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SB 982

AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- LEAD POISONING PREVENTION ACT

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Bissaillon and 5 co-sponsors

Rhode Island legislation requiring lead hazard identification, reporting, and remediation in residential and commercial buildings to prevent childhood lead poisoning.

06/04/2025 Senate read and passed
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Bill Summary · SB 982

Legislative bill overview

SB 982 establishes Rhode Island's Lead Poisoning Prevention Act, creating a comprehensive framework to identify, report, and remediate lead hazards in residential properties and other buildings. The bill sets standards for lead testing, establishes timelines for remediation, and creates enforcement mechanisms and penalties for non-compliance.

Why is this important

Lead exposure causes irreversible neurological damage in children, resulting in learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and reduced lifetime earning potential. Rhode Island has aging housing stock with significant lead paint contamination, making this public health issue particularly acute for vulnerable populations in older urban areas.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost burden on landlords and homeowners: Mandatory lead remediation can be expensive; debate likely centers on who bears costs (property owners vs. public assistance programs) and timelines for compliance
  • Scope and enforcement mechanisms: Questions about which properties are covered, inspection frequency, penalties for violations, and whether enforcement resources are adequate
  • Tenant protections vs. property rights: Balance between allowing tenants to vacate without penalty during remediation and protecting landlords' investment interests

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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