New Jersey lawmakers are facing criticism over a proposed bill that could eventually ban certain chewing gums and other everyday products containing intentionally added microplastics.

Democratic state Assemblywomen Shama Haider and Margi Donlon introduced the Protecting Against Microplastics Act in September. The legislation would target products containing intentionally added synthetic polymer microparticles, including some chewing gum, tea bags, plastic cutlery, food containers, cleaning products and cosmetics.

Under the proposal, companies would have two years to add warning labels to affected products. Beginning three years after the law takes effect, noncompliant products covered by the legislation could no longer be sold or distributed in New Jersey.

The bill would allocate $2.5 million to the state Department of Environmental Protection for a source-reduction program, research into microplastics, and environmental monitoring and testing of air, water, and soil. Another $500,000 would go to the Department of Law and Public Safety to enforce labeling requirements and the proposed sales ban.

The legislation has drawn backlash on social media, where critics questioned why lawmakers were prioritizing restrictions on consumer products while residents face concerns about taxes, healthcare costs, and grocery prices. An educator and mother from Ocean County who operates the social media account Teacher in NJ highlighted the proposal on Instagram and Facebook, prompting a wave of critical responses.

“Can they please spend time on s–t that will actually make a difference,” one commenter wrote. Others questioned why lawmakers were targeting products such as chewing gum while leaving other consumer goods untouched. Some called for greater attention to processed foods and coffee pods, while others criticized the proposed spending and additional government restrictions.

New Jersey has already introduced other restrictions on everyday consumer products. In August, the state enacted its “Skip the Stuff” law, which limits restaurants from automatically providing plastic utensils and condiment packets with takeout orders.

Critics also directed their frustration toward Haider, Donlon and Democratic Gov. Mikie Sherrill, questioning whether the proposal addressed the priorities of New Jersey taxpayers. “This is what Sherrill worries about? She has no concern for taxpayers!” one commenter wrote. Another critic called on residents to oppose the proposal, while others argued that the legislation represented unnecessary government interference in consumer choices.

The bill’s potential impact would depend on its implementation, including which products are determined to contain intentionally added microplastics and whether manufacturers comply with the proposed labeling requirements before the sales restrictions take effect.