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Public Law117th CongressEmergency Management
S. 231Became Law

PFAS Act

This bill became law

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Law

What it doesSummary public law (Dec 20, 2022)

Protecting Firefighters from Adverse Substances Act or the PFAS Act

This act requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop guidance for firefighters and other emergency response personnel on training, education programs, and best practices to protect them from exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFASs, from firefighting foam and to prevent the release of PFASs into the environment. These substances are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. A variety of products contain the compounds, such as nonstick cookware or weatherproof clothing.

DHS shall make available a curriculum designed to

  • reduce and eliminate exposure to PFAS from firefighting foam and personal protective equipment (PPE);
  • prevent the release of PFAS from firefighting foam into the environment; and
  • educate firefighters and other emergency response personnel on foams and non-foam alternatives, PPE, and other firefighting tools and equipment that do not contain PFAS.

The U.S. Fire Administration shall make recommendations to DHS as to the content of the curriculum.

DHS must create an online public repository on tools and best practices to reduce, limit, and prevent the release of and exposure to PFASs.

What just happenedDec 20, 2022

Became Public Law No: 117-248.

Who’s behind it

Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI](D-MI)Sponsor
8 cosponsors4 D4 R
Read on Congress.gov
8cosponsors1committees27actions1amendments1related bills6subjects
  1. Dec 20, 2022President

    Became Public Law No: 117-248.

  2. Dec 20, 2022BecameLaw36000

    Became Public Law No: 117-248.

  3. Dec 20, 2022President

    Signed by President.

  4. Dec 20, 2022BecameLaw36000

    Signed by President.

  5. Dec 16, 2022Floor

    Presented to President.

  6. Dec 16, 2022President28000

    Presented to President.

  7. Dec 1, 2022FloorH38310

    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

  8. Dec 1, 2022FloorH37300

    On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 400 - 22 (Roll no. 498). (text: 11/29/2022 CR H8609)

  9. Dec 1, 2022Floor8000

    Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 400 - 22 (Roll no. 498).

  10. Dec 1, 2022FloorH30000

    Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H8702-8703)

  11. Nov 29, 2022FloorH37220

    At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

  12. Nov 29, 2022FloorH8D000

    DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 231.

  13. Nov 29, 2022FloorH30000

    Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H8609-8612)

  14. Nov 29, 2022FloorH30300

    Ms. Stevens moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

  15. Jul 30, 2021FloorH15000

    Held at the desk.

  16. Jul 30, 2021FloorH14000

    Received in the House.

  17. Jul 30, 2021Floor

    Message on Senate action sent to the House.

  18. Jul 29, 2021Floor

    Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S5189-5190)

  19. Jul 29, 2021Floor17000

    Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.(text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S5189-5190)

  20. Jul 29, 2021Floor

    The committee substitute withdrawn by Unanimous Consent.

  21. Jul 29, 2021Floor

    Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S5189-5190)

  22. May 10, 2021Calendars

    Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 55.

  23. May 10, 2021Committee

    Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Peters with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 117-21.

    Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
  24. May 10, 2021Committee14000

    Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Peters with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 117-21.

    Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
  25. Mar 17, 2021Committee

    Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

    Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
  26. Feb 4, 2021IntroReferral

    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

    Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
  27. Feb 4, 2021IntroReferral10000

    Introduced in Senate

Public LawDec 20, 202249

Protecting Firefighters from Adverse Substances Act or the PFAS Act

This act requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop guidance for firefighters and other emergency response personnel on training, education programs, and best practices to protect them from exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFASs, from firefighting foam and to prevent the release of PFASs into the environment. These substances are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. A variety of products contain the compounds, such as nonstick cookware or weatherproof clothing.

DHS shall make available a curriculum designed to

  • reduce and eliminate exposure to PFAS from firefighting foam and personal protective equipment (PPE);
  • prevent the release of PFAS from firefighting foam into the environment; and
  • educate firefighters and other emergency response personnel on foams and non-foam alternatives, PPE, and other firefighting tools and equipment that do not contain PFAS.

The U.S. Fire Administration shall make recommendations to DHS as to the content of the curriculum.

DHS must create an online public repository on tools and best practices to reduce, limit, and prevent the release of and exposure to PFASs.

Passed SenateJul 29, 202155

Protecting Firefighters from Adverse Substances Act or the PFAS Act

This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop guidance for firefighters and other emergency response personnel on training, education programs, and best practices to protect them from exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFASs, from firefighting foam and to prevent the release of PFASs into the environment. These substances are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. A variety of products contain the compounds, such as nonstick cookware or weatherproof clothing.

DHS shall make available a curriculum designed to

  • reduce and eliminate exposure to PFAS from firefighting foam and personal protective equipment (PPE);
  • prevent the release of PFAS from firefighting foam into the environment; and
  • educate firefighters and other emergency response personnel on foams and non-foam alternatives, PPE, and other firefighting tools and equipment that do not contain PFAS.

The U.S. Fire Administration shall make recommendations to DHS as to the content of the curriculum.

DHS must create an online public repository on tools and best practices to reduce, limit, and prevent the release of and exposure to PFASs.

Reported to SenateMay 10, 202125

Protecting Firefighters from Adverse Substances Act or the PFAS Act

This bill requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to develop guidance for firefighters and other emergency response personnel on training, education programs, and best practices to protect them from exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFASs, from firefighting foam and to prevent the release of PFASs into the environment. These substances are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. A variety of products contain the compounds, such as nonstick cookware or weatherproof clothing.

FEMA shall (1) develop and issue guidance on non-foam alternatives, personal protective equipment, and other firefighting tools and equipment that do not contain PFASs; and (2) create an online public repository on tools and best practices to reduce, limit, and prevent the release of and exposure to PFASs.

Introduced in SenateFeb 4, 2021

Protecting Firefighters from Adverse Substances Act or the PFAS Act

This bill requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to develop guidance for firefighters and other emergency response personnel on training, education programs, and best practices to protect them from exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFASs, from firefighting foam and to limit or prevent the release of PFASs into the environment. These substances are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. A variety of products contain the compounds, such as nonstick cookware or weatherproof clothing.

FEMA shall (1) develop and issue guidance on alternative foams, personal protective equipment, and other firefighting tools and equipment that do not contain PFASs; and (2) create an online public repository on tools and best practices to reduce, limit, and prevent the release of and exposure to PFASs.

PFAS Act — Informed