PFAS Alternatives Act
- Bill Number
- S. 4844
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Emergency Management
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-18: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-09T22:29:05Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation establishes federal programs to accelerate research, development, and adoption of PFAS-free turnout gear for firefighters. Its goal is to reduce occupational illness and injury by supporting alternatives to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (chemicals with at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom) in protective clothing.
Key Provisions
- Definitions: The bill defines key terms, including eligible entity (nonprofit organizations, universities, or national fire service groups with relevant experience), moisture barrier materials (components that block hazardous liquids while maintaining insulation), PFAS, Secretary (Secretary of Health and Human Services), and turnout gear (protective clothing for structural, wildland, and other firefighting).
- Research grant program: The Secretary, acting through the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), must establish a grant program within 180 days. Grants support research, development, and testing of PFAS-free materials, with requirements for partnerships with firefighting organizations (including those representing non-managerial firefighters) to translate results into practice via guidance and training. Awards may prioritize innovations offering better protection against particulates, easier cleaning, and designs considering body composition.
- Training grant program: Beginning in fiscal year 2028, grants or contracts support development and dissemination of guidance on safe use, decontamination, and care of the new gear.
- Funding authorizations: $25,000,000 annually for research (fiscal years 2027–2031) and $2,000,000 annually for training (fiscal years 2028–2032), subject to appropriations.
- Reporting requirement: A progress report to Congress is due within two years of enactment.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill creates new grant authorities under the Secretary of Health and Human Services without directly amending prior statutes. It references the definition of turnout gear from the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 but introduces standalone programs focused exclusively on PFAS-free alternatives and related training.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: Increases administrative and funding responsibilities for the Department of Health and Human Services and NIOSH, including coordination with other federal agencies.
- Citizens: Aims to improve long-term health outcomes for firefighters and emergency medical services personnel by reducing exposure to PFAS and combustion byproducts.
- International relations: No direct effects identified in the legislation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Firefighters and other first responders who use turnout gear.
- Eligible entities such as nonprofits, institutions of higher education, and national fire service or safety organizations.
- The Department of Health and Human Services and NIOSH.
- Manufacturers and researchers developing protective equipment.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The legislation operates within Congress’s authority to fund public health and occupational safety initiatives. It emphasizes partnerships between research entities and frontline firefighters but does not create new regulatory mandates or alter existing constitutional frameworks for federal spending.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (14)
Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT], Sen. Fischer, Deb [R-NE], Sen. Curtis, John R. [R-UT], Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO], Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR], Sen. Alsobrooks, Angela D. [D-MD], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Slotkin, Elissa [D-MI], Sen. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ], Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL], Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR], Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY], Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-18: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- 2026-06-18: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Protecting Firefighters and Advancing State-of-the-Art Alternatives Act — issued 2026-06-18 — PDF (7 pages)