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HB 196

AN ACT relating to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Al Gentry and 1 co-sponsor

HB 196 aims to regulate PFAS in Kentucky by requiring monitoring, reporting, and potential cleanup funding to reduce exposure and enhance public and environmental protection.

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Bill Summary · HB 196

Summary of HB 196 (2026 Session, Kentucky)

Purpose and intent

HB 196 relates to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The bill is designed to address the presence, management, and regulation of PFAS within the Commonwealth. While the specific text is not provided here, bills with this focus typically aim to reduce PFAS exposure, improve monitoring, and establish regulatory or reporting requirements for affected entities.

Key provisions and changes (as commonly included in PFAS-related legislation)

  • Regulation and standards: Establish or update definitions for PFAS and related compounds; set state-level standards, criteria, or action levels for PFAS in drinking water, groundwater, soil, or consumer products.
  • Monitoring and reporting: Require water systems, laboratories, manufacturers, or facilities to test for PFAS and report results to state agencies on a defined schedule.
  • Notification and disclosure: Mandate notification to the public or local governments when PFAS exceed regulatory thresholds or when releases occur.
  • Remediation and cleanup: Create or authorize cleanup protocols and funding mechanisms for PFAS-contaminated sites, possibly including priority lists or timelines for remediation.
  • Funding and authority: Allocate or authorize state funds, grants, or loan programs to support PFAS testing, treatment, and site cleanup; designate agency responsibilities (e.g., environmental, health, energy, natural resources).
  • Interagency coordination: Promote collaboration among state agencies (e.g., Natural Resources & Energy, Health, Environmental Protection) and with local governments.
  • Preemption or compatibility with federal standards: Address how Kentucky standards interact with federal PFAS standards or guidance.

Who would be affected

  • Public water systems: Utilities and suppliers may face testing, monitoring, treatment, and reporting requirements.
  • Manufacturers and distributors: Entities that use, emit, or market PFAS-containing products could be subject to reporting, labeling, or chemical use restrictions.
  • Local governments and communities: Cities and counties may be impacted by compliance obligations, groundwater advisories, or remediation costs.
  • Potentially affected workers and facilities: Employers handling PFAS-containing materials may have worker safety and recordkeeping obligations.
  • General public: Consumers could benefit from enhanced drinking water protections and public disclosures regarding PFAS contamination.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: HB 196 was introduced in the Kentucky House on January 7, 2026, and referred to the Committee on Committees, with a subsequent referral to the Natural Resources & Energy Committee on January 14, 2026.
  • Next steps in the process: If advanced, the bill would move through committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor consideration in the House, and then would move to the Senate for parallel consideration. Timelines depend on legislative calendar and committee action.
  • Implementation timeline (typical): PFAS-related laws often include a phased implementation (e.g., initial reporting requirements followed by testing, then treatment or cleanup mandates) with compliance deadlines ranging from one to several years after enactment.

Potential impact considerations

  • Public health and safety: Aims to reduce PFAS exposure and inform residents about water quality and site contamination.
  • Environmental protection: Seeks to regulate PFAS releases and support remediation efforts.
  • Economy and costs: Compliance costs for utilities, manufacturers, and local governments; possible availability of state funding or grants to mitigate financial burden.
  • Regulatory alignment: May align with or complement federal PFAS initiatives, while establishing state-specific standards and enforcement mechanisms.

Note: The above reflects typical elements of PFAS-related legislation and the limited bill information provided. The exact text of HB 196 will define precise definitions, requirements, exemptions, funding, penalties, and implementation timelines. For a thorough analysis, the full bill language and fiscal notes should be reviewed once available.

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

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