Indiana House Representative Becky Cash authored and introduced Indiana House Bill 1110 for consideration on January 5, 2026, one of the latest bills across the country attempting to regulate the usage and discharge of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). If passed, this bill would require the Indiana Department of Environmental Management to adopt maximum containment levels for PFAS as well as effluent limitation standards for wastewater chemicals by July 1, 2027. It would further create various compliance requirements for what the bill refers to as “Direct Dischargers” and “Indirect Dischargers” of PFAS. Finally, the bill seeks to impose civil penalties of up to $25,000 per day for violation, and collected fees will go toward a PFAS Chemical Testing and Remediation Fund.
On the same day, Indiana House Representative Ryan Dvorak authored and introduced Indiana House Bill 1239 for consideration. This bill also seeks to address concerns of PFAS contamination at a statewide level. The bill would require the Indiana Department of Health to establish state maximum contaminant levels for PFAS in water provided by public utility systems. Additionally, this bill would require that the state’s maximum contaminant levels for PFAS be (1) protective of public health, with consideration given to the health of vulnerable populations, and (2) no less stringent than any maximum contaminant level or health advisory promulgated by the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Both Indiana House Bill 1110 and Indiana House Bill 1239 have been referred to the Indiana House Committee on Environmental Affairs for further consideration. Read the entire text of Indiana House Bill 1110 and Indiana House Bill 1239.
Ultimately, both bills are reflective of the growing trend of state legislation attempting to set states’ own standards and enforcement mechanisms to address public concerns about PFAS contamination of water. Observers should continue to keep an eye on both bills as they progress through the Indiana House and Senate for further updates.
