Bill > SB577

This bill, titled the "Coordinated PFAS Remediation Act," establishes a framework for managing claims related to PFAS contamination in Georgia. PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are chemicals that persist in the environment and have been found in water, soil, and wildlife across the state, leading to costly cleanup efforts. The bill declares that all claims for damages or other remedies arising from PFAS contamination or damage to public waters, lands, or facilities, including drinking water systems, will be reserved to the state and exclusively handled by the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) of the Department of Natural Resources starting July 1, 2026. This means local governments will no longer be able to pursue these PFAS claims independently; instead, the EPD will coordinate and bring these actions on behalf of the state, potentially as class actions or individual claims, and will have the authority to negotiate settlements. Any funds recovered from these claims will be managed by the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority, with a portion used to support the EPD's litigation efforts and the remainder deposited into a fund for PFAS remediation and drinking water improvements. The bill also clarifies that it does not affect claims brought by individuals or entities that do not meet the definition of "state government" or "local government," such as claims for personal injury or damage to private property.