House Bill 6727 (sHB6727 File No. 454) introduces comprehensive changes to laws concerning lead poisoning prevention and control. The bill emphasizes the importance of early detection and intervention by requiring health care providers to conduct annual lead risk assessments and screenings for children up to six years old, and to notify parents or guardians within 24 hours if elevated blood lead levels are detected. It also mandates prenatal care providers to assess and screen pregnant patients for lead exposure, provide guidance on prevention, and report cases with elevated blood lead levels to local health directors. The bill lowers the blood lead level threshold for local health department intervention and educational material distribution from 10 μg/dL to 3.5 μg/dL. Additionally, it requires a lead poisoning medical risk assessment for children before public school enrollment. The bill removes certain outdated provisions, such as the phase-out plan for the Department of Public Health's environmentally safe housing program and the review of lead poisoning data. Most provisions are set to take effect on October 1, 2023, with some on January 1, 2024, and technical changes effective upon passage.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the financial assistance program for local health departments, updating the criteria for case management services and the provision of educational materials in multiple languages. It also revises the school health assessment requirements, integrating a lead poisoning medical risk assessment into the existing health assessment for school enrollment. The bill has received a Joint Favorable report from the Public Health Committee with a unanimous vote, indicating strong legislative support for these measures aimed at enhancing lead poisoning prevention and treatment efforts.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 20-474
PH Joint Favorable: 20-474
File No. 454: 20-474