The bill aims to enhance public health protection in Massachusetts by addressing the contamination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). It establishes a PFAS Remediation Trust Fund, administered by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), to mitigate PFAS contamination in drinking water, soil, and other environmental media, with a focus on communities with vulnerable environmental justice populations. The bill mandates the DEP to adopt regulations for monitoring PFAS in groundwater and surface water discharge permits, prohibits the sale and distribution of food packaging containing intentionally added PFAS, and requires research on PFAS effects on agricultural products. Additionally, it includes provisions for a multilingual public awareness campaign and grant programs to assist private well users with PFAS treatment costs.

Furthermore, the bill introduces several amendments to existing laws regarding PFAS management, particularly concerning firefighting foams and agricultural practices. It prohibits the use of Class B firefighting foam containing intentionally added PFAS for training or emergency response and requires notification to the DEP within 24 hours of any discharge. The bill also establishes a PFAS Public Health Trust Fund to support education on PFAS contamination and mandates manufacturers to register PFAS-containing products on a public platform. The attorney general is granted enforcement authority, and the bill outlines an audit program for testing unintentionally added PFAS in priority products. Overall, the legislation seeks a comprehensive approach to address PFAS contamination and its implications for public health and the environment in Massachusetts.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 61A-12, 61A-13