Require certain firefighting equipment purchased by a fire department contain particular labeling.
Summary
SB 163 would require South Dakota fire departments, when purchasing firefighting personal protective equipment, to buy gear that has a permanently affixed label stating whether the item contains perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The bill defines the covered equipment broadly to include coats, coveralls, footwear, gloves, helmets, hoods, trousers, and other clothing intended for firefighting and rescue activities.
The measure is a procurement and disclosure requirement rather than a ban on PFAS-containing gear. It would take effect on July 1, 2026, giving fire departments and vendors time to adjust purchasing practices and labeling compliance.
Impact
SB 163 would add a new section to South Dakota law in chapter 34-31 governing fire departments’ equipment purchases. It would require that any firefighting personal protective equipment purchased by a fire department include a permanent label identifying whether the product contains PFAS, affecting manufacturers, distributors, and local fire departments that buy turnout gear and related protective clothing.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have generally favorable support in the legislative process, with multiple do-pass votes in committee and on the floor, including unanimous or near-unanimous committee support at several stages. However, the final recorded vote on an amended version was substantially more divided, suggesting that while the underlying labeling concept was broadly acceptable, the amended form of the bill drew significant resistance.
Contention
The main point of contention appears to be the amended version of the bill rather than the basic labeling requirement itself. The vote history shows strong support for do-pass recommendations early on, but the amended measure failed on a 13-57 vote, indicating disagreement over the scope, implementation, or policy implications of the changes. Likely concerns include compliance burdens on fire departments and vendors, the practicality of labeling requirements, and broader debate over PFAS in firefighting gear.