SB 1249 (Galgiani), the California Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act, Passes Assembly Appropriations Committee 11 to 6

SACRAMENTO—In a 11-6 vote, the California State Assembly Appropriations Committee passed Senate Bill 1249, the California Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act, at a hearing on Wednesday that drew dozens of passionate supporters to the State Capitol. Authored by Senator Cathleen Galgiani and co-sponsored by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and Social Compassion in Legislation, SB 1249 would make it unlawful for cosmetic manufacturers to sell any cosmetic in California if the final product or any component of the product was knowingly tested on animals after January 1, 2020, with limited exceptions.

Following the vote, Senator Galgiani stated, “With the key support we received in committee today, California is one step closer to having a truly cruelty free cosmetic marketplace.  You shouldn’t have to hurt animals in order to look your best.  And I’m proud that we are leading the way with SB 1249.”

“It’s fantastic to hear more and more legislators voice their solid support for SB 1249,” said Kristie Sullivan, M.P.H., vice president of research policy for the Physicians Committee. “Changing the status quo isn’t always easy, but in this case it is, without a doubt, necessary, as a measure to protect human health, to protect animals, and to encourage science and business to step into the future together.”

“We are elated with the enthusiastic votes from the State Assembly SB 1249 is gathering. The members recognize the value of the bill being good for animals and humans alike. The more they learn about the issue, the more supportive they are to see this historic bill become law,” said Judie Mancuso, founder and president of Social Compassion in Legislation.  

Currently, there are more than 3000 successful cosmetics companies committed to cruelty-free practices. These businesses use modern tools such as in vitro and in silico technologies—as well as using ingredients that are already on the market and proven safe—to ensure product safety. Compared with animal use, human-relevant test methods can provide more reliable information on how humans will react to ingredients.

SB 1249 is due this month for a vote on the full Assembly Floor, and will go back to the Senate for a concurrence vote before heading to the Governor’s desk.