Bill > HB675

This bill amends Pennsylvania law to prohibit the distribution, manufacture, sale, or production of firefighting personal protective equipment containing intentionally added PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) chemicals starting January 1, 2028. The prohibition includes items like jackets, pants, shoes, gloves, helmets, and respiratory equipment worn by firefighters during emergency activities. An exception exists if the State Fire Commissioner determines that using a PFAS chemical is unavoidable and issues formal guidance published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Violations will result in civil penalties, with first-time offenders facing up to $5,000 in fines and subsequent violations incurring up to $10,000 per incident. Collected fines will be equally divided between the Fire Company Grant Program and the Emergency Medical Services Grant Program. The bill defines PFAS chemicals as fluorinated organic chemicals containing at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom, with the Attorney General responsible for enforcing these new provisions. The legislation aims to reduce potentially harmful chemical exposures for firefighting personnel by limiting PFAS in their protective gear.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=675