Georgia packaging and PFAS bills

What it would do: Provides immunity from liability for PFAS receivers in tort actions related to PFAS use, receipt, or disposal, except in cases of gross negligence or when the receiver fails to comply with EPA and state environmental regulations.

What it would do: Requires the Environmental Protection Division to maintain a public website monitoring PFAS contaminant levels in public water systems and notify water utility companies when levels exceed specified thresholds, which must then notify affected residents.

What it would do: Reserves PFAS contamination claims to the state, effective July 1, 2026, prohibiting local governments from bringing such actions and requiring the Environmental Protection Division to litigate them exclusively, with settlement proceeds administered by the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority.

What it would do: Enacts the Pollution Prevention and Producer Responsibility Act of 2026, requiring producers of packaging, paper products, and beverage containers to register with producer responsibility organizations and implement programs meeting performance standards for recycling, composting, reuse, and source reduction.

What it would do: Imposes a 50 percent excise tax on damages received by Georgia landowners for PFAS contamination abatement, removal, and remediation, with credits for funds actually expended on such purposes or placed in irrevocable trusts, due three years after receipt. Requires notice to alleged PFAS tortfeasors before litigation.

What it would do: Prohibits use and sale of firefighting equipment containing PFAS after specified dates, requires labeling and safe disposal standards, establishes a Firefighter Health Advisory Council to monitor PFAS contamination and health risks, and mandates insurance coverage for firefighter PFAS blood testing.

What it would do: Requires publicly owned treatment works to request information from industrial users by December 31, 2025 about their manufacture, production, or use of PFAS, and requires industrial users to annually disclose this information and any best management practices to reduce PFAS discharge.