This bill mandates that landlords disclose lead drinking water hazards to tenants in residential units and prohibits any obstruction to the replacement of lead service lines. Landlords are required to provide a "Lead In Drinking Water Disclosure" statement to prospective or current tenants before lease agreements, detailing the presence of lead service lines, the property's construction date, any recent lead action level exceedances, and access to health risk information. However, properties constructed after 1986, those with lead-safe service lines, and seasonal rental units are exempt from these disclosure requirements.

Furthermore, the bill directs the Department of Health to create educational materials on the health risks of lead in drinking water within six months of enactment. Public community water systems must test drinking water for lead upon customer request, providing one test per year unless lead action levels are exceeded, which would necessitate more frequent testing. The legislation also allows tenants to terminate their lease without penalty if the property owner obstructs lead service line replacement and establishes a violation process with escalating penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, customers will not incur fees for lead testing, and public community water systems can include testing costs in their rate base.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 58:12A-43