Firefighter PFAS Injury Compensation Act of 2026

The Firefighter PFAS Injury Compensation Act of 2026 creates a federal program to compensate firefighters who develop specific health conditions linked to exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) during their service. Eligible claimants, including active or retired firefighters with at least two years of service and the estates of deceased firefighters, may receive base awards of $50,000 for non-cancer illnesses or $250,000 for cancers, with amounts multiplied by a service modifier based on total years served. The program operates on a no-fault basis, meaning claimants do not need to prove negligence, and disputes can be appealed to the United States Court of Federal Claims. Funding for these payments comes from a new PFAS Trust Fund established in the Treasury, which is financed by a 10 percent excise tax on the sale of PFAS-containing products and a separate 10 percent tax on certain PFAS litigation settlements.