Springfield, IL – State Representative Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva) is a co-sponsor of HB 2409, which passed the House unanimously today. The legislation was an initiative of the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois, and the bill now moves on to the Senate for further consideration.
HB 2409 will prohibit the sale, manufacture, or distribution, beginning in January 2027, of firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE) that contains intentionally added synthetic chemicals. Current firefighting gear can contain these chemicals, which are linked to health problems, including cancer, and pose a significant occupational hazard for firefighters.
“I am proud to support this bill, and we must do everything we can to protect those who protect us,” Rep. Ugaste stated. “Updating our firefighters and first responders’ equipment to eliminate this serious health hazard is critically important. This legislation will help reduce firefighters’ potential exposure to dangerous chemicals that can lead to serious illnesses or death.”