---
title: HB 1143. Menstrual Product Transparency and Safety Act of 2026; enact
collection: bills
id: 2025-2026/hb1143
cite_as: HB 1143, 2025-2026 Regular Session (Ga.)
canonical_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1143
md_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1143.md
text_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1143/text
source_url: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72702
date: 2026-02-04
status: introduced
corpus_version: bills-2026-09-13
license: Public record of the Georgia General Assembly, via LegiScan; see about.md
publisher: Georgia Commons, an independent project of Georgia Civic Data. Not the State of Georgia. Not legal advice.
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omitted: votes and history
omitted_chars: 129
omitted_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1143.md?full=1
bill_number: HB 1143
session: 2025-2026 Regular Session
session_slug: 2025-2026
chamber: House
bill_type: bill
status_date: 2026-02-02
last_action: House Second Readers
sponsors:
- Kim Schofield
- Debbie Buckner
- Carolyn Hugley
- Viola Davis
- Sandra Scott
text_version: Introduced
has_text: true
legiscan_url: https://legiscan.com/GA/bill/HB1143/2025
upstream_id: 2104359
summaries_model: claude-sonnet-5
topic_tags:
- menstrual products
- consumer safety
- chemical regulation
- product labeling
- public health
---
# HB 1143. Menstrual Product Transparency and Safety Act of 2026; enact
## Text
House Bill 1143
By: Representatives Schofield of the 63rd, Buckner of the 137th, Hugley of the 141st, Davis
of the 87th, and Scott of the 76th
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
To amend Chapter 1 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to
general provisions regarding health, so as to provide for safer menstrual products in this
state; to provide for definitions; to prohibit restricted substances in menstrual products; to
provide for the Department of Public Health to identify restricted substances, establish
allowable trace thresholds, and provide for a phased compliance schedule; to require
ingredient labeling on packages or boxes; to require third-party testing of ingredients; to
provide for public disclosure of such testing results; to provide for a civil penalty; to require
the Department of Public Health to establish a public education campaign; to provide for
periodic review; to provide for related matters; to provide for a short title; to repeal
conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:
SECTION 1.
This Act shall be known and may be cited as the "Menstrual Product Transparency and
Safety Act of 2026."
SECTION 2.
Chapter 1 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general
provisions regarding health, is amended by adding a new Code section to read as follows:
"31-1-27.
(a) As used in this Code section, the term:
(1) 'Ingredient' means an intentionally added ingredient present in any quantity in a
menstrual product and any nonfunctional byproduct or nonfunctional contaminant that
is present in any quantity in a menstrual product.
(2) 'Intentionally added ingredient' means any element or compound, or intentional
breakdown product thereof, that a manufacturer has intentionally added to a menstrual
product and which has a functional or technical effect on such product.
(3) 'Manufacturer' means a person or other corporate entity that manufactures a
menstrual product or whose brand name appears on the label of such product or a person
or entity for whom the product is manufactured or distributed, as identified on the product
label pursuant to the federal Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, P.L. 89-755.
(4) 'Menstrual product' means a disposable or reusable product manufactured,
distributed, sold, or offered for sale in this state which is used for the purpose of
containing menstruation and vaginal discharge. Such term includes but is not limited to
tampons, pads, and menstrual cups.
(5) 'Restricted substance' means a chemical or class of chemicals that the department
determines, in consultation with the Environmental Protection Division of the
Department of Natural Resources, pose a risk to human health when present in menstrual
products. Such term includes but is not limited to lead, mercury, and related compounds;
formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasing agents; antimicrobial agents such as triclosan
and tricolcarban; toluene; talc; phthalates and ortho-phthalates; and perfluoroalkyl and
polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
(6) 'Third-party testing' means independent laboratory analysis conducted to verify the
presence and safety of listed ingredients.
(b)(1) Beginning on July 1, 2027, no menstrual product shall contain a restricted
substance as an intentionally added ingredient and no menstrual product shall contain
restricted substances as ingredients beyond allowable trace thresholds established by the
department.
(2) No later than January 1, 2027, the department shall identify restricted substances,
establish allowable trace thresholds for restricted substances not intentionally added, and
provide for a phased compliance schedule reflecting manufacturing feasibility and
protection of public health. The department shall review allowable trace threshold levels
established pursuant to this subsection at least once every five years and as necessary
based on the best available scientific evidence.
(3) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to create a private right of action,
impose criminal penalties, or conflict with federal law governing consumer or medical
products.
(c)(1) Beginning on July 1, 2027, each package or box containing menstrual products
shall include a plain and conspicuous list of all ingredients which shall appear in order
of predominance by weight or volume. Such list shall be printed on such package or box
or affixed thereto.
(2) Manufacturers are encouraged to include information on the environmental impact
of any menstrual product and to prioritize biodegradable or recyclable materials in
menstrual product packaging and design.
(d)(1) Beginning on July 1, 2026, and annually thereafter, each manufacturer of a
menstrual product shall submit the ingredient list provided for in subsection (c) of this
Code section for third-party testing.
(2) The results of the third-party testing conducted pursuant to paragraph (1) of this
subsection shall be posted in a prominent location on the manufacturer's public website
for the purposes of ensuring accuracy and compliance with federal and state standards.
(e) Any manufacturer that violates subsection (c) or (d) of this Code section shall be
subject to a civil penalty of 1 percent of such manufacturer's total annual in-state sales;
provided, however, that such amount shall be no more than $1,000.00 per package or box.
(f)(1) Beginning on July 1, 2026, the department shall develop a public education
campaign. Such campaign shall provide for:
(A) Consumer education on how to read and interpret ingredient labels;
(B) Increased awareness concerning the potential health risks associated with certain
ingredients; and
(C) Promotion of environmentally sound and sustainable menstrual product options.
(2) Such campaign may include, but shall not be limited to, public service
announcements, distribution of informational materials, and partnerships with community
organizations.
(g) Beginning on July 1, 2026, and every three years thereafter, the department shall
review and update compliance and safety standards for menstrual product labeling.
Stakeholder input, including that of consumer advocacy groups and manufacturers, shall
be solicited during such review process.
(h) The requirements of this Code section shall be in addition to any other labeling
requirements established pursuant to any other provision of state or federal law."
SECTION 3.
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.
## Summaries written by Georgia Commons
The following was written by claude-sonnet-5 from the text above and is not part of the bill. Quote the text, not the summary.
A Georgia House bill would require menstrual product makers to disclose full ingredient lists, ban certain chemicals like lead and PFAS above set limits, and get products tested by outside labs.
### Plain-language summary
Georgia law currently has no specific rules requiring menstrual product makers to disclose ingredients or limit chemicals in tampons, pads, and menstrual cups. This bill, called the Menstrual Product Transparency and Safety Act of 2026, would add a new section to Georgia's health code addressing that gap.
Starting July 1, 2027, menstrual products could not intentionally contain 'restricted substances' such as lead, mercury, formaldehyde, triclosan, toluene, talc, phthalates, or PFAS, beyond limits the Department of Public Health sets by January 1, 2027. Packages would need a full ingredient list printed in order of amount. Manufacturers would have to send that list for independent lab testing starting July 1, 2026, and post the results on their websites. Violations could bring a civil penalty of 1 percent of a manufacturer's in-state sales, capped at $1,000 per package. The department would also launch a public education campaign and review standards every three years.
### What it does
- Bans intentionally added 'restricted substances' (such as lead, PFAS, formaldehyde, and phthalates) in menstrual products starting July 1, 2027, unless below thresholds the state sets.
- Requires the Department of Public Health to identify restricted substances and set allowable trace limits and a phased compliance schedule by January 1, 2027.
- Requires manufacturers to print a full ingredient list, in order of amount, on every menstrual product package starting July 1, 2027.
- Requires manufacturers to submit ingredient lists for independent lab testing annually starting July 1, 2026 and post results publicly online.
- Sets a civil penalty for violations equal to 1 percent of a manufacturer's in-state sales, capped at $1,000 per package or box.
- Directs the department to run a public education campaign on reading labels and health risks, and to review labeling standards every three years.
### Who it affects
Manufacturers and sellers of tampons, pads, menstrual cups, and other menstrual products sold in Georgia; the Department of Public Health, which must set chemical limits and run testing and education programs; and Georgia consumers who use these products.
### Why it matters
Georgians who buy menstrual products would gain access to ingredient lists and independent lab test results they currently cannot see, and manufacturers would face new chemical limits and labeling duties, with financial penalties if they fail to comply once the requirements take effect.
### Key provisions
- Section 2 adds new Code Section 31-1-27, defining terms like 'restricted substance,' 'intentionally added ingredient,' and 'third-party testing.'
- Subsection (b) bans restricted substances as intentionally added ingredients starting July 1, 2027, and requires the department to set trace thresholds and a compliance schedule by January 1, 2027, reviewed at least every five years.
- Subsection (c) requires ingredient labeling on packaging in order of predominance by weight or volume, starting July 1, 2027, and encourages disclosure of environmental impact.
- Subsection (d) requires annual third-party testing of ingredient lists starting July 1, 2026, with results posted on manufacturers' websites.
- Subsection (e) sets a civil penalty of 1 percent of in-state sales, capped at $1,000 per package, for violations of the labeling or testing requirements.
- Subsection (f) directs the department to launch a public education campaign starting July 1, 2026 on label reading, health risks, and sustainable products.
- Subsection (g) requires the department to review and update compliance and safety standards every three years starting July 1, 2026, with stakeholder input.
## Status
- Status: Introduced (2026-02-02)
- Last action: House Second Readers (2026-02-04)
- Sponsors: Kim Schofield, Debbie Buckner, Carolyn Hugley, Viola Davis, Sandra Scott
- Official page: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72702
> The history, votes, and amendments (129 characters) are at https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1143.md?full=1