Senate Bill No. 338, also known as File No. 139, is a legislative proposal aimed at expanding the eligibility for grants intended to remove perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from fire apparatus. The bill proposes to amend Section 41(b)(10) of Public Act 23-204 by repealing the existing provision and substituting it with new language. The amendment would allocate $3,000,000 to the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. This funding is designated for grants to not only municipalities but also to independent fire companies and state agencies. Additionally, the bill allows for the reimbursement of expenses incurred for the removal of PFAS from fire apparatus prior to July 1, 2023.

The bill further stipulates that any remaining funds from the allocated amount at the end of the fiscal year 2024 will not lapse but will be carried forward to the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. These funds will continue to be available for the same purpose of providing grants for the removal or reimbursement of PFAS from fire apparatus. The bill is effective from passage and amends the specified sections of Public Act 23-204. The fiscal impact statement indicates that there is no fiscal impact in the out years, and the bill analysis clarifies that the bill's purpose is to expand both the eligibility for grant recipients and the scope of the grants to include reimbursements for past PFAS removals. The bill received a joint favorable vote from the Public Safety and Security Committee.