H.R. 3184: Protecting Firefighters and Advancing State-of-the-Art Alternatives Act
This bill, titled the Protecting Firefighters and Advancing State-of-the-Art Alternatives Act, focuses on improving the safety and health of firefighters by advancing the development of new firefighting gear. Below are the main points of what the bill would do:
1. Purpose and Objectives
The primary aim of the bill is to reduce occupational illnesses and injuries among firefighters. This will be achieved by promoting research and development of next-generation turnout gear that is free from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are chemical substances linked to health concerns.
2. Definitions
- Eligible Entity: A nonprofit organization, institution of higher education, national fire service organization, or national fire safety organization with relevant experience in areas such as firefighter safety.
- Turnout Gear: Protective clothing worn by firefighters and emergency personnel to minimize exposure to hazards.
- PFAS: Refers to man-made chemicals that can pose health risks and are currently found in certain firefighting gear.
3. Research Programs
The bill authorizes the establishment of programs to provide grants to eligible entities for the research and development of PFAS-free turnout gear. The following components are included:
- Grant Awards: Grants will fund research for safer materials and gear.
- Partnerships: Eligible entities must partner with firefighting organizations to ensure the research is relevant and practical for first responders.
- Preventative Focus: The research will aim to enhance protection against harmful exposure during firefighting operations.
4. Funding
The bill authorizes funding of $25 million for each fiscal year from 2025 through 2029 for research initiatives aimed at developing new turnout gear.
5. Training Programs
Beginning in 2027, the bill also proposes grants or contracts to eligible entities for developing training programs related to:
- Best practices for using and maintaining the new turnout gear
- Reducing harmful exposures while using firefighting equipment
An allocated budget of $2 million for each fiscal year from 2027 through 2031 is proposed for these training initiatives.
6. Reporting Requirements
Two years after the enactment of the bill, the Secretary of Health and Human Services must submit a report to Congress detailing the progress made in achieving the goals set out for research and training programs.
Relevant Companies
- DOV (Dover Corporation) - Engaged in manufacturing firefighting equipment, they may need to adjust product lines to meet new PFAS-free standards.
- SCX (The Schaffer Corporation) - Involved in the development of protective gear, this company could be affected by the new materials requirement.
This is an AI-generated summary of the bill text. There may be mistakes.
Sponsors
38 bill sponsors
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TrackDebbie Dingell
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TrackGabe Amo
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TrackYassamin Ansari
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TrackJake Auchincloss
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TrackSuzanne Bonamici
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TrackAndré Carson
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TrackSean Casten
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TrackDiana DeGette
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TrackLloyd Doggett
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TrackBrian K. Fitzpatrick
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TrackMike Flood
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TrackRobert Garcia
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TrackCarlos A. Gimenez
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TrackSam Graves
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TrackAdam Gray
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TrackJahana Hayes
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TrackGlenn Ivey
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TrackPramila Jayapal
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TrackThomas H. Kean, Jr.
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TrackTimothy M. Kennedy
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TrackJennifer Kiggans
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TrackRaja Krishnamoorthi
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TrackMike Levin
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TrackTed Lieu
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TrackStephen F. Lynch
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TrackSeth Magaziner
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TrackKristen McDonald Rivet
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TrackJoe Neguse
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TrackEleanor Holmes Norton
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TrackZachary Nunn
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TrackMaria Elvira Salazar
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TrackJefferson Shreve
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TrackHaley M. Stevens
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TrackSuhas Subramanyam
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TrackThomas R. Suozzi
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TrackGlenn Thompson
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TrackDina Titus
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TrackGabe Vasquez
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Actions
2 actions
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| May. 05, 2025 | Introduced in House |
| May. 05, 2025 | Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, 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. |
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