Environmental health: product safety: perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

Senator Allen's legislation establishes a comprehensive framework to phase out perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from consumer products in California, responding to findings that these persistent chemicals contaminate 45 percent of U.S. tap water and are present in 98 percent of Americans' blood samples.

The bill creates a three-stage prohibition on products containing intentionally added PFAS. Starting January 1, 2027, the ban applies to cleaning products, cookware, dental floss, juvenile products, food packaging, and ski wax. This expands to most other consumer products by 2035, with the Department of Toxic Substances Control authorized to implement earlier deadlines for specific categories when alternatives exist. A final phase beginning January 1, 2040, covers specialized applications like refrigerants, solvents, and fire suppressants.

Manufacturers may petition the department to classify their PFAS use as "currently unavoidable" if they can demonstrate three criteria: no reasonably available safer alternatives exist, the PFAS function is necessary for the product to work, and the use is critical for health, safety, or societal function. These determinations expire after five years but can be renewed for up to three additional years with evidence of efforts to develop alternatives.

The department must adopt implementing regulations by January 1, 2029, including an application fee structure to fund oversight activities. The bill preserves existing enforcement mechanisms like product testing, violation notices, and administrative penalties while creating new requirements for manufacturers to register and certify compliance. Previously used products and uses preempted by federal law are exempt from the prohibitions.