Bill
SB 2799
Rhode Island bans intentionally added PFAS in many consumer products by 2027–2029, requires disclosures, tightens firefighting foam/PPE rules, and enables interstate PFAS coordinat
Purpose and scope
- SB 2799 amends the Consumer PFAS Ban Act of 2024 to clarify enforcement, expand administrative tools, and enhance coordination across jurisdictions. The measure takes effect upon passage.
- The act targets intentionally added PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in a defined set of consumer products and specific firefighting applications, with phase-in timelines and enforcement mechanisms.
Key provisions and changes
1) Definitions (Section 1)
- The bill provides precise definitions for a broad range of product categories and terms, including:
- Covered products: artificial turf, carpets/rugs, cookware, cosmetics, fabric treatments, juvenile products, menstrual products, ski wax, textile articles, and firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Juvenile products and outdoor apparel are explicitly listed, with exclusions (e.g., juvenile products do not include most electronics, medical devices, adult mattresses, or electronic/semiconductor-containing items).
- PFAS concepts: intentionally added PFAS, ingredients, textile articles and textile products, fabric treatments, and related terms.
- Establishes manufacturer as the responsible party for compliance, including importers or first domestic distributors if the original manufacturer has no U.S. presence.
2) Prohibition on use of PFAS (Section 1; 23-18.18-4)
- General prohibition: Effective January 1, 2027, no one may manufacture, sell, offer for sale, or distribute in Rhode Island any covered product containing intentionally added PFAS.
- Specific prohibitions with disclosures: Effective January 1, 2029, artificial turf and outdoor apparel for severe wet conditions containing intentionally added PFAS are prohibited unless accompanied by a disclosure reading: "Made with PFAS chemicals."
- Compliance and exemptions:
- If the department suspects PFAS in a product, it can require the manufacturer to certify no PFAS or notify distributors of sale prohibitions.
- Allows the DEM to grant exemptions if criteria are met (environmental/public health benefit, no technically feasible PFAS alternative, and no reasonably priced non-PFAS substitute). Exemptions can be renewed up to five years each and require inter-state coordination.
3) Firefighting foam and equipment (Section 1; 23-18.18-5)
- Phased restrictions on Class B firefighting foam containing PFAS:
- Restrictions begin 2025 for use, sale, or distribution where PFAS are added, with exemptions allowed for federally required uses.
- Comprehensive reporting and containment requirements for any PFAS-containing foam used at sites (e.g., reporting to state fire marshal/DEM within five business days; strict containment and waste handling to prevent environmental releases).
- Terminals and exemptions:
- Terminals may seek a temporary exemption (up to one year) for emergency use when no non-PFAS alternative is available; the terminal must provide detailed transition plans and environmental safeguards.
- Notices and recalls: manufacturers must notify sellers at least one year before restrictions; if prohibited, they must recall and reimburse retailers/purchasers by March 1, 2025, with safe disposal and documentation.
- PPE and notices:
- By 2025, PPE sellers must provide PFAS disclosure notices at sale; by 2027, selling PFAS-containing firefighting PPE in the state is prohibited.
- Agencies and local governments are urged to prioritize PFAS-free PPE purchases.
- Records must be kept for at least three years and provided to authorities upon request.
- Penalties: civil penalties apply for violations (up to $5,000 for first offenses; up to $10,000 for repeat offenses).
4) Enforcement and interstate collaboration (Sections 1 and 2)
- Enforcement framework mirrors existing administrative authority, with increased clarity on notices, compliance orders, and penalties.
- Interstate clearinghouse (Section 2, new 23-18-8):
- DEM may participate in a multijurisdictional clearinghouse to share information, maintain a PFAS product database, and track exemptions/waivers across states.
5) Effective date (Section 3)
- The act takes effect upon passage.
Potential impact and who is affected
- Manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, and users of the listed covered products will face prohibitions and disclosure requirements beginning 2027–2029, with longer lead times for certain PPE and firefighting foams.
- State and local government entities, fire departments, and terminals must comply with reporting, containment, and transition requirements.
-Consumers may see accelerated availability of PFAS-free products and disclosures for items with PFAS.
- The bill strengthens Rhode Island’s ability to coordinate with other states on PFAS-related standards and enforcement via a multijurisdictional clearinghouse.
Note: This summary reflects the bill as introduced and amended in 2026.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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