A bill before the California Assembly proposes a phased ban on PFAS “forever chemicals” in pesticides, prohibiting new registrations immediately and establishing a full ban by 2035.
The legislation, supported by environmental groups and opposed by some agricultural associations, requires a vote by the full California Assembly, followed by State Senate approval and the governor’s signature to become law.
Introduced by assemblymember Nick Schultz of Burbank, California Assembly Bill 1603 targets the elimination of toxic perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS or forever chemicals, from the state agricultural and consumer pesticide supply. These synthetic chemicals do not break down naturally. The bill was crafted in response to environmental data showing that nearly 40 percent of tested California-grown produce samples contained traces of PFAS.
The bill creates a phased timeline to remove these chemicals from circulation while allowing users time to find alternatives. Under its provisions, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation now is blocked from registering any new pesticides containing intentionally added PFAS. The proposed legislation, which covers active ingredients, inerts, and adjuvants, includes targeted phase-outs for chemicals such as bifenthrin, trifluralin and fipronil.
By 2028, any existing pesticides containing these chemicals will be classified as restricted materials. This designation requires users to obtain strict permits, add warning labels regarding food and water contamination and publicly disclose pesticide applications in advance. By 2030, a targeted ban will take effect on 23 specific PFAS chemical ingredients that are already prohibited by the European Union. Finally, by 2035, California will completely ban the manufacture, sale, and use of all pesticides containing intentionally added PFAS.
Recent amendments adopted on May 18 expanded and strengthened these restrictions. The updated text ensures that the bans apply not just to active or inert ingredients, but explicitly to PFAS used as an adjuvant. The amendments also adjusted language to clarify that because violating these new pesticide bans creates a local misdemeanor crime, no state reimbursement is required for local agencies enforcing the new rules.
For the bill to become law, it must complete several upcoming legislative steps.
It is currently on the Assembly floor awaiting a final third reading and a vote by the full membership. If approved by the Assembly, the bill will move to the State Senate, where it must pass through the committee review process, including hearings by environmental and appropriations committees. If the Senate passes the bill with any further changes, it must return to the Assembly for a concurrence vote. Once approved by both chambers in identical form, the final step is for the bill to be sent to the governor to be signed into law or vetoed.
