RICHMOND, VA – In a late-session move, the Virginia General Assembly has finalized passage of House Bill 122, imposing strict bans on the manufacturing, sale, delivery, and offering for sale of cosmetic products containing specific ingredients. The measure, prefiled on January 2, 2026, by Delegate Karen Keys-Gamarra and ordered printed as offered on January 14, 2026, advanced rapidly through committees despite notable opposition in key votes.

Referred to the House Committee on General Laws upon introduction, HB 122 received a fiscal impact statement from the Department of Planning and Budget on January 30, 2026. The Housing/Consumer Protection Subcommittee reviewed it on February 5, 2026, recommending reporting with a substitute by a vote of 9-1, with Delegate Bloxom casting the lone no vote. The full General Laws Committee followed suit on February 10, 2026, reporting the committee substitute (printed 26107393D-H1) by a 20-1 margin, incorporating provisions from HB 864 by Delegate Cousins.

The House floor saw amendments, including one offered by Delegate Keys-Gamarra, before engrossing the bill as amended on February 13, 2026. That day, the chamber agreed to the General Laws committee substitute and Keys-Gamarra’s floor amendment before passing the measure on third reading by 76-22 on February 16, 2026. The significant minority opposition underscored divisions over the bill’s regulatory scope.

Sent to the Senate, it was referred to the General Laws and Technology Committee on February 17, 2026, accompanied by another fiscal impact statement. The Senate committee reported it with amendments on March 4, 2026, by 15-0. After rules suspension and constitutional readings dispensed, the upper chamber passed the amended version on March 9, 2026, by a block vote of 40-0.

Returning to the House, delegates agreed to the Senate amendments on March 10, 2026, by 73-26, again highlighting substantial resistance with 26 no votes. This final tally reflected ongoing concerns as the session drew to a close.

HB 122 amends the Virginia Consumer Protection Act by adding a new section in Chapter 52 of Title 59.1, defining ‘cosmetic’ broadly to encompass products like soaps, shampoos, and conditioners intended for cleansing, beautifying, or altering appearance, excluding certain drug-regulated items per amendments. It explicitly prohibits any person from producing or distributing cosmetics containing the listed ingredients, classifying such actions as prohibited practices under the Act.

Amendments provided limited relief for retailers, exempting those who do not manufacture prohibited products or knowingly sell them. Additionally, the bill includes a grandfather clause allowing continued sale of existing retailer inventory until July 1, 2026, delaying full enforcement impacts.

The legislation’s path incorporated multiple substitutes and amendments, including Senate General Laws and Technology changes agreed upon in both chambers. Fiscal analyses were conducted twice, indicating scrutiny over potential state budget effects on enforcement and compliance.

With passage complete as of March 10, 2026, HB 122 awaits the governor’s action. If signed, it will expand state oversight into the cosmetics sector, subjecting violators to Consumer Protection Act remedies, including injunctions and civil penalties. The bill’s progression through overwhelming committee support contrasted with floor opposition, where 22 House members initially voted no and 26 opposed the final version.

This measure adds to Virginia’s regulatory framework for consumer goods, mandating reformulation or removal of specified ingredients from market shelves post-July 1, 2026. Manufacturers face new compliance hurdles, while sellers must verify product contents to avoid liability. The 2026 session’s handling of HB 122 exemplifies the legislature’s push toward heightened product standards amid procedural efficiencies like block votes and dispensed readings.

The bill’s text, evolved through versions like the subcommittee substitute, committee print, and chamber amendments, culminates in prohibitions designed to eliminate certain substances from cosmetics. Its incorporation of HB 864 broadened its scope, reflecting consolidated legislative priorities.

As Virginia businesses adapt to these changes, the measure stands as a significant intervention in the personal care industry, with enforcement tied to existing consumer protection mechanisms.