This bill mandates that child care centers in New Jersey test for lead in drinking water and take necessary remediation actions if elevated lead levels are detected. Each center is required to conduct periodic testing of all drinking water outlets, with initial tests to be completed within 90 days of the bill's effective date and subsequent tests every five years. Testing must be performed by a laboratory certified by the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, following the technical guidance provided by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Child care centers may be exempt from initial testing if they can demonstrate compliance with testing requirements within the previous two years and have addressed any elevated lead levels found.

If elevated lead levels are identified, the child care center must immediately close access to the affected outlet and report the results to the DEP. They are also required to maintain and publicly disclose testing results and remediation measures, ensuring parents and staff are informed of any issues. The DEP will provide technical guidance and resources to assist child care centers in compliance. The bill emphasizes the importance of ensuring access to clean drinking water for children and outlines specific actions to be taken in response to lead contamination.