H732 Summary: Responsible Firefighting Foam Management Act

• Prohibits discharge of Class B firefighting foam containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals for training or practice purposes, requiring non-fluorinated alternatives be used instead.

• Bans manufacturers from producing, selling, or distributing PFAS-containing Class B firefighting foam in North Carolina, effective January 1, 2024, with manufacturers required to recall prohibited products and reimburse purchasers by March 1, 2024.

• Exempts PFAS-containing foam when required by federal law (specifically 14 C.F.R. § 139.317 as of January 1, 2024), with users required to report usage and environmental releases to the Office of State Fire Marshal within five business days and implement containment measures.

• Allows petroleum terminals to apply for temporary waivers of up to one year if they demonstrate no commercially available PFAS-free alternatives exist for emergency fires and provide containment plans.

• Requires manufacturers and sellers to provide written notice to purchasers if firefighting personal protective equipment contains PFAS chemicals, with notices retained for three years, and establishes civil penalties of up to $5,000 for initial violations and $10,000 for repeated violations.