GA SB577

Reserves all PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination claims to the state, effective July 1, 2026, prohibiting local governments from independently filing or maintaining PFAS-related lawsuits

Authorizes the Environmental Protection Division to bring civil actions and negotiate settlements for PFAS claims on behalf of the state, with legal services provided by the Attorney General who may also hire private counsel

Pending local government PFAS lawsuits as of July 1, 2026 will be stayed for up to 180 days to allow the division to substitute itself as plaintiff; claims will be dismissed without prejudice if the division does not intervene

Directs all judgment and settlement proceeds to the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority for deposit into a segregated account, with funds used for litigation expenses and PFAS remediation through revolving funds

Requires annual reporting to the Governor and legislative leaders by September 1, 2027 on private counsel fee agreements and all proceeds received and disbursed from PFAS judgments or settlements