Bill > S1504

This bill is a comprehensive legislative effort to protect public health in Massachusetts by addressing Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of synthetic chemicals known for their persistent environmental presence and potential health risks. The bill establishes a PFAS Remediation Trust Fund to support mitigation efforts, with funds sourced from legal settlements, grants, and other allocations, prioritizing assistance to environmental justice populations. It mandates that the Department of Environmental Protection update groundwater and surface water discharge permits to require PFAS monitoring, reporting, and best management practices for industrial users. The legislation also prohibits the use of PFAS in food packaging, requires a study on PFAS in agricultural products, and creates restrictions on PFAS in consumer products like children's products, cookware, and personal care items, with provisions for temporary exemptions for unavoidable uses. Additionally, the bill bans PFAS in Class B firefighting foam for training purposes, establishes a public reporting platform for PFAS-containing products, develops a multilingual public awareness campaign about PFAS contamination, and provides tax relief for agricultural lands impacted by PFAS. The bill includes staggered implementation dates between 2028 and 2035, reflecting the complexity of phasing out these widespread chemicals while supporting industries in finding alternatives.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1504