crown and Care Act - Protecting Communities From Harmful Hair Chemicals) → Enrolled - Public Health - Cosmetic Products - Enforcement and Penalties for Prohibited Ingredients (Crown and Care Act - Protecting Communities From Harmful Hair Chemicals) · 2 edits · Apr 28, 2026
MINOR
The bill was finalized and enrolled for the Governor's signature, transitioning from a Senate draft to an official enrolled bill. The substantive legal text remains unchanged, retaining the same prohibitions on harmful hair chemicals like formaldehyde and PFAS, though the internal numbering of the sections was reorganized during the legislative process.
TECHNICAL

The bill's header was updated to reflect its 'Enrolled' status, indicating it has passed both chambers and is ready for the Governor's approval.

The internal section numbering within the bill was reorganized and renumbered to align with the final legislative format, but the actual legal provisions and prohibited ingredients list remain identical.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 22, 2026 · House of Delegates Mar 22, 2026

How they voted

34–10
Passed · 5 other
Total votes 49
Mar 22, 2026
D Democratic36
32 Yea 4
88% Yea
R Republican13
2 Yea 10 Nay 1
76% Nay
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
17
Key actions
10
Committee
6
Amendments
1
Apr 28, 2026
Signed into law
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 283
executive
Apr 9, 2026
Upper · Passed
Passed Enrolled
upper
Apr 9, 2026
Upper · Passed
Third Reading Passed
upper
Apr 9, 2026
Introduced
Senate Concurs House Amendments
upper
Apr 8, 2026
Lower · Passed
Third Reading Passed
lower
Apr 3, 2026
Lower · Passed
Favorable with Amendments {
lower
Apr 3, 2026
Lower · Passed
Favorable with Amendments Report by Health
lower
Mar 22, 2026
Senate · Passed
Senate Vote: pass (34-10-5)
senate
Mar 20, 2026
Committee
Referred Health
lower
Mar 19, 2026
Upper · Passed
Third Reading Passed
upper
Mar 17, 2026
Upper · Passed
Favorable with Amendments {
upper
Mar 16, 2026
Upper · Passed
Favorable with Amendments Report by Finance
upper
Feb 6, 2026
Committee
First Reading Finance
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Shaneka Henson
Shaneka Henson
DDemocratic
MD
30