Senate approves labeling requirement for new turnout gear that contains PFAS

The South Dakota Senate passed Senate Bill 163, which requires that newly purchased firefighting turnout gear bear a label identifying whether the gear contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Senator Sarah Larson, prime sponsor, framed the bill as an effort to reduce firefighters' long-term cancer risk by providing information to departments when they purchase new gear. "This isn't about mandating immediate replacement," Larson said. "It's about labeling gear, any newly purchased gear so that our firefighting departments have the information they need to manage the gear over time as we hope safer gear becomes available in the future." She described occupational cancer's prominence in the fire service and cited national associations and studies on elevated cancer rates among firefighters.

Senator Carley and others asked questions on cost and availability. Larson said the bill imposes no additional cost because it only requires labels on gear that already contains PFAS; she referenced an Indiana fiscal note that concluded labeling imposed no cost and said the Legislative Research Council had not required a fiscal note for the same reason. Larson also said PFAS-free turnout gear is beginning to be marketed and that one department in Rhode Island recently purchased PFAS-free gear.

Senator Reid emphasized the bill is not a purchase mandate: "This is just labeling the equipment if they purchase new. They don't have to go back and go through their equipment." Supporters argued labeling is a low-cost way to increase awareness and spur demand for PFAS-free alternatives.

The Senate recorded a roll-call vote of "35 yeas, 0 nays," and the President declared the bill passed. The title was deemed correct on the floor.

Ending: SB 163 will require labels on newly purchased turnout gear indicating PFAS content; departments will decide whether to buy PFAS-free gear as options become available.