OHIO LEGISLATIVE SERVICE COMMISSION
Office of Research Legislative Budget
www.lsc.ohio.gov and Drafting Office
H.B. 158 Final Analysis
134th General Assembly
Click here for H.B. 158’s Fiscal Note
Primary Sponsors: Reps. Baldridge and Plummer
Effective date: June 13, 2022
Effective Date:
Margaret E. Marcy, Attorney
SUMMARY
 Prohibits the use of Class B firefighting foam containing intentionally added PFAS
chemicals for testing purposes (unless certain measures are implemented) or for
training purposes.
DETAILED ANALYSIS
Class B firefighting foam
Class B firefighting foam is a type of special foam designed to extinguish fires caused by
flammable liquids, such as gasoline, oil, and jet fuel. Class B foams can be divided into two
categories, fluorinated foams and fluorine-free foams. The fluorinated foams contain
perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).1 PFAS are persistent in the environment
and the human body because they do not break down readily and can accumulate over time.
There is some evidence that exposure to PFAS can lead to adverse health effects. Although
many U.S. companies have stopped using PFAS chemicals in their products, they are still
commonly used in foreign products that can be imported and sold in the U.S., and they are still
common in Class B firefighting foam.2
Prohibited uses
The act prohibits the use of Class B firefighting foam containing intentionally added
PFAS chemicals (Class B foam) for training purposes. It also prohibits the use of Class B foam for
testing purposes unless the testing is required by law, regulation, or ordinance and the testing
1 R.C. 3737.52(A).
2 Other products that contain PFAS include certain carpet, upholstery, cookware, and food packaging.
“PFAS Explained” (website), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, PFOA, PFOS and other PFASs.
March 16, 2022
Office of Research and Drafting LSC Legislative Budget Office
facility has implemented appropriate containment, treatment, and disposal measures designed
to prevent the release of the foam into the environment.3
The act clarifies that Class B foam may still be used for emergency firefighting or fire
prevention operations. Further, it does not restrict the manufacture, sale, or distribution of
Class B foam. Finally, the act clarifies that firefighting foam may still be used for firefighting
training purposes, provided it does not contain intentionally added PFAS chemicals.4
Penalties
The act does not specify a penalty for anyone who violates its prohibitions.
HISTORY
Action Date
Introduced 03-02-21
Reported, H. Commerce & Labor 05-06-21
Passed House (96-1) 05-19-21
Reported, S. Veterans & Public Safety 02-16-22
Passed Senate (33-0) 03-02-22
22-ANHB158EN-134/ar
3 R.C. 3737.52(B) and (C).
4 R.C. 3737.52(D) and (E).
P a g e |2 H.B. 158
Final Analysis