The bill introduced by Senator Hicks-Hudson aims to enact new sections of the Revised Code to prohibit the use of PFAS chemicals and lead in playground surfacing materials in Ohio. It defines key terms such as "PFAS chemicals," "playground," and "playground surfacing materials," and establishes that starting from the effective date of the law, no person may install, supply, sell, or offer for sale playground surfacing materials containing more than 90 parts per million of lead or any component that previously had PFAS chemicals intentionally added. Manufacturers and distributors are required to certify compliance with these standards and provide documentation upon request from the director of environmental protection.

The bill also outlines enforcement mechanisms, allowing the director of environmental protection to request civil enforcement actions against violators and specifies penalties for non-compliance, including civil and administrative fines. Additionally, it clarifies that local governments can adopt stricter regulations regarding playground surfacing materials, ensuring that any local ordinances are not less stringent than the state requirements. The environmental protection agency is granted the authority to adopt necessary rules for the implementation and enforcement of these new provisions.