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AB-589 • 2026

Firefighters: personal protective equipment.

Firefighters: personal protective equipment.

Active

The official status still shows this bill as active or still awaiting another formal step.

Sponsor
Gallagher
Last action
Official status
Assembly - Died - Labor and Employment
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source does not define which entities count as 'certain fire districts'.

Firefighter Gear Replacement Limits

This law stops the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board from requiring certain fire districts to replace specific firefighter gear more often than once every 15 years, unless the gear is unsafe or contains harmful chemicals.

What This Bill Does

  • Prohibits the board from adopting rules that require replacing personal protective equipment used by certain fire districts more frequently than once every 15 years.
  • Allows for earlier replacement if the board finds the gear is unsafe due to wear and tear.
  • Requires action if the gear poses an immediate safety hazard.
  • Mandates removal or replacement if the gear contains perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or other known hazardous materials.

Who It Names or Affects

  • The Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board
  • Certain fire districts in California that use specific personal protective equipment

Terms To Know

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Special gear like helmets, coats, and boots that firefighters wear to stay safe.
Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances
A group of man-made chemicals often called PFAS that can be harmful to health.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The law only applies to certain fire districts, not all firefighting agencies.
  • It does not list which specific fire districts are included in this rule.
  • The official text provided does not state when the bill becomes effective.

Bill History

  1. California Legislative Information

    Assembly - Died - Labor and Employment

Official Summary Text

Firefighters: personal protective equipment.