PA
Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB980

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB980

Introduced
8/25/25  

Caption

In Commonwealth services, providing for protection against PFAS chemicals and for firefighting protective equipment; in grants to fire companies and emergency medical services companies, further providing for award of grants; and imposing penalties.

Impact

If passed, SB980 will significantly impact state regulations concerning the use of PFAS in firefighting. The bill mandates the development of guidelines that limit exposure to these hazardous chemicals, addressing public health concerns while also reinforcing the responsibility of fire services to use equipment that does not compromise safety. Additionally, the provision for grants will aid fire departments in upgrading their resources, promoting modern standards in emergency response equipment.

Summary

SB980 aims to enhance public safety by providing protections against per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting equipment and operational practices. The bill seeks to implement measures that prevent exposure to harmful chemicals often used in firefighting foam, thus promoting a safer environment for both firefighters and the communities they serve. This legislation also establishes grant opportunities for fire and emergency medical services companies, enabling them to acquire safer equipment and training.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SB980 appears to be supportive, especially among advocates for public health and environmental safety. Stakeholders emphasize the importance of safeguarding firefighters from toxic substances while also enhancing the efficacy of emergency services. However, some concerns may arise regarding the financial implications of transitioning to safer equipment and the availability of grants, as these could be contingent upon state budgets.

Contention

Notable points of contention may include the potential resistance from certain state entities or local fire departments who may be apprehensive about the costs associated with compliance or the implementation of new equipment standards. Additionally, the bill's focus on regulatory measures might lead to debates about local versus state governance in emergency services, specifically regarding the autonomy of fire departments and how they manage existing resources while adapting to new regulations.

Latest PA SB980 Activity

View All Events: PA 2025-2026 Regular Session SB980

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1541

In Commonwealth services, providing for firefighting personal protective equipment; and imposing penalties.

PA SB144

In Commonwealth services, providing for protection against PFAS chemicals.

PA HB1571

In Commonwealth services, providing for firefighting protective equipment.

PA HB680

In grants to fire companies and emergency medical services companies, further providing for definitions and for award of grants.

PA HB349

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in Commonwealth services, further providing for definitions relating to intrastate mutual aid and for definitions relating to Fire and Emergency Medical Services Loan Program; in volunteer firefighters, further providing for definitions relating to fire relief association; in emergency responder mental wellness and stress management, further providing for definitions; in grants to fire companies and emergency medical services companies, further providing for definitions; and, in incentives for municipal volunteers of fire companies and nonprofit emergency medical services agencies, further providing for definitions.

PA HB2407

In general provisions relating to emergency management services, further providing for definitions; in Commonwealth services, further providing for assistance to fire companies and EMS companies, for State Fire Commissioner and for curriculum, training and education certification management system; in grants to fire companies and emergency medical services companies, further providing for definitions, for publication and notice, for award of grants, for consolidation incentive, for establishment, for publication and notice and for award of grants, repealing provisions relating to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program and to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, further providing for allocation of appropriated funds, repealing provisions relating to Emergency Medical Services COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program, to expiration of authority relating to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program and to expiration of authority relating to Emergency Medical Services COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program and further providing for special provisions and for annual reports; and making transfers.

PA HB2091

In grants to fire companies and emergency medical services companies, further providing for expiration of authority.

PA SB299

In personal income tax, providing for contributions for grants to fire companies and emergency medical services companies.

PA HB182

In grants to fire companies and emergency medical services companies, establishing the Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program in the Office of State Fire Commissioner and the Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Fund.

PA HB683

Prohibiting the use of certain class B firefighting foams under certain circumstances; imposing powers and duties on the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the State Fire Commissioner; and imposing penalties.

Similar Bills

CA SB1044

Firefighting equipment and foam: PFAS chemicals.

NJ A1413

Prohibits sale, manufacture, distribution, and use of firefighting foam containing intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances; requires DEP to establish collection and disposal program; appropriates $250,000.

NJ S3946

Requires producer of certain firefighting equipment containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances to provide written notice to purchaser; prohibits sale, manufacture, and distribution of certain firefighting equipment containing intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

NJ A5195

Requires producer of certain firefighting equipment containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances to provide written notice to purchaser; prohibits sale, manufacture, and distribution of certain firefighting equipment containing intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

NJ S1417

Prohibits sale, manufacture, distribution, and use of firefighting foam containing intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances; requires DEP to establish collection and disposal program; appropriates $250,000.

NJ S2712

Prohibits sale, manufacture, distribution, and use of firefighting foam containing intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances; requires DEP to establish collection and disposal program; appropriates $250,000.

NJ A4125

Prohibits sale, manufacture, distribution, and use of firefighting foam containing intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances; requires DEP to establish collection and disposal program; appropriates $250,000.

NJ S4346

Provides extension for fire departments on prohibition on use of firefighting foam containing intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances; appropriates $500,000 to DEP for grant program to reimburse municipalities for costs of replacing firefighting foam.