This bill provides civil immunity to farmers for damages related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) found in soil, water, or agricultural products, as long as these substances result from standard agricultural practices, including the land application of sludge or biosolids. Additionally, it mandates the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services to establish concentration-based standards for PFAS in biosolids used at land-application sites by June 30, 2027. The bill also includes a provision that prohibits land application of biosolids or soil if PFAS concentrations exceed the established standards starting January 1, 2028.

Furthermore, the bill amends the definition of "drinking water standard" to include maximum contaminant levels for PFAS as established under RSA 485:16-e or the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations, if adopted. It also exempts certain products authorized by the U.S. Department of Defense from use restrictions related to PFAS. The effective date for the drinking water standard provisions is set for 60 days after passage, while the rest of the act takes effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 485-A:2, 6:12
As Amended by the House: 485-A:5-d
As Amended by the Senate: 485-H:2
Version adopted by both bodies: 485-A:5-d, 149-M:64, 485-H:2
HB1275 text: 485-A:2, 6:12