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HCR 2

Declaring a commitment to the health and safety of firefighters and to finding an urgent solution to the problem of firefighting personal protective gear that contains cancer-causing chemicals.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Court Boice and 10 co-sponsors

Oregon legislature commits to eliminating cancer-causing chemicals from firefighter protective gear, pressuring manufacturers and regulators toward safer alternatives.

Filed with Secretary of State.
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Bill Summary · HCR 2

Legislative bill overview

HCR 2 is a concurrent resolution expressing Oregon's legislative commitment to protecting firefighter health and safety by addressing the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other carcinogenic chemicals in firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE). The resolution calls for urgent action to identify alternatives and phase out contaminated gear. As a concurrent resolution, it carries symbolic and policy weight but does not directly create binding legal requirements or appropriations.

Why is this important

Firefighters face elevated occupational cancer rates, and studies have documented PFAS contamination in standard-issue turnout gear, which firefighters wear repeatedly over years of exposure. This resolution puts state legislative pressure on manufacturers, procurement officials, and federal regulators to accelerate the development and adoption of safer alternatives, potentially influencing purchasing decisions and industry standards across Oregon and beyond.

Potential points of contention

  • Scientific certainty vs. precaution: While PFAS contamination in PPE is documented, the quantifiable cancer risk from gear exposure versus other occupational and environmental sources remains debated in the scientific literature
  • Economic and procurement complexity: Transitioning to PFAS-free gear requires retooling manufacturing and may increase costs; the resolution doesn't address funding mechanisms or timeline feasibility
  • Regulatory jurisdiction: Oregon has limited direct authority over federal standards or interstate commerce in protective equipment, potentially limiting the practical effectiveness of a state-level resolution

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

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