BILL NUMBER: S9430
SPONSOR: WEBB
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the labor law, in relation to establishing radon meas-
urement license and mitigation license requirements; and to amend the
state finance law, in relation to establishing the radon mitigation and
control fund
 
PURPOSE:
Establishes radon measurement license and radon mitigation license
requirements; defines terms; establishes powers and duties of the
department of labor and of licensees with regards to such licenses;
establishes penalties; establishes the radon mitigation and control
fund.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Adds a new Article 32-A in the labor law which defines defi-
nitions used in the Article, creates licenses and standards for radon
testers, and mitigators, along with record keeping and penalties.
Section 2: Amends the state finance law by adding a new section 99-rr
which establishes a Radon mitigation and control fund.
Section 3: Establishes the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Radon is a naturally occurring, odorless radioactive gas that is one of
the leading causes of lung cancer. According to the American Lung Asso-
ciation, "radon has been recognized as the second leading cause of lung
cancer in the United States and it's the leading cause among never smok-
ers." The EPA estimates that radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung
cancer deaths every year. The New York State Department of Health has
identified over 25 counties as 'high risk counties' for exposure to
radon, especially in the Southern Tier. Oftentimes, individuals only
become aware of the dangers of radon gas when they are purchasing a home
and the bank may require testing for a mortgage.
Chapter 414 of the Laws of 2018 (A-10774 Lupardo), established the New
York State Radon Task Force. The Task Force conducted a comprehensive
study on the prevention of human exposure to radon and made recommenda-
tions to minimize exposure to NYS residents. One of the Task Force's
recommendations was for the State to license radon testers and mitiga-
tors.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
This legislation will have no fiscal implications for State or local
governments. The cost of implanting the program will be offset by the
licensing fees collected by the industry.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effective on the first January next succeeding the
date on which it shall become law.