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A 8634

Establishes maximum contaminant levels and a hazard index in drinking water for certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Scott Bendett and 20 co-sponsors

Establishes enforceable drinking water standards for PFAS by setting maximum contaminant levels and a hazard index to gauge cumulative risk.

PRINT NUMBER 8634B
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Bill Summary · A 8634

Summary of Assembly Bill A 8634

Overview

Assembly Bill A 8634, introduced on May 22, 2025 and currently referred to the Health Committee, would establish enforceable drinking water standards for certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The bill envisions setting maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for PFAS in drinking water and creating a hazard index to assess cumulative risk from multiple PFAS exposures.

What the Bill Would Do (Key Provisions)

  • Establish maximum contaminant levels for selected PFAS in drinking water.
  • Create a hazard index to quantify cumulative health risk from multiple PFAS substances in drinking water.
  • (Exact PFAS compounds covered, numeric MCL values, monitoring schedules, and enforcement mechanisms would be specified in the bill text; these details are not provided in the summary.)

Who Would Be Affected

  • Public water systems: would need to test for the specified PFAS, ensure compliance with established MCLs, and potentially upgrade treatment or infrastructure to meet standards.
  • Residents and communities served by affected drinking water supplies: could experience changes in water quality, reporting, and potential public health protections from PFAS exposure.
  • State and local health/water regulatory agencies: responsible for implementing testing, monitoring, reporting, and enforcement regimes.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: May 22, 2025.
  • Status: Referred to Health (listed twice in the actions). This indicates the bill is moving through the committee process for consideration and potential amendment.
  • Related actions: Senate companion and prior-session related bill exist (see Related Bills).

Sponsorship and Legislative Context

  • Primary Sponsor: Grace Lee.
  • Cosponsors: Sarahana Shrestha, John T. McDonald III, Linda Rosenthal, Micah Lasher.
  • Related/Companion Bills:
    • S 3207 (companion bill in the Senate)
    • S 9661 (prior-session related bill)
    • Note: There are multiple references to S 3207 as companion in the record.

Potential Impact and Rationale

  • Public Health: aims to reduce PFAS exposure through legally enforceable drinking water standards, potentially lowering long-term health risks associated with PFAS.
  • Infrastructure and Costs: public water systems may face new testing, monitoring, and treatment requirements, possibly necessitating capital investments and operating expenses.
  • Compliance and Enforcement: establishes a regulatory framework that would govern how PFAS levels are measured, reported, and enforced.

Additional Considerations

  • The exact PFAS substances covered, the numeric MCL values, the hazard index methodology, monitoring frequency, compliance timelines, and penalties would be defined in the bill’s text. If you need those specifics, reviewing the official bill language and fiscal notes when available will provide precise details.

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

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