Darius Brown
- Democratic
- Senator
- District 2
Primary
This Act requires the Division of Public Health (“Division”) to create a website where Delaware residents can find out the level of PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” in their public drinking water systems. This Act also requires the Division to notify public water utilities if the PFAS in their water exceeds certain limits, known as maximum containment levels, or MCLs. Water companies receiving this notice from the Division must then notify their customers that the PFAS levels in their water exceed the MCLs. There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that PFAS, which are a class of chemicals that do not break down naturally, are linked to certain cancers, liver problems, thyroid issues, low birth weights and birth defects, decreased immunity, and other serious health issues. Children may be particularly susceptible to negative health outcomes from PFAS exposure, with some research linking high PFAS levels in children to developmental problems and reduced effectiveness of vaccines. Although Delaware is currently working toward making PFAS information available to consumers as required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the federal rule that requires water systems to report on PFAS does not require them to do so until 2027, and water systems will not face consequences for exceeding MCLs until 2029. By providing everyone who uses public drinking water systems with the ability to determine the level of PFAS in their water prior to 2027, and to be notified when levels exceed MCLs, this Act empowers Delaware residents to advocate for safer water. This Act takes effect 90 days after its enactment into law.
Signed by Governor
Passed By House. Votes: 40 YES 1 VACANT
Reported Out of Committee (Appropriations) in House with 4 On Its Merits
Reported Out of Committee (Health & Human Development) in House with 2 Favorable, 7 On Its Merits
Assigned to Health & Human Development Committee in House
Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES
Amendment SA 1 to SB 72 - Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES
Amendment SA 1 to SB 72 - Introduced and Placed With Bill
Reported Out of Committee (Health & Social Services) in Senate with 1 Favorable, 6 On Its Merits
Introduced and Assigned to Health & Social Services Committee in Senate
| Bill Text Versions | Format |
|---|---|
| Bill Text | PDF HTML |
| SA 1 to SB 72 | HTML PDF |
| Document | Format |
|---|---|
| Fiscal Note |
Data on Open States is updated periodically throughout the day from the official website of the Delaware General Assembly.
If you notice any inconsistencies with these official sources, feel free to file an issue.