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AB 1603

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): Department of Pesticide Regulation.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Nick Schultz

Bans PFAS in pesticides in stages: label rules by 2028, restricted-material use by 2028, list-specific prohibitions by 2030, and a full ban on PFAS pesticides by 2035.

From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to committee. Read second time, amended, and re-referred to Com. on E.Q.
#departmentofpesticideregulation #perfluoroalkylandpolyfluoroalkylsubstances(pfas)
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Bill Summary · AB 1603

Summary of AB 1603 (2025-2026) — PFAS: Department of Pesticide Regulation (California)

1) Purpose and Intent

  • The bill aims to address and phase out perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) used in pesticides in California.
  • It seeks to reduce PFAS presence in California-grown produce, soil, air, and water, and to begin phasing out PFAS pesticides that are already restricted or discouraged elsewhere.
  • It establishes a framework for labeling, restricted materials, permits, and eventually prohibitions on PFAS-containing pesticides.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

  • Create new Article 6 (PFAS) in the Food and Agricultural Code (Division 7, Chapter 3), defining PFAS-related terms and establishing a phased regulatory pathway.

Definitions

  • PFAS: Class of fluorinated organic chemicals with at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom.
  • PFAS-restricted material: A registered pesticide containing PFAS that are intentionally added as active ingredients, adjuvants, or inert ingredients.

Prohibitions and Timelines

  • January 1, 2035: Prohibit the use of pesticides that contain PFAS intentionally added as active, adjuvant, or inert ingredients; prohibit manufacturing, selling, delivering, holding, or offering for sale any such pesticides.
  • January 1, 2030: Prohibit use and related activities for a specified list of PFAS compounds (e.g., triflusulfuron-methyl, trifluralin, triflumizole, and many others listed in the bill). This list is drawn from PFAS intentionally added as components of pesticides.
  • January 1, 2028: Require the label of any pesticide containing PFAS (intentionally added) to include a conspicuous statement: “This product contains perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, and can contaminate produce, groundwater, drinking water, soil, and the environment.” The statement must be in at least 16-point type.

Registration and Permitting

  • The Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) shall not register or reregister a pesticide that has PFAS (intentionally added) if such PFAS-containing pesticide was not previously registered by DPR.
  • Beginning July 1, 2028, a registered PFAS-containing pesticide is designated a “restricted material.” Use of PFAS-restricted materials must comply with a DPR-issued permit (Section 14006.5), and permits must include the PFAS disclosure statement described above.
  • Public disclosures by DPR (including through programs like SprayDays California) must state that PFAS-containing products can contaminate the environment.

Departmental Authority

  • By January 1, 2028, the DPR Director must designate the times and conditions under which PFAS-restricted materials may be used or possessed in different areas of the state, and may prohibit their use or possession in certain areas.

Scope

  • The bill adds operative provisions in 2030 (for specific PFAS-listed pesticides) and 2035 (broad prohibition on PFAS-containing pesticides) with a staged approach to reduce PFAS exposure from pesticides.

3) Who or What Would Be Affected

  • Pesticide manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, and users who deal with PFAS-containing pesticides.
  • Registered pesticide products containing PFAS (active, adjuvant, or inert ingredients).
  • Local agricultural commissioners and anyone involved in permitting and enforcing restricted-material use.
  • California residents, consumers, and agricultural workers who may experience reduced PFAS exposure and potential changes in pesticide availability.
  • DPR and local agencies would incur regulatory and administrative responsibilities, with potential mandated local program costs.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • 2030: Prohibition on use of listed PFAS compounds in pesticides.
  • 2028: Labeling requirement for PFAS-containing pesticides; PFAS-restricted material designation begins for already registered PFAS pesticides.
  • 2028 (on or before): DPR Director to prescribe regional use rules and may prohibit PFAS-restricted material in certain areas.
  • 2035: Full prohibition on using, manufacturing, selling, delivering, or offering for sale any PFAS-containing pesticides.
  • Reimbursement: The act states no reimbursement is required for local agencies/school districts under specified constitutional provisions.

5) Notes on Status

  • The bill has introduced and been amended in committee with sponsor: Assembly Member Schultz (co-sponsor: Nick Schultz).
  • It includes standard language about no local reimbursement for new criminal penalties.

This summary covers the bill’s core intent, major requirements, affected parties, and critical milestones for implementation.

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

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