Bill > SB980

This bill amends Pennsylvania law to provide greater assistance to fire and emergency medical services (EMS) companies and to protect against PFAS chemicals, which are a group of man-made chemicals that can be found in firefighting foam and protective gear. Specifically, the bill increases the maximum loan amount for fire and EMS companies purchasing equipment from $25,000 to $100,000, and it mandates that any protective equipment purchased with these loans must not contain perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Furthermore, it prohibits the manufacture, sale, distribution, and use of Class B firefighting foam containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals in the Commonwealth starting in 2026 and 2027, with exceptions for federally required uses and for certain facilities like airports and oil refineries. The bill also requires manufacturers of firefighting protective equipment to label products indicating if they contain intentionally added PFAS chemicals and to notify purchasers if they later discover such content, with enforcement handled by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner. Penalties are established for violations, with collected funds directed to fire and EMS grant programs, and grants can now be used for the disposal of PFAS-containing firefighting foam and the purchase of PFAS-free alternatives.