Bill Overview
AB 1181 is titled “Firefighters: personal protective equipment.” It amends California’s Labor Code to strengthen protections for firefighters by eliminating the use of harmful chemicals in turnout gear. PFAS, sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals,” have been strongly linked to cancer and other serious health conditions. Flame retardants and fluoropolymers also pose significant risks.
For firefighters, this legislation directly addresses toxic exposures from PPE and aligns with our mission to prevent cancer in the fire service.
Related Coverage
Key Provisions
- By July 1, 2026, Cal/OSHA must report to the Governor and Legislature on progress toward safer standards.
- By January 1, 2027, the Cal/OSHA Standards Board must update existing safety orders to eliminate or limit PFAS, flame retardants, and similar hazardous chemicals in firefighter PPE.
Legislative Progress
- Feb 21, 2025 – Introduced in the Assembly by Matt Haney
- Mar 13 & May 23, 2025 – Amended and advanced through Assembly committees with bipartisan support
- Jun 2, 2025 – Passed the Assembly floor (78–0, unanimous)
- Jun 11–12, 2025 – Referred to Senate committees, amended, and re-referred to Appropriations
- Jun 18–30, 2025 – Passed Appropriations Committee with recommendation; placed on Suspense File
- Current (as of Jun 30, 2025) – Awaiting further action in Senate Appropriations
What This Means for Firefighters
AB 1181 has cleared the Assembly and initial Senate reviews with unanimous, bipartisan support. It is now in the Senate Appropriations Committee’s “suspense file,” awaiting the next round of review.
If it advances, the bill will go to a full Senate vote and then to the Governor’s desk for signature. Once enacted, this law will ensure that by 2027, firefighter turnout gear is free from PFAS and other toxic chemicals — a major step in reducing cancer risks for firefighters across California.
SFFCPF’s Commitment
The San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation strongly supports legislation that reduces firefighter exposure to carcinogens. We will continue to track AB 1181 closely and provide updates as it progresses through the Legislature.
This effort reflects our mission to protect the health of firefighters and their families through research, prevention, detection, and health navigation.