Bill · S. 5410· Senate(119-S-5410)
Firefighter PFAS Injury Compensation Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 9/16/2026
- Last activity
- 9/16/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- Sponsored by
- Cory Booker
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill sets up a compensation program for firefighters who get sick or die from toxic PFAS exposures during their service. It creates a special trust fund to pay out these claims, using money raised from taxes on PFAS manufacturers and certain PFAS-related lawsuits. Firefighters can receive base awards depending on their diagnosis, with extra money added based on their years of service. The program operates on a no-fault basis, meaning sick firefighters do not have to prove negligence to get help. It also gives families a clear process to file claims if a firefighter passes away from these health conditions.
Yes· 3 of 13
Does this raise the taxes companies pay?+7
The bill imposes a new 10 percent excise tax on PFAS manufacturers and on qualifying PFAS litigation awards.
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?+6
Firefighters who contract severe non-cancer and cancer conditions from toxic exposures receive direct financial compensation.
Does this make health care easier to get in general?+6
The bill provides substantial financial support and compensation for firefighters suffering from serious PFAS-related illnesses and cancers.
The opposite
Would business owners be better off under this?-5
PFAS manufacturers face new excise taxes and financial liabilities under the legislation.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Financial Help for Sick Firefighters: Under Section 3401(e), eligible firefighters diagnosed with certain cancers get a $250,000 base award, while those with non-cancer conditions get $50,000, helping cover major medical burdens.
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No-Fault Claims Process: Under Section 3401(d)(2), the Secretary must accept that a firefighter's illness came from workplace PFAS exposure, meaning workers do not have to fight through complicated blame games or prove negligence.
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Support for Families After a Death: Under Section 3401(c)(1)(B), estates or adult heirs of deceased firefighters can step in and claim compensation, ensuring families are cared for after a tragic loss.
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Interest on Delayed Payments: Under Section 3402(b)(3), if the trust fund runs low and payouts are delayed, claimants receive their unpaid money plus 6 percent interest per annum once funding becomes available.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Possible Payment Delays or Reductions: Under Section 3402(b)(2)(A), the Secretary must ensure that payouts never exceed the money available in the trust fund, meaning payments might be cut down or prorated if funds run dry.
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Strict Limits on Claims: Under Section 3401(f)(1), an eligible person can only receive compensation for a maximum of 1 cancer condition and 1 non-cancer condition, no matter how many health problems they actually suffer from.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Corporate Taxes+7Improves Fiscal Responsibility+4Improves Consumer Protection+2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For People With Disabilities+6Good For Low Income Households+4Good For Veterans+4Good For Seniors+3Good For Business Owners-5
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Due Process+5Improves Government Transparency+3
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+6
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+5
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+4
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+3
- 9/16/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- Introduced in Senate
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.