This bill establishes a federal compensation program for firefighters who have suffered injuries or deaths from PFAS-related health conditions. Eligible firefighters with at least two years of service who have developed conditions linked to PFAS exposure—such as certain cancers, thyroid disease, or ulcerative colitis—can submit claims for compensation ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 for non-cancer conditions and cancers respectively, with amounts increased based on years of service. The program operates on a no-fault basis, meaning firefighters need not prove negligence or causation, and is funded through a new PFAS Trust Fund supported by a 10 percent excise tax on manufacturers and importers of PFAS products and a 10 percent tax on PFAS-related litigation settlements. The program gives firefighters two years from when final regulations are issued to submit claims, with the Secretary of Health and Human Services having 120 days to review each claim and up to 20 days to issue payment, with appeals available to the Court of Federal Claims.
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