Bill · H.R. 10462· House(119-HR-10462)
Firefighter PFAS Injury Compensation Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 9/16/2026
- Last activity
- 9/16/2026 — Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Darren Soto
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill sets up the Firefighter PFAS Injury Compensation Program to help firefighters dealing with health conditions caused by PFAS exposure. It creates a special trust fund to pay out these claims without requiring proof of negligence from employers. To pay for the program, the bill places a ten percent excise tax on PFAS manufacturers and a ten percent tax on certain PFAS litigation awards and settlements. It also outlines how claims are submitted, reviewed, and appealed in court if someone is unhappy with the decision. Finally, the legislation sets rules for attorney fees and handles administrative funding through fiscal year 2031.
Yes
Would union members be better off under this?+8
The bill establishes a dedicated, no-fault compensation program providing substantial financial awards for firefighters suffering from PFAS-related conditions.
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?+6
The bill provides claimants the right to appeal agency determinations to the U.S. Court of Federal Claims with de novo review.
Does this raise the taxes companies pay?+4
The bill imposes a 10 percent excise tax on PFAS manufacturers and certain litigation awards.
The opposite
Does this make it easier to run a small business?-4
The 10 percent excise tax on PFAS products includes firefighter gear, potentially raising costs for local departments and businesses.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Direct Financial Support for Sick Firefighters: Section 3401(e) provides base financial awards of $250,000 for PFAS-related cancers and $50,000 for other PFAS-related health conditions, which gives critical financial relief to firefighters facing serious illnesses.
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Fair Payout Multipliers for Experienced Workers: Section 3401(e)(3) increases compensation based on the firefighter's years of service using a service modifier, rewarding those who spent more years protecting the public.
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No-Fault Claim System: Section 3401(d)(2) establishes a no-fault program where the Secretary assumes PFAS-related health conditions were caused by firefighting activities without needing to prove negligence, making it much easier for firefighters to get the help they deserve.
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Right to Court Appeal: Section 3401(g) gives claimants the right to appeal the Secretary's decision to the United States Court of Federal Claims for a fresh review with additional evidence, holding officials accountable and protecting the rights of workers.
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Protection From Creditors for Families: Section 3402(b)(4) ensures that compensation paid out to a deceased firefighter's family cannot be claimed by creditors of the deceased, protecting vulnerable grieving families.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Caps on Compensation Amounts: Section 3401(f)(1) limits eligible claimants to receiving compensation for only one cancer and one noncancer condition, which may leave other diagnosed conditions uncompensated.
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Risk of Delayed or Reduced Payments: Section 3402(b)(2)(A)(iii) allows the Secretary to prorate payments if funding in the PFAS Trust Fund is deficient, meaning sick firefighters might not receive their full financial support right away when funds run short.
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Higher Costs for Goods Containing PFAS: Section 4191 imposes a ten percent excise tax on PFAS products sold by manufacturers, producers, or importers, which could raise costs for everyday items and gear containing these substances for consumers and departments.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Union Workers+8
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Due Process+6
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Corporate Taxes+4Improves Small Business Support-4
- 9/24/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/16/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Brendan BoyleDemocrat · Pennsylvania
John LarsonDemocrat · Connecticut