Bill > HB1022

This bill aims to phase out the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFAS), a group of man-made chemicals known for their durability and resistance to heat, water, and oil, in various products sold in the state. Starting on specific dates, manufacturers will be prohibited from selling, offering for sale, distributing, or distributing for sale certain products that intentionally contain PFAS. These phased-out products include Class B fire-fighting foam, rugs and carpets, cleaning products, cookware, cosmetics, personal care products, feminine hygiene products, juvenile products, intimacy products, fabric treatments, ski wax, textiles, textile furnishings, upholstered furniture, and paint, with some exceptions for uses deemed essential for health, safety, or societal functioning where alternatives are not readily available. Additionally, manufacturers of products containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals will be required to register these products with the Department by submitting a disclosure form and paying a registration fee, with provisions for waivers and extensions. The bill also mandates that manufacturers test their products to ensure compliance and outlines procedures for handling non-compliant products, including buy-back requirements. Penalties for violations range from administrative fines to larger civil penalties, with all collected penalties and registration fees directed to the Maryland PFAS Chemicals Protection and Remediation Fund, which will support efforts to assess, prevent, and remediate PFAS contamination across the state.