JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $15,200,000 TO BE USED TO PURCHASE PFAS-FREE FIREFIGHTING GEAR

2026 Regular Session Introduced by John Burke and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island would spend 15.2 million to buy PFAS-free firefighting gear for about 3,800 firefighters, reducing PFAS exposure and improving safety.

05/28/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study

Summary of SR 2376 (2026) – Rhode Island Joint Resolution

Purpose and intent

The bill proposes a state appropriation to purchase PFAS-free firefighting and rescue personnel protective gear.

Rationale: PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are linked to health and safety risks with long-term exposure. Firefighters and rescue personnel are particularly exposed due to work conditions and the prevalence of PFAS in protective gear and related items.

The goal is to dramatically reduce PFAS exposure by investing in newer, PFAS-free gear for both professional and volunteer firefighters across Rhode Island.

Key provisions

Appropriation amount: $15,200,000 (fifteen million two hundred thousand dollars).

Authorized use: To be used by cities and towns in Rhode Island to purchase firefighter and rescue personnel protective gear that is PFAS-free.

Beneficiaries: Approximately 2,400 professional firefighters and 1,400 volunteer firefighters statewide.

Funding mechanism: The appropriation would come from money in the state treasury that is not otherwise appropriated for fiscal year 2026-2027. The state controller would issue payments to the general treasurer as vouchers are properly authenticated.

Legal effect: Declares and authorizes the appropriation specifically for PFAS-free gear, to be distributed to municipalities (cities and towns) for procurement.

Who is affected

Primary beneficiaries: Rhode Island professional firefighters and volunteer firefighters (roughly 3,800 total identified by the bill’s estimate: 2,400 professionals and 1,400 volunteers).

Secondary effects: Fire departments and municipal governments across Rhode Island would need to coordinate procurement and distribution of PFAS-free protective gear using the funds.

Procedural and timeline considerations

Introduced: January 30, 2026.

Referred to: Senate Finance (procedure for fiscal matters and budgetary implications).

Schedule: As of the latest update, a hearing/consideration was set for May 22, 2026.

Fiscal year reference: Funds would be drawn from the FY 2026-2027 appropriation pool, subject to proper vouchers and authentication.

Potential impact and considerations

Public health and safety: Expected reduction in PFAS exposure for firefighters, potentially lowering PFAS-related health risks associated with long-term use of PFAS-containing gear.

Operational considerations: Municipalities would need to plan for procurement timelines, gear replacement cycles, and potential training related to PFAS-free equipment.

Fiscal impact: One-time appropriation of $15.2 million; ongoing costs or savings not specified, but the bill centers on initial procurement funding.

Summary statement

SR 2376 seeks a dedicated $15.2 million appropriations package to enable Rhode Island municipalities to replace existing firefighting and rescue protective gear with PFAS-free alternatives, aiming to reduce PFAS exposure for both professional and volunteer firefighters and improve long-term health and safety outcomes. The measure designates the funds for distribution through the state treasury and requires proper voucher-based disbursement to implement the procurement.