H.R. 3184 — PFAS Alternatives Act

This section establishes definitions for terms including "eligible entity" (i.e., nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, or national fire service or safety organizations with specified experience in firefighter health research, education, and collaboration), "PFAS" (i.e., per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), and "turnout gear" (i.e., protective clothing for firefighters and EMS personnel during firefighting operations). It directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), to award grants to eligible entities for research, development, and testing of PFAS-free next-generation turnout gear and materials (e.g., enhanced protection from combustion byproducts, reduced maintenance needs, body-composition considerations), requiring partnerships with firefighting organizations. It authorizes $25 million annually for FY2025 through FY2029 for this program. The section further requires the Secretary, beginning in FY2027, to award grants or enter contracts with eligible entities to develop and disseminate guidance and training for firefighters on best practices for wearing, decontaminating, and caring for such turnout gear. It authorizes $2 million annually for FY2027 through FY2031 for this program. Finally, it requires the Secretary to submit a report to Congress within two years of enactment describing progress under these programs.