This bill proposes significant updates to the current statutes regarding the use of class B firefighting foam containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals. Under the current law, a person, local government, or state agency is prohibited from discharging or using this type of foam only for training purposes, with exceptions for federal regulations. The new bill expands this prohibition to include any purpose, thereby tightening restrictions on the use of such foam. Additionally, it exempts public airports from compliance until January 1, 2031, and removes previous language that allowed for the manufacture, sale, or distribution of the foam, as well as its use in emergency situations.

The bill also introduces a definition for "public airport" and establishes a delayed effective date of January 1, 2029, for the new regulations. The current provisions that allowed for the use of the foam in testing and emergency operations will be deleted, reflecting a more stringent approach to managing the environmental impact of PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam. Overall, if enacted, this bill would significantly enhance the restrictions on the use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam in Arizona.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-1696
House Engrossed Version: 36-1696
Senate Engrossed Version: 36-1696
Chaptered Version: 36-1696