US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB5259

Introduced
8/22/23  

Caption

PFAS Exposure Assessment and Documentation Act

Impact

If enacted, this legislation would fundamentally alter health monitoring practices for military personnel, creating a systematic approach to screening for PFAS exposure. This could affect the health care provisions for current members and open pathways for former members and their families to receive necessary blood testing to determine any health ramifications of their exposure. By instituting a standardized exposure assessment across the military, the bill aims to enhance the accountability of the Department of Defense in addressing contamination concerns that affect the health of service members.

Summary

House Bill 5259, titled the 'PFAS Exposure Assessment and Documentation Act', aims to improve the health assessments of members of the Armed Forces by mandating evaluations for exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and polyfluoroalkyl substances during their service. The bill requires that these assessments be included in periodic health evaluations, ensuring that servicemembers who may have been stationed at military installations with known PFAS releases are properly monitored and documented for potential health risks associated with such exposures. The Secretary of Defense is charged with overseeing the incorporation of these evaluations into existing health protocols and historical health records of the members.

Contention

While HB5259 is largely viewed as a positive step for the health and safety of military personnel, it may face scrutiny regarding its implementation and the adequacy of resources allocated to support these assessments. Concerns may arise about the efficiency with which the Department of Defense is able to conduct these evaluations and manage the requisite registry of affected individuals. Additionally, advocacy groups may raise issues about the historical neglect of servicemember health in regards to environmental toxins, pushing for further amendments that could expand protections and monitoring beyond what is currently proposed.

Companion Bills

US SB1360

Related PFAS Exposure Assessment and Documentation Act

Previously Filed As

US HB3639

VET PFAS Act Veterans Exposed to Toxic PFAS Act

US SR485

A resolution designating the month of October 2025 as "National Military Toxic Exposures Awareness Month".

US SB3460

PFAS Accountability Act of 2025

US HB6626

PFAS Accountability Act of 2025

US HB5553

END TEAR GAS EXPOSURES ACT

US SB4045

END TEAR GAS EXPOSURES ACT

US HB1190

Line of duty disability from PFAS exposure.

US HB705

This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish the Military Firefighters Compensation Fund to provide compensation to current and former military firefighters, or survivors of such firefighters, for illnesses incurred in the line of duty due to exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS. PFAS are man-made and may have adverse human health effects.Under the bill, current and former military firefighters are presumed to have been exposed to PFAS (in the absence of substantial evidence to the contrary) if the firefighter was employed at a military installation, facility of the National Guard, or formerly used defense site during a period when PFAS would have been present at such facility.The bill provides that in cases where a military firefighter is deceased at the time of payment of compensation, the surviving spouse must receive the payment. If there is no surviving spouse, the bill provides for the order of distribution to other surviving parties (e.g., a child or parent of the firefighter). The bill also provides that a survivor of a firefighter may file a claim for compensation if the firefighter dies before filing a claim.DOD must furnish the services, appliances, and supplies prescribed or recommended to a military firefighter who is receiving medical benefits for an illness related to PFAS exposure. Additionally, such firefighter may be furnished necessary and reasonable transportation and expenses incident to securing care for such illness.

US AB131

Programs and requirements to address PFAS.

US HB8632

PFAS Cleanup Act

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