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MaineLD 130132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)SenateWALLET

An Act to Establish the PFAS Response Program and to Modify the Fund To Address PFAS Contamination

Sponsored By: Henry L. Ingwersen (Democratic)

Became Law

FARMSFARMS - FARMERS

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Help for farms facing PFAS

The law creates the PFAS Response Program in the Department’s Bureau. It gives farms testing support and monitoring for water, soil, feed, milk, eggs, animals, manure and compost. The program can pay for self-testing, water filters and upkeep, clean feed, equipment and inputs, livestock depopulation, losses on processed animals and needed infrastructure. Staff provide technical help to read results and put fixes in place. To qualify, producers must allow site access, cooperate, share product and management details, and follow animal care and nutrient advice; if aid is denied or changed, they get written notice and can request a hearing. The Department may fund research and set routine rules to run the program.

PFAS limits on farm products

The Department, with the Maine CDC, can set maximum PFAS levels for farm products. If a product is above the limit, the Department can stop its sale and require on-farm fixes before sales resume.

Privacy for PFAS health data

The Department must keep any health care information it gathers during PFAS services confidential under state law. This protects people whose health data the Department collects.

PFAS Fund rules and revenues

The Department runs the PFAS Fund with a written plan for priorities and oversight, reviewed by the advisory committee. Fund money may pay staff and outside experts to do the work. Money from selling or leasing PFAS-related property, including timber or solar revenue, goes back into the Fund.

Public input on PFAS panel

The PFAS advisory committee selects two co-chairs for two-year terms. It must hold at least two public hearings each year. Its meetings and records are public under Maine’s open records law.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Henry L. Ingwersen

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 65

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    5/7/2025Senate

  3. PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    5/6/2025House

  4. Reports READ.On motion of Representative PLUECKER of Warren, the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report was ACCEPTED.The Bill was READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (S-28) was READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the rules, the Bill was given its SECOND READING without REFERENCE to the Committee on Bills in the Second Reading.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-28). In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    4/30/2025House

  5. Reports READ On motion by Senator TALBOT ROSS of Cumberland The Majority Ought to Pass As Amended Report ACCEPTED READ ONCE Committee Amendment "A" (S-28) READ. ADOPTED Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED by Committee Amendment "A" (S-28) Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence

    4/29/2025Senate

  6. CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.

    3/21/2025Senate

  7. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY.In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    1/8/2025House

  8. Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY suggested and ordered printed REFERENCE to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence

    1/8/2025Senate

Bill Text

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