Munroe measure to protect firefighters and communities from toxic forever chemicals signed into law
Rep. Brian Munroe October 27, 2026
HARRISBURG, Oct. 27 – State Rep. Brian Munroe’s proposed legislation to protect firefighters and communities from toxic forever chemicals in extinguishing foam has been signed into law after it was amended into state Senate legislation (S.B. 804) that was signed into law last week.
“When firefighters face the most difficult and severe fires, they have often deployed Class B firefighting foam; while it is effective at extinguishing certain types of fires, it is laden with the toxic forever chemicals known as PFAS,” said Munroe. “Legislation was needed to prevent the damage caused when these chemicals contaminate firefighting gear, firefighters’ skin, and the ground and water where the foam collects.”
Munroe introduced legislation (H.B. 1261) that would have:
- Increased the maximum equipment loan for fire and EMS companies from $25,000 to $100,000.
- Restricted the manufacture, sale and use of Class B firefighting foam containing intentionally added PFAS, with deadlines in 2027 and 2028.
- Exempted foam containing PFAS when its use is required by federal law.
- required the State Fire Commissioner to help firefighting entities transition to PFAS-free foam.
- Required the commissioner to develop a plan for the safe disposal, transportation, storage and destruction of unused PFAS-containing foam.
- Required a list of vendors authorized to remove and transport PFAS-containing firefighting foam.
- Authorized civil penalties of up to $5,000 for a first offense and $10,000 for subsequent offenses.
- Required manufacturers to label firefighter protective equipment to disclose whether it contains intentionally added PFAS.
- Required manufacturers to notify the last known purchaser and post information online if they discover after a sale that equipment contains intentionally added PFAS.
- Established civil penalties of up to $5,000 for a first violation and $10,000 for subsequent violations.
- Authorized grants to cover the disposal of PFAS-containing foam and the purchase of PFAS-free replacement foam.
- Directed penalties collected for protective-equipment violations toward the Fire Company Grant Program and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program.
Through an amendment introduced by state Rep. Jared Solomon, chairman of the PA House Veterans Affairs Committee, these protections were added to S.B. 804, introduced by state Sen. Gene Yaw, and subsequently signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro on Oct. 22.
“As a former firefighter and a two-time cancer survivor, I’ve seen firsthand the consequences of allowing these chemicals to be used unchecked,” said Munroe. “After 15 years of inaction, we have finally secured this ban to protect our water and our communities from these deadly contaminants.”
Munroe also thanked Yaw for his strong advocacy on the issue and Solomon for his efforts in forwarding the legislation.