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Committee releases bill to phase out intentionally added PFAS in most firefighting gear, delays limited by availability

3836741 · June 12, 2025

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Summary

A committee substitute for S3946 to prohibit sale and require notice for firefighting equipment containing intentionally added PFAS was released after testimony from firefighter advocates and manufacturers; the committee adopted limited timing exceptions for certain masks where alternatives are not currently available.

A Senate committee released a committee substitute for S3946 that would restrict the sale and manufacture of firefighting equipment containing intentionally added PFAS and require written notices to purchasers for certain PFAS-containing equipment.

Witnesses included firefighters’ advocates and environment groups. Doug O’Malley of Environment New Jersey pointed to higher occupational cancer risks for firefighters and cited support from the International Association of Fire Fighters for removing intentionally added PFAS from turnout gear. Taylor McFarland of the Sierra Club and Molly Cleary of Clean Water Action testified that PFAS-treated turnout gear can release PFAS through wear and that PFAS‑free alternatives are commercially available for many items.

The committee adopted an amendment to provide an extended timeline for some non‑clothing personal protective equipment (PPE) — specifically masks — where witnesses testified an alternative is not yet available. Senator Greenstein told the committee she received amendments intended to protect certain PPE where immediate alternatives are not commercially ready.

After testimony and discussion, the committee voted to release the committee substitute for S3946. Roll call in the hearing recorded unanimous committee support for the motion to release the substitute.

Supporters asked the committee to maintain strict protections while allowing a measured implementation timetable for items with demonstrated supply limitations. Manufacturers and other stakeholders were asked to provide amendment language and implementation details to staff for follow-up.