Bill > HB1261

This bill amends Pennsylvania law to provide greater assistance to fire and emergency medical services (EMS) companies, particularly concerning protection against PFAS chemicals and the provision of firefighting protective equipment. Key provisions include increasing the maximum loan amount for fire and EMS companies to purchase equipment from $25,000 to $100,000, and importantly, requiring that any protective equipment purchased with these loans must not contain perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are chemicals that have raised health concerns. The bill also establishes new regulations to phase out the use of Class B firefighting foam containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals, with prohibitions on manufacturing and selling such foam starting July 1, 2027, and on its use by firefighting entities starting January 1, 2028, though exceptions exist for federally mandated uses or for one year after a federal requirement is revoked. Furthermore, manufacturers of personal protective equipment for firefighters will be required to label products indicating if they contain intentionally added PFAS chemicals, and the Office of the State Fire Commissioner will enforce these labeling requirements, with penalties for violations. The bill also authorizes grants to fire companies for the disposal of existing PFAS-containing foam and for the purchase of PFAS-free alternatives, and it sets civil penalties for violations related to PFAS chemicals, with collected funds directed to fire company grant programs.