WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 7734

AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- CONSUMER PFAS BAN ACT OF 2024

2026 Regular Session Introduced by David Bennett and 4 co-sponsors

Rhode Island strengthens PFAS controls by tightening definitions, banning intentionally added PFAS in more products, expanding enforcement, and enabling cross-state coordination.

06/19/2026 Signed by Governor
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 7734

Overview

House Bill 7734 (Rhode Island, 2026) amends the Consumer PFAS Ban Act of 2024. Its main aim is to strengthen enforcement, clarify definitions, and expand provisions related to the prohibition of intentionally added PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in a range of consumer products. The act also authorizes multijurisdictional coordination and establishes oversight and penalties to support compliance. It takes effect upon enactment.

Purpose and intent

  • Accelerate and tighten the elimination of intentionally added PFAS in specified consumer products sold or distributed in Rhode Island.
  • Improve compliance mechanisms by clarifying definitions, enforcement procedures, and penalties.
  • Enable participation in a multijurisdictional clearinghouse to share information about PFAS-containing products, exemptions, and waivers.
  • Provide the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) with the ability to exempt certain products or categories from prohibitions under defined criteria.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definitions (Section 1, 23-18.18-3):

    • Refines terms such as adult mattress, apparel, carpet, cookware, cosmetic, covered product, fabric treatment, ingredient, intentionally added PFAS, juvenile product, textile articles, ski wax, textile, and more.
    • Establishes what counts as a covered product and clarifies exemptions (e.g., used products, certain unavoidable trace PFAS in cosmetics).
    • Adds emphasis on products that may be exempt or eligible for exemptions based on environmental or public health considerations.

  • Prohibition timeline (Section 1, 23-18.18-4):

    • January 1, 2027: Prohibition on manufacture, sale, offer for sale, or distribution of covered products containing intentionally added PFAS.
    • January 1, 2029: Prohibition expanded to artificial turf and outdoor apparel for severe wet conditions containing intentionally added PFAS, unless accompanied by a "Made with PFAS chemicals" disclosure.

  • Compliance and enforcement (Section 1, 23-18.18-4; 23-18-7):

    • DEM director can require certificates attesting absence of intentionally added PFAS or notify sellers prohibited by the ban.
    • Exemption processes allow the director to grant required exemptions under specified environmental/health criteria, with consultation with neighboring states.
    • Notices to be sent by certified mail; penalties and enforcement procedures outlined.

  • Firefighting foam and equipment (Section 1, 23-18-18-5):

    • For Class B firefighting foam containing PFAS, restrictions begin January 1, 2025 (manufacture, sale, or use prohibited unless federally required).
    • Applies to firefighting foam, firefighting PPE, and terminals, with reporting, containment, and disposal requirements for any PFAS-containing foam used.
    • Temporary exemptions for terminals may be granted for up to one year with strict criteria.
    • Pre-sale notification requirements for PFAS-containing firefighting PPE start January 1, 2025; full prohibition on PFAS-containing PPE begins January 1, 2027.
    • Civil penalties for violations (up to $5,000 per first offense, $10,000 for repeats).

  • Violations and penalties (Section 1, 23-18-7; 23-18.18-7):

    • Establishes civil penalties for violations starting January 1, 2027 (first violation up to $1,000; subsequent violations up to $5,000 per violation).
    • Similar penalties apply to manufacturers of PFAS-containing Class B firefighting foam.

  • Interstate clearinghouse (Section 2, 23-18.18-8):

    • DEM can participate in a multijurisdictional clearinghouse to share data on PFAS-containing products, exemptions, and a centralized product database.

  • Effective date (Section 3):

    • The act takes effect upon passage.

Affected parties

  • Manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers of covered products with intentionally added PFAS.
  • Local governments, state agencies, and terminals handling Class B firefighting foam.
  • Fire departments and departments of health in coordination with DEM for exemptions and compliance.
  • Consumers who purchase applicable products (with disclosures after 2029 for certain items).
  • Multijurisdictional partners via the interstate clearinghouse.

Timelines and process

  • 2025: Prohibitions begin for Class B firefighting foam containing PFAS; reporting and containment requirements apply.
  • 2027: Broad prohibition on covered products with intentionally added PFAS; penalties for violations become enforceable.
  • 2029: Expanded disclosure requirement for artificial turf and outdoor severe-wet-conditions apparel containing PFAS.
  • Ongoing: Exemption processes and interstate clearinghouse participation.

This bill strengthens Rhode Island’s PFAS regulatory framework by refining definitions, expanding prohibitions, detailing enforcement, introducing reporting and disposal obligations, and enabling cross-state collaboration.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.