HB 1275 - AS AMENDED BY THE HOUSE
11Mar2026... 0925h
11Mar2026... 1079h
2026 SESSION
26-2843
08/07
HOUSE BILL 1275
AN ACT relative to the effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on agriculture.
SPONSORS: Rep. W. Thomas, Hills. 12; Rep. N. Murphy, Hills. 12
COMMITTEE: Environment and Agriculture
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AMENDED ANALYSIS
This bill grants immunity from civil liability to farmers for damages resulting from claims based on harms caused by certain per and poly fluorinated alkyl substances present in soil, water, or agricultural products. This bill also requires the department of environmental services to develop concentration-based standards for PFAS in biosolids at land-application sites.
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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
11Mar2026... 0925h
11Mar2026... 1079h 26-2843
08/07
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Six
AN ACT relative to the effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on agriculture.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 New Subdivision; PFAS in Agriculture. Amend RSA 431 by inserting after section 36 the following new subdivision:
PFAS in Agriculture
431:37 Per- and Polyfluorinatedalkyl Substances; Civil Immunity. Any person engaged in the practice of farming shall be immune from suit and civil liability for any damages resulting from claims based on harms caused by per and poly fluorinated alkyl substances present in soil, water, or agricultural products as a result of standard agricultural practices, including the land application of sludge or biosolids.
2 Water Pollution and Waste Disposal; Land Application of Sludge. Amend RSA 485-A:5-d to read as follows:
485-A:5-d Land Application of Sludge.
I. Sludge or biosolids which are to be land applied in New Hampshire shall not exceed the maximum concentrations for specific chemical contaminants contained in the rules of the department, or the rules or regulations of the state in which the sludge was generated, whichever are more stringent.
II. By June 30, 2027, the department shall initiate rulemaking under RSA 541-A to develop concentration-based standards for PFAS in biosolids at land-application sites. Such standards shall be set for those PFAS compounds for which an ambient groundwater quality standard has been established under RSA 485-C. Such rulemaking shall include requirements for PFAS soil testing at land-application sites. Beginning January 1, 2028, land application shall not occur if biosolid or soil PFAS concentrations exceed the applicable standards.
3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect upon its passage.
| Date | Amendment |
|---|---|
| March 4, 2026 | 2026-0925h |
| March 6, 2026 | 2026-1079h |
| March 10, 2026 | 2026-1118h |
| Date | Body | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Feb. 10, 2026 | House | Hearing |
| March 3, 2026 | House | Exec Session |
| March 3, 2026 | House | Floor Vote |
March 17, 2026: Introduced 03/12/2026 and Referred to Energy and Natural Resources; SJ 7
March 11, 2026: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2026-0925h and 2026-1079h: MA VV 03/11/2026 HJ 7
March 11, 2026: FLAM # 2026-1118h (Rep. W. Thomas): AF DV 53-267 03/11/2026 HJ 7
March 11, 2026: FLAM # 2026-1079h (Rep. N. Germana): AA DV 307-11 03/11/2026 HJ 7
March 11, 2026: Amendment # 2026-0925h: AA DV 293-12 03/11/2026 HJ 7
March 4, 2026: Minority Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate
March 4, 2026: Majority Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0925h 03/03/2026 (Vote 12-1; RC) HC 10 P. 44
March 4, 2026: Executive Session: 03/03/2026 10:15 am GP 153
Feb. 25, 2026: Full Committee Work Session: 03/03/2026 10:15 am GP 153
Feb. 18, 2026: Full Committee Work Session: 02/24/2026 10:00 am GP 153
Feb. 11, 2026: Full Committee Work Session: 02/17/2026 10:00 am GP 153
Feb. 5, 2026: Full Committee Work Session: 02/11/2026 10:00 am GP153
Feb. 4, 2026: Public Hearing: 02/10/2026 02:45 pm GP 153
Dec. 1, 2025: Introduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Environment and Agriculture HJ 1 P. 13