HB 211 Georgia House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

PFAS Receiver Shield Act; enact

Summary

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Title 51 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to torts, so as to provide for immunity from certain lawsuits related to certain chemicals; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to provide for a short title; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Issues: ✗ Environment

Bill status died 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Jan 30, 2025 Last action Feb 11, 2026

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What changed between versions

LC 44 2971ER/a → LC 44 9006ERS/hs · 5 edits

MODERATE

This bill was amended to strengthen immunity protections for people who receive or handle PFAS chemicals. The changes add a new definition of 'gross negligence' that plaintiffs must prove to overcome immunity, expand the list of covered PFAS chemicals, and add protections for environmental consultants who advise PFAS receivers.

Scope change

The bill now applies to a broader range of PFAS chemicals and adds specific protections for environmental consultants who provide services to PFAS receivers.

DEFINITION

Added a new definition of 'gross negligence' that requires plaintiffs to prove intentional or reckless conduct to overcome immunity protections.

ELIGIBILITY

Expanded the list of covered PFAS chemicals to include PFHxA (perfluorohexanoic acid) which was missing from the original version.

Added immunity protections for environmental engineers and consultants who provide professional services to PFAS receivers.

REQUIREMENT

Changed the PFAS receiver definition to clarify that licensed waste handlers are included and added 'or' to the list of qualifying activities.

Added specific immunity for handling PFAS substances including disposal into waste-water treatment facilities and public landfills when EPA and state regulations are followed.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Feb 11, 2026

Committee

House Withdrawn, Recommitted

lower

Feb 10, 2026

Lower · Passed

House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

lower

Jan 30, 2025

Introduced

House Hopper

lower

4 primary · 0 co-sponsors