WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 8173

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Megan Cotter and 6 co-sponsors

Rhode Island HB 8173 would strengthen lead poisoning prevention by expanding testing, remediation, and public health programs to reduce lead exposure in homes and childcare setting

05/12/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 8173

Bill Overview

HB 8173, introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly in 2026, is titled AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY — LEAD POISONING PREVENTION ACT. The bill is currently in the committee process, having been introduced and referred to House Finance on February 27, 2026, with a scheduled hearing/consideration on May 12, 2026. A group of eight sponsors and co-sponsors are listed, including Cherie Cruz, Megan Cotter, Brandon Potter, David Morales, Joshua Giraldo, Teresa Tanzi, Enrique Sanchez, and a noted co-sponsor.

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill aims to strengthen lead poisoning prevention measures within Rhode Island. While the full statutory text is not provided here, the title and context indicate a focus on health and safety protections related to lead exposure, likely addressing standards, enforcement, funding, or program expansions to reduce lead exposure risks in housing, childcare, schools, or public health initiatives.

Key Provisions and Changes (Expected Based on Title)

Note: The exact statutory language is not provided in the summary. The following outlines are typical for a Lead Poisoning Prevention Act-type measure and what such a bill generally seeks to modify or establish.

  • Strengthening Lead Exposure Standards:

    • Establish or update permissible lead levels in residential environments, water, or consumer products.
    • Require testing, risk assessment, and remediation when lead hazards are identified.

  • Lead Hazard Identification and Remediation:

    • Mandate lead risk assessments for housing, particularly targeted at pre-1978 construction where lead paint is more common.
    • Outline responsibilities for landlords, property owners, and contractors to remediate lead hazards.

  • Funding and Programs:

    • Create or expand state-funded programs for lead hazard control, screening, and public health interventions.
    • Allocate state or federal funds for grants to municipalities, housing authorities, or non-profits for lead remediation projects.

  • Public Health Monitoring and Education:

    • Expand surveillance of elevated blood lead levels in children and potentially pregnant women.
    • Implement public education campaigns about lead poisoning prevention and safe housing practices.

  • Enforcement and Compliance:

    • Establish enforcement mechanisms, penalties, or timelines for correction of lead hazards.
    • Define inspection schedules and authority for state agencies to determine compliance.

  • Coordination Across Agencies:

    • Improve coordination among health, housing, environmental, and education agencies to address lead hazards comprehensively.

  • Reporting and Accountability:

    • Require annual or periodic reporting on lead hazard inspections, remediation progress, and program outcomes.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Residents and occupants of housing, especially older residences built before 1978, who may be subject to lead hazard testing and remediation requirements.
  • Landlords and property managers responsible for maintaining safe housing and addressing lead hazards.
  • Schools, daycare centers, and childcare providers that house or care for children, potentially increasing testing and remediation efforts.
  • Local governments and housing authorities receiving state funds for lead hazard control programs.
  • Public health agencies tasked with screening, surveillance, and education initiatives.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and Referral: HB 8173 was introduced on February 27, 2026 and referred to the House Finance Committee for review, indicating potential consideration of funding implications and fiscal impact.
  • Hearing/Consideration: A hearing and/or consideration is scheduled for May 12, 2026, providing an opportunity for debate, amendments, and alignment with budgetary priorities.
  • Potential Implementation: If enacted, timelines would likely specify phased lead testing, remediation deadlines, grant application windows, and reporting intervals. Exact dates and milestones would be defined in the final text.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Public Health: Strengthened lead poisoning prevention could reduce childhood lead exposure, associated health care costs, and long-term developmental impacts.
  • Housing Market and Compliance: New or updated requirements may impose additional responsibilities on landlords but could also drive safer housing conditions.
  • Fiscal Considerations: Allocation of funds for programs and enforcement may affect state and local budgets; details would be in the bill’s financial provisions.
  • Equity Considerations: Programs may target high-risk communities, ensuring resources reach areas with historically higher lead exposure risks.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to focus on specific sections once the bill text is available, or I can compare it to prior Rhode Island lead poisoning prevention measures to highlight anticipated changes.

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

Sign in to ask a question.