House committee advances bill to phase out firefighting foam and require biosolids testing

Representative Connolly told the subcommittee that CS for House Bill 1019, called the Joe Cassello Act, would phase out aqueous film‑forming foam — a firefighting product implicated in PFAS contamination — over three years and require testing of biosolids and treated effluent from specified wastewater treatment facilities with reporting to the Department of Environmental Protection.

"This is a firefighting foam that is, 1 of the primary constituents to environmental contamination related to p fuss chemicals or forever chemicals," Connolly said, explaining the public‑health rationale and noting higher cancer incidence among firefighters. He described the biosolids and effluent testing provisions as additional protections that will produce data for DEP.

Public testimony in support was brief; representatives of Florida Smart Justice Alliance and Thousand Friends of Florida registered support. Representative Bartleman praised the bill and its naming in honor of Joe Cassello, who served as a firefighter, and Rep. Connolly closed by reiterating firefighter cancer concerns and the motive for legislative action.

After debate the committee clerk called the roll and CS for House Bill 1019 was reported favorably. The committee recorded a majority of 'Yes' votes during the roll call recorded in the transcript.

The bill will proceed to the next committee stop; sponsors and members said they expect further review of implementation details such as testing protocols and reporting timelines.