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HB 4500

Health: screening; pilot program to assess the effects of PFAS on certain participants; provide for. Amends 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.1101 - 333.25211) by adding secs. 5753, 5755, 5757, 5759 & 5761 to pt. 57A. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4499'25

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jennifer Conlin and 11 co-sponsors

HB 4500 starts a five-year PFAS Pilot Program to test Michigan residents' blood for PFAS, with IRB oversight, informed consent, and annual/final reports to lawmakers.

per Rule 40 referred to Committee on Appropriations
#children:health #health:children #health:screening #health:testing #stateagencies(existing):healthandhumanservices
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Bill Summary · HB 4500

HB 4500 — Health: PFAS Screening Pilot Program

A comprehensive summary of the bill as introduced March 12, 2025 and referenced for Committee on Appropriations.

Purpose and intent

HB 4500 would create a targeted pilot program to assess PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) exposure in Michigan residents. The core idea is to fund and conduct a research initiative that measures PFAS levels in blood of qualified study participants, study health effects, and report findings to state policymakers. The bill emphasizes informed consent, standardized lab testing, and public education, with oversight and reporting to legislative committees.

What the bill would do

  • Establish a PFAS Pilot Program Fund and a grant mechanism to fund a research institution (an R1 doctoral university) to conduct the pilot.
  • Require the department of health and human services (or its equivalent) to select one research institution within 90 days of the effective date to conduct the pilot.
  • Mandate IRB approval, public health research credentials, and informed consent from participants (or parental consent for minors).
  • Require participants to have PFAS blood testing conducted via a hospital reference laboratory, with specimens sent to a state testing laboratory for analysis.
  • Create a framework for participant consent to retain and use data specifically for the pilot program.
  • Allow primary care physicians to inform patients about eligibility and refer interested individuals to the research institution.
  • Require the department to publish an educational pamphlet on PFAS in consultation with the eligible research institution and the Michigan PFAS action response team.
  • Limit the pilot to five years from the selection of the eligible research institution.
  • Mandate annual and final reporting to Senate and House standing committees on public health, including the number of subjects tested and grants awarded, and a final report with conclusions and policy recommendations.

Key provisions by section

  • Sec. 5753 — Grant program and pilot design:

    • Dept shall establish grant program to fund a research institution for the PFAS blood testing and study.
    • Application process, director’s final approval, and funding conditions (subject to available fund balance).
    • Selection within 90 days of enactment; detailed pilot proposal required; IRB approval and institutional qualifications required.
    • Consent requirements; blood sample collection through hospital reference lab; samples to be analyzed at a state testing laboratory.
    • Pilot duration capped at five years.

  • Sec. 5755 — Participant eligibility and referral:

    • Primary care physicians may inform and refer potential participants to the research institution.

  • Sec. 5757 — Educational materials:

    • Dept, in consultation, must publish a PFAS educational pamphlet.

  • Sec. 5759 — PFAS Pilot Program Fund:

    • Creation in state treasury; funds deposited from various sources; department administers and may reimburse testing costs up to a reasonable fee comparable to similar services.

  • Sec. 5761 — Rules:

    • Dept may promulgate implementing rules.

Who/what is affected

  • State health departments and public health systems.
  • A designated eligible research institution (must be an R1 university).
  • State testing laboratories and hospital reference laboratories.
  • Primary care providers who may refer patients.
  • Michigan residents who participate as qualified study participants.

Timelines and oversight

  • Pilot must conclude within five years of selection.
  • Annual written reports (beginning by July 1 of the year following enactment) and a final report after the pilot’s conclusion.
  • Reports to specified legislative standing committees with jurisdiction over public health.

Implementation note

HB 4500 includes a tie bar contingent on enactment of HB 4499 (or related measure) in the 103rd Legislature, meaning the act would not take effect unless the related bill becomes law.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Advances data on PFAS exposure and potential health effects.
  • Emphasizes participant protections (consent, IRB oversight) and data governance.
  • Involves significant public-private research collaboration and state-funded testing costs.
  • Creates ongoing governance through annual reporting and a dedicated PFAS education resource.

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

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