Rep. Cohn files bill in North Carolina House to regulate PFAS chemicals

A new bill filed by State Rep. Bryan Cohn in the North Carolina House seeks to restrict the manufacture, use, and distribution of PFAS chemicals to protect public health and the environment, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 881 on April 9 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘PFAS Free NC.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill aims to ban the manufacture, use, and distribution of per-fluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in North Carolina, with exceptions for federally authorized products. It enforces civil penalties for violations. The bill mandates pollutant disclosure in discharge permits and requires the removal of PFAS and 1,4-dioxane from industrial waste. Public water systems must notify customers of PFAS findings within 30 days. It directs the Department of Environmental Quality to study PFAS in biosolids and landfill leachate, create an inventory of PFAS discharges, and develop technology-based limits for NPDES permits. Various agencies will study PFAS-related human health, ecological impacts, and economic costs. Funds are allocated for studies, drinking water treatment improvements, and a PFAS Chemical Action Plan. The act is effective upon becoming law, with specific funding sections effective July 1, 2025.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Pricey Harrison proposed the most bills (48) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Cohn, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2025 to represent the state’s 32nd House district, replacing previous state representative Frank Sossamon.