Environmental health: product safety: perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

Senator Allen's proposal to restrict perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in consumer products would prohibit the distribution and sale of specific items containing intentionally added PFAS starting January 1, 2028. The ban would apply to cleaning products, cookware, dental floss, juvenile products, food packaging, and ski wax, with exemptions for previously used products and those governed by federal regulations.

The Department of Toxic Substances Control would oversee implementation through regulations to be adopted by January 1, 2029. Manufacturers must provide compliance certificates upon request, demonstrating their products meet the PFAS restrictions through approved testing methods. The department holds authority to conduct product testing, issue violations, and assess penalties for non-compliance beginning July 1, 2030.

The bill modifies existing chemical evaluation frameworks by allowing, but not requiring, the department's Safer Consumer Products program to assess PFAS uses in regulated products. This builds upon current requirements for identifying and prioritizing chemicals of concern while maintaining flexibility in the evaluation process. The legislation preserves other existing chemical restrictions and enforcement mechanisms while establishing new protocols specifically for PFAS regulation in consumer goods.