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119-hr-6626119th CongressWALLET

PFAS Accountability Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Representative Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4]

Introduced

Summary

A federal private right of action for PFAS exposure would let people sue manufacturers for significant PFAS contamination and seek court-ordered medical monitoring when exposure raises health risks.

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  • Individuals and families could sue in federal court if they are significantly exposed or reasonably suspect exposure, and they could obtain medical monitoring when courts find an increased disease risk and effective periodic exams are justified. A presumption of significant exposure can be shown by defendant activity and releases lasting at least 1 year or by testing that finds PFAS or metabolites in the body.
  • Communities and class members can bring representative class claims using testing or proof of production and exposure affecting a representative portion for at least 1 year. Courts can appoint independent testers and shift testing costs to defendants when appropriate.
  • Manufacturers and other persons involved in any part of PFAS manufacturing, including telomer, fluorosurfactant, and toll processors, would face liability if they knew or should have foreseen human exposure. The bill also encourages independent PFAS health research and lets courts order new studies or ease scientific proof when data are limited.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Easier proof of PFAS exposure

If enacted, exposure would be presumed if a company made PFAS released where you lived or worked for at least one year. Exposure would also be presumed if tests show PFAS or PFAS metabolites in your body or blood. A defendant could rebut the presumption by paying for independent tests using agreed methods. If parties cannot agree on a tester, the court would appoint one.

Court-ordered PFAS medical checks and studies

If enacted, courts could order periodic medical testing for people or classes significantly exposed to PFAS. Tests would be allowed when exposure raises the risk of a PFAS-linked disease and the exams go beyond normal care. If toxicological data are lacking, a court could lower the usual scientific proof standard. A court could also order new epidemiological or toxicological studies as part of medical monitoring. The bill would also state Congress wants more independent PFAS health research.

New federal right to sue PFAS makers

This bill would create a federal right to sue PFAS makers in U.S. district court. You would be able to sue people who helped make the PFAS that exposed you. That includes telomer, fluorosurfactant, and toll manufacturers if they foresaw exposure. The bill would define PFAS as chemicals with at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom.

State PFAS claims remain available

If enacted, nothing in this federal section would stop state law claims or remedies about PFAS. State lawsuits and state remedies would remain available in addition to the federal cause of action.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4]

PA • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6]

    MI • D

    Sponsored 12/11/2025

  • Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-12]

    NY • D

    Sponsored 12/11/2025

  • Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12]

    MI • D

    Sponsored 12/11/2025

  • Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3]

    PA • D

    Sponsored 1/30/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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