FIRE PROTECTION: Provides relative to Class B fire fighting foam. (8/1/26)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Beth Mizell

SB 375 broadens the definitions of “testing” and “training” for Class B fluorinated foam, covering non-emergency evaluations and drills, effective Aug 1, 2026.

Effective date 8/1/2026.

Summary of SB 375 (2026) – Louisiana

Main purpose

SB 375 seeks to redefine and clarify certain terms related to Class B fire fighting foam containing fluorinated organic chemicals. Specifically, it expands the definitions of “testing” and “training” to cover broader activities involving fire fighting equipment, foam concentrates, and fixed or mobile fire suppression systems, while clarifying that emergency fire fighting operations are not included within those definitions.

Key provisions and changes

Definitions amended/added (R.S. 40:1615(A))

“Testing” (expanded):
Current law: calibration testing, conformance testing, or fixed system testing.
New law: evaluation of fire fighting equipment, systems, or foam concentrates for:
- operability
- performance verification
- calibration
- conformance to manufacturer specifications
- regulatory compliance, including but not limited to discharge testing of fixed fire suppression systems, mobile apparatus testing, proportioning system calibrations, and system acceptance testing.
Note: “Testing” explicitly excludes emergency fire fighting operations.
“Training” (expanded):
Current law: general training activities related to foam deployment, handling, storage, mixing, proportioning, or application.
New law: instruction, drills, exercises, demonstrations, or other activities to familiarize personnel with deployment, handling, storage, mixing, proportioning, or application of fire fighting foam, including live fire exercises and simulated response scenarios.
Note: “Training” explicitly excludes emergency fire fighting operations.

Scope of impact

Applies to Class B fire fighting foam containing fluorinated organic chemicals.
Affects definitions used for regulations governing testing and training related to foam concentrates and associated firefighting equipment and systems.

Who or what is affected

Fire departments, fire protection professionals, equipment manufacturers, inspectors, and any entities involved in testing, maintenance, calibration, or training related to Class B foams and related equipment.

Providers and employers conducting testing and training activities related to foam concentrates and fire suppression systems.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Effective date: August 1, 2026.

Amends R.S. 40:1615(A)(4) and adds R.S. 40:1615(A)(5) to implement the revised definitions.

The bill’s changes are primarily definitional and procedural, affecting how testing and training activities are classified for regulatory and compliance purposes.

Potential impact and considerations

By broadening the definition of testing, agencies and industry may require additional or different documentation and oversight for non-emergency activities such as discharge testing, calibration, and system acceptance.

The explicit exclusion of emergency fire fighting operations from these definitions helps ensure that on-the-ground firefighting activities remain outside regulatory definitions of testing and training for foam-related purposes.

Stakeholders should review current testing and training programs to align with the new definitions effective August 1, 2026, particularly for fixed systems, mobile apparatus, and proportioning calibrations.

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