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Firefighter PFAS Compensation Program and New Excise Taxes on PFAS Products.

This Act establishes a compensation program for firefighters suffering from illnesses linked to PFAS exposure during their service. The program operates on a no-fault basis, simplifying the process for eligible claimants to receive financial benefits. Funding for this compensation will be generated through new excise taxes imposed on the sale of PFAS-containing products and on certain PFAS-related litigation settlements.
Key points
Compensation Program: Firefighters with at least two years of service who suffer from a PFAS-related health condition (including specific cancers and thyroid diseases) are eligible to file a claim.
Award Amounts: Base compensation is $250,000 for cancer and $50,000 for non-cancer conditions, multiplied by a service modifier (up to 4x) based on years of service.
Funding Mechanism: New 10% excise taxes are introduced on the sale of PFAS-containing products (including firefighter gear) and on payments from qualifying PFAS litigation awards (excluding personal injury claims).
No-Fault Review: The program assumes that a firefighter's PFAS-related health condition was caused by exposure during firefighting activities, streamlining claim review and excluding considerations of negligence.
Payment Limitations: Compensation is limited to one cancer and one non-cancer condition per firefighter. Payments may be prorated if the Trust Fund lacks sufficient funding, with delayed amounts paid later with 6% annual interest.
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_7788
Sponsor: Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9]
Process start date: 2024-03-21