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On June 19, 2026, The Governor of Rhode Island signed significant amendments to the Consumer PFAS Ban Act of 2024 through House Bill H7734. These revisions, signed into law following its introduction on February 12, 2026, aim to enhance regulatory clarity, introduce specific product exemptions, and refine enforcement mechanisms for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Key Amendments to the PFAS Ban Act:
1. "Product" Definition Broadened
The definition now explicitly includes items intended for commercial or industrial use, in addition to personal and residential uses.
2. New Exemption Mechanisms
The Director of the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) can grant exemptions for specific products or categories if they meet the following criteria:
The product provides environmental or public health/safety benefits.
No technically feasible PFAS alternative is available.
No reasonably priced, PFAS-free comparable product exists.
Exemptions are renewable for up to five years, requiring consultation with neighboring states for consistency.
3. Refined Provisions for Firefighting Foam
The prohibition on Class B firefighting foam that contains intentionally added PFAs for discharging or training purpose (effective 2025) now explicitly covers state department, agency, commission, council, or instrumentality, including a quasi-public agency, in addition to the local government and individual.
4. Enforcement Updates
The amendment has inserted a new section "23-18.18-7. Violations" .
In case of violation, a manufacturer of class B firefighting foam may faceu up to $5,000 for the first offense; or up to $10,000 for repeat violations.
5. Interstate Clearinghouse for Coordination
A new section, "23-18.18-8 Interstate clearinghouse", allows the Department to participate in a multi-jurisdictional information-sharing mechanism. This initiative will facilitate data exchange on PFAS-containing products, maintain relevant information, and record exemptions or waivers across participating jurisdictions, promoting a more coordinated regional approach to PFAS regulation.
