This bill establishes a civil action for contamination caused by perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are defined in the bill with specific chemical characteristics. It amends RSA 147-B:2 to include new definitions related to PFAS, such as "fully fluorinated carbon atom," "PFAS facility," and "manufacturing process." The bill also amends RSA 147-B:10 to establish strict liability for costs incurred by the state in responding to a release or threatened release of hazardous waste or hazardous material, specifically including containment, cleanup, restoration, or other remediation related to PFAS. Additionally, it provides that any person who owns or operates a PFAS facility where a release has resulted in significant groundwater or surface water contamination shall be subject to the provisions of RSA 147-B:10 and RSA 147-B:10-a, with certain exemptions.

Furthermore, the bill amends RSA 485:1-a and RSA 485:58 to address the enforcement and penalties related to the provision of safe drinking water in cases of PFAS contamination. It outlines the liability of PFAS facility owners or operators for providing safe drinking water, including the installation of treatment systems or connection to public water systems, and covers associated costs and attorneys’ fees. The bill also amends RSA 540:2, II to add the expiration of a lease or tenancy term of six months or longer as grounds for eviction, requiring landlords to provide at least 30 days' written notice before the termination date. The bill's fiscal note indicates that there is no estimated impact on state, county, or local revenues or expenditures, and it does not authorize new positions to implement the bill. The effective date of the act is 60 days after its passage. Legal language deletions are indicated, but specific text for deletions is not provided in the summary.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 147-B:2, 175-B:10, 147-B:10, 485:1-a, 485:58
As Amended by the Senate: 147-B:2, 147-B:10, 485:1-a, 485:58
As Amended by the House: 147-B:2, 147-B:10, 485:1-a, 485:58, 540:2