Committee hears bill to shield manufacturers, users from PFAS lawsuits

The House Judiciary Committee on Monday heard testimony on House Bill 2 11, legislation that would bar many state lawsuits against companies that received, used or managed PFAS chemicals unless plaintiffs can show willful misconduct.

The bill’s sponsor, Representative Carpenter, said the measure aims to protect manufacturing jobs in northwest Georgia and limit litigation among downstream users and local governments. “This legislation is no laughing matter,” Representative Carpenter said, adding it is meant “to focus the attention of the litigation on the chemical companies.”

Supporters from the manufacturing, forestry and chemistry sectors told the committee the measure is necessary to protect employers who say they used products they were told were lawful. Mark Rogers, deputy general counsel for litigation at Mohawk, said the bill would shield downstream users unless there is “willful misconduct” and would not affect personal-injury claims. “Without willful misconduct, that would be an exception,” Rogers said during his testimony.

Environmental advocates, municipal lawyers and residents urged caution or opposed the bill, saying it would limit the ability of cities, ratepayers and individuals to recover the costs of water-treatment upgrades, cleanup and property impacts.…