Vermont House approves S 25 limiting PFAS in consumer goods after amending lead threshold

The Vermont House on the floor amended and then passed S 25, a broad measure restricting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in cosmetics, menstrual products, textiles and certain artificial turf fields.

Lawmakers debated an amendment offered by Representative Higley (member from Lowell) and Representative Marcotte (member from Coventry) that would change a proposed lead limit for personal care products to 10 parts per million. Higley described the change as “a one-line change of 5 parts per million back to...10 parts per million,” saying conversations with Vermont cosmetic manufacturers and supply-chain constraints motivated the amendment. Representative Marcotte acknowledged the public-health goal of a lower limit but urged caution to avoid harming in-state businesses and suppliers.

Opponents of the amendment argued the health risks of lead exposure—especially for women and children—warranted a stricter standard. One legislator said she “will never support profit making at the expense of women's health,” and others cited the state’s responsibility to reduce environmental exposures. Supporters of the amendment and members of the human services committee stressed feasibility concerns, noting testimony from the state toxicologist and industry and proposing staged compliance dates and enforcement flexibilities.

A roll-call vote was requested and held on the amendment; the clerk recorded 101 yeas and 28 nays, approving the change to 10 parts per million. Representative Whitman (member from Bennington) then offered and the House adopted a technical amendment correcting statutory references and revising community engagement language.

On third reading the bill reporter summarized S 25’s public-health and environmental aims and cited testimony and cost estimates, including a national PFAS remediation figure and local expenses described by industry witnesses. The reporter also clarified the bill’s enforcement approach: the statute is written to reach manufacturers and first importers rather than downstream retailers in most cases.

The House held a roll-call on final passage and approved S 25 in concurrence with the proposal of amendment by a vote of 130-0. The measure includes phased implementation dates and language intended to allow manufacturers time to comply; supporters said it balances public-health protection with practical feasibility for Vermont businesses.

What comes next: because the House passed the bill in concurrence with the Senate amendment, S 25 will proceed according to the legislative process toward final enactment and implementation work by relevant state agencies.