LANSING, Mich. — Two state lawmakers announced bipartisan legislation Tuesday aimed at providing free blood testing in PFAS contaminated areas.
Sen. Mark Huizenga (R- Walker) and Rep. Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo) introduced Senate Bills 298 and 299 and House Bills 4499 and 4500.
The bills would provide free PFAS blood testing for children who were younger than 11 years old on Jan. 1, 2012, and lived in homes in Kent, Ottawa or Kalamazoo counties that used well water or water from public water supplies with PFAS levels exceeding the state’s limits.
“After working with impacted families in West Michigan and medical experts, I introduced legislation to provide parents with peace of mind through free PFAS level monitoring. I want to thank my colleagues for making this a bipartisan effort,” said Sen. Huizenga.
“As a practicing health care professional, I know how serious PFAS exposure is for our communities,” said Rep. Rogers.
“Kalamazoo County, Michigan’s first documented PFAS site, still feels that impact. Making sure parents can easily access PFAS testing for their children is essential as we confront this threat together, giving families the knowledge they need to protect their kids’ health.”
Eligible families would have access to free PFAS testing and additional counseling and information, if necessary.
Physicians would be able to inform eligible families about PFAS testing, and, with parental consent, may order a blood test to check for elevated PFAS levels in eligible children.
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