(BOSTON 4/16/2026) — The Massachusetts Senate yesterday approved two important policies to reduce exposure to dangerous chemicals in the Commonwealth; one that creates a $25 million grant program for the development and purchase of PFAS-free firefighter turnout gear, and another that bans most uses of anti-coagulant rodenticides in the Bay State. Introduced by Second Worcester District Senator Michael Moore, both policies were adopted as amendments to the broader Mass Ready Act on a unanimous and bipartisan basis.
“I introduced these two amendments to the Mass Ready Act because I strongly believe that, when newer and cleaner solutions are developed, the harms of using risky chemicals begin to far outweigh the benefits. Thanks to my colleagues’ support, we are now one step closer to stripping toxic PFAS chemicals out of the gear our firefighters wear every day and firmly on the path to limiting the use of anti-coagulant rodenticides,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “I could not be more thrilled about the huge policy wins these amendments represent, and I know that the firefighters who will no longer have to wear toxic gear and the wildlife that will no longer inadvertently ingest poisonous prey are thankful too. I’d like to express my gratitude to my colleagues who voted in support of these amendments, to Senate President Karen Spilka for her leadership on these issues, and to all the advocates who have worked so hard to draw attention to these important issues.”
Amendment 1 – PFAS-free Firefighter Gear Grants
This amendment authorizes $25 million in bonding for the reduction of firefighters’ PFAS exposure through three main avenues – the purchase of PFAS-free protective turnout gear, the responsible disposal of equipment contaminated with PFAS, and the research and development of safer turnout gear that does not contain PFAS. The grant process will be managed by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, and municipalities will be able to apply for grants following the final passage of the Mass Ready Act.
PFAS, or Polyfluoroalkyl substances, is a class designation that includes nearly 10,000 chemicals used to make everyday items fireproof, waterproof, or non-stick. These chemicals have become ubiquitous in products ranging from cookware to furniture to children’s toys – and critically, as a lining in firefighting turnout gear – despite posing dangerous health risks. Even at low levels, the toxicity of PFAS chemicals can be devastating, increasing the risk of cancer, immunosuppression, birth defects, colitis, and other diseases. Compounding these dangers is the persistent nature of PFAS chemicals, known as “forever chemicals” for their resistance to breaking down in the environment.
“This is another great day for our PFFM membership in our fight against occupational cancer that continues to plague the Fire Service,” said Paul Jacques, Legislative Agent for the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts. “Thank you to Senator Moore, Senate President Spilka, Ways & Means Chair Rodrigues, Senator Rausch, Chair Cronin, and Senator Cyr, as well as the entire Senate for passing this vital amendment to protect firefighters across the Commonwealth.”
This amendment is another step in the process of reducing Massachusetts firefighters’ exposure to PFAS chemicals, and comes halfway through the implementation of S.2902. Introduced by Senator Moore and passed in 2024, the bill creates new regulations for manufacturers of firefighting personal protective equipment, requiring a written notice to the purchaser that the equipment contains PFAS, the reason PFAS were used, and what specific PFAS chemicals are contained within the equipment. Further, the bill prohibits the manufacturing, distribution, or sale of firefighting turnout equipment that contains PFAS chemicals beginning on January 1st, 2027.
Protective turnout gear is expensive and firefighters typically have two sets – an expense of close to $10,000 per firefighter. Not only can these grants be used to purchase new PFAS-free gear, they can also be used to reimburse cities and towns who have already done so, alleviating some pressure on otherwise strained local budgets.
Amendment 3 – Restricting the use of Rodenticides
This amendment restricts the use of the most destructive anticoagulant rodenticides, many of which pose a great threat to the biodiversity of the Commonwealth. Anticoagulant rodenticides stop an animal’s body from creating blood clots using medications like warfarin, bromadiolone, and difethialone. This method of poisoning can take days to kill an animal that ingests it, creating an opportunity for the poisoned rodent to be eaten by predators like eagles, hawks, foxes, coyotes, and more – causing a cascading harm up the food chain and endangering Massachusetts’ fragile ecosystems. It also endangers the health of pets, who may eat unfinished rodenticide or find a rodent poisoned by it.
While the amendment practically bans the use of this class of pest control in the vast majority of situations, it maintains limited exceptions for licensed applicators in specific circumstances. Permits for use of anticoagulant rodenticides may be issued by the Department of Public Health for one-time indoor use to address an urgent public health emergency, though permits are limited to 14 days and require a written rationale on the need for this class of rat poisons over other alternatives.
“Thank you to the Senate for taking this meaningful step forward to protect the wildlife and companion animals from anti-coagulant rodenticides in the Commonwealth. Empowering local communities to regulate the products used within their borders enables them to more effectively preserve their natural resources and wildlife,” said Melissa Ekvall, Senior Advocacy Outreach and Research Coordinator for MSPCA-Angell. “We are grateful to Senator Moore and his team for their leadership and their commitment to the animals of Massachusetts”
“We are so grateful to Senator Moore, and all the cosponsors and proponents, who helped get the rodenticide amendment approved yesterday,” said Sam Anderson, Senior Director of Government Affairs at Mass Audubon. “And to the nearly 5,000 advocates who reached out to make their voices heard along with the 66 partner organizations and community groups, we are eternally grateful for your commitment to protect our wildlife and pets by reducing the use of anticoagulant rodenticides that poison the environment.”
This amendment is based on S.2721, a bill originally introduced by Senator Moore.
Details on the full legislation can be found online here.
The Mass Ready Act was passed on a 36-3 roll call vote. It has now been sent to the House of Representatives for further review.
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