This bill provides civil immunity to farmers for damages related to per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) found in soil, water, or agricultural products, as long as these substances are a result of standard agricultural practices, including the land application of sludge or biosolids. Specifically, it amends RSA 431 by adding a new section (431:37) that explicitly states that individuals engaged in farming are protected from lawsuits concerning these claims.

Additionally, the bill amends RSA 485-A:5-d to establish new regulations regarding the land application of sludge. It introduces new requirements for the Department of Environmental Services to develop concentration-based standards for PFAS in biosolids by June 30, 2027, and mandates that land application cannot occur if PFAS concentrations exceed these standards starting January 1, 2028. The amendments include the insertion of specific provisions regarding maximum contaminant concentrations and the necessity for PFAS soil testing at land-application sites, while deleting previous language that may not align with these new standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 485-A:2, 6:12
As Amended by the House: 485-A:5-d
HB1275 text: 485-A:2, 6:12