HR952: HR952 House Study Committee on Risks Associated with Hair Straightening Products; create

This resolution does not change any Georgia law directly. Instead, it creates the House Study Committee on Risks Associated with Hair Straightening Products, citing research, including a University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center study and a 2019 International Journal of Cancer study, that found links between chemicals in hair relaxers and straighteners and increased breast cancer risk. The committee would have five House members appointed by the Speaker of the House, who would also name a chairperson. The committee can meet as needed to study the issue and may recommend legislation or other action. Members can receive standard legislative expense allowances (O.C.G.A. § 28-1-8) for up to five days unless more are authorized, paid from House funds. The committee must file any approved report before it is abolished on December 1, 2026.

• Creates the House Study Committee on Risks Associated with Hair Straightening Products, made up of five House members appointed by the Speaker.
• Directs the committee to study health risks linked to hair straightening chemicals and breast cancer among Georgia women and recommend any needed action or legislation.
• Lets the chairperson call and organize meetings at times and places needed to carry out the study.
• Allows legislative members to receive standard travel and expense allowances under O.C.G.A. § 28-1-8, capped at five days unless extended, funded through the House of Representatives.
• Requires any approved findings or recommendations to be filed as a report with the Clerk of the House before the committee is abolished.
• Sets the committee's abolishment date as December 1, 2026.

The five House members appointed to the committee, the Speaker of the House who makes those appointments, and Georgia women who use hair straightening or relaxing products, since the study focuses on their potential health risks and whether state action is warranted.

The resolution itself makes no new rules or requirements for businesses or consumers. It sets up a formal process for lawmakers to gather information on a possible cancer risk tied to hair straightening products, which could shape future legislation such as consumer warnings or product regulations.

• Paragraph (1) formally creates the House Study Committee on Risks Associated with Hair Straightening Products.
• Paragraph (2) sets the committee's size at five House members, appointed by the Speaker, who also names the chairperson.
• Paragraph (3) charges the committee with studying the issues described in the resolution and recommending action or legislation.
• Paragraph (4) gives the chairperson authority to call meetings wherever and whenever needed.
• Paragraph (5) sets member expense allowances under O.C.G.A. § 28-1-8, limited to five days unless extended, funded by the House of Representatives.
• Paragraph (6) requires any approved report or recommendations to be filed with the Clerk of the House before abolishment, or meeting minutes filed if no report is approved.
• Paragraph (7) abolishes the committee on December 1, 2026.

1. 2026-02-24House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute (House)
2. 2026-01-12House Second Readers (House)
3. 2025-04-04House First Readers (House)
4. 2025-04-04House Hopper (House)

• Inga Willis (D, HD-055)Primary sponsor
• Omari Crawford (D, HD-089)

• hair straightening products
• breast cancer risk
• consumer safety
• legislative study committee
• women's health