Senate Bill No. 274, introduced by Senator Edmonds, aims to enhance lead hazard risk assessments for certain childcare facilities and prekindergarten programs in Louisiana. The bill amends R.S. 30:2351.28 to authorize the secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to establish and administer a program for the collection, analysis, and reporting of data related to lead hazard detection and reduction activities. It revises the entities required to undergo lead hazard reviews to include operators and governing authorities of licensed early learning centers, daycare centers subject to federal licensing, and public or approved nonpublic prekindergarten programs that began operations after August 1, 2012.

The bill replaces the previous requirement for an inspection by an inspector with a risk assessment conducted by a risk assessor, which must occur at least 30 days before the facility's intended opening. It specifies that a risk assessment is not necessary if the facility or its grounds have been inspected or subject to lead abatement since 1978, and only unassessed portions will be subject to the new provisions. Additionally, the bill mandates that the results of the risk assessment be submitted to the DEQ, the Department of Education, and the Louisiana Department of Health before a license for operation is issued. It also expands reporting requirements and allows the DEQ to enter into agreements with the Louisiana Department of Health and the Department of Education to facilitate implementation. The bill is set to take effect on August 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
SB274 Original: