This bill aims to enhance tenant safety by mandating the disclosure of lead drinking water hazards in residential units and preventing landlords from hindering the replacement of lead service lines. Landlords are required to provide a "Lead In Drinking Water Disclosure" statement to current or prospective tenants before lease agreements, detailing the presence of lead service lines, the property's construction date, any recent lead action level exceedances, and associated health risks. However, properties constructed after 1986, those serviced by lead-safe lines, and seasonal rental units are exempt from these requirements.

Furthermore, the bill instructs the Department of Health to create educational materials on lead in drinking water within six months of enactment and mandates public community water systems to test drinking water for lead upon customer request, with specific protocols if lead action levels are exceeded. It establishes that customers will not incur fees for lead testing and allows public community water systems to include testing costs in their rate base. The bill also permits tenants to terminate leases without penalty if landlords obstruct lead service line replacements and outlines a violation process with escalating penalties for non-compliance.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 58:12A-43