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SB 3093

AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- LEAD HAZARD MITIGATION

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Melissa Murray

Renovations of buildings built before 1978 must follow lead safety laws, register projects, hire a lead contractor, train workers, and have on-site supervision with DLT enforcement

04/30/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · SB 3093

Summary of SB 3093 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Title

AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- LEAD HAZARD MITIGATION

Purpose and intent

This bill seeks to strengthen lead hazard mitigation during renovations of buildings constructed before 1978. It ties renovation projects to established state lead safety and hazardous substances disclosure requirements, and it establishes enforcement roles for the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT). The overarching goal is to reduce lead exposure risks for occupants by ensuring renovations follow existing lead-related statutes.

Key provisions

  1. Scope and applicability

    • Applies to any building (for housing, offices, or other uses) built before 1978 that undergo renovation.
    • Renovations must comply with:
      • The Lead Poisoning Prevention Act (Chapter 24.6, Title 23)
      • The Hazardous Substances Right-to-Know Act (Chapter 21, Title 28)

  2. Project registration

    • Any person or firm conducting the renovation must register the project with the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT) before starting work.

  3. Lead contractor requirement

    • The renovation project must engage a lead contractor, as defined in § 23-24.6-4.

  4. Worker training

    • All employees working on the renovation must have a minimum of 24 hours of lead worker training, in compliance with § 28-21-9.

  5. On-site supervision

    • A lead work supervisor must be present on-site for a minimum of 40 hours per week during the renovation.

  6. Enforcement

    • DLT is given authority to enforce all lead standards and ensure compliance with the applicable chapters (Lead Poisoning Prevention Act, Hazardous Substances Right-to-Know Act, and related lead regulations).

  7. Non-exclusivity of enforcement

    • The act does not limit enforcement by the Attorney General or any private right of action that may exist under law.

  8. Effective date

    • The act takes effect upon passage.

Who/what is affected

  • Renovation projects on buildings built before 1978, including those used for housing or offices and potentially other purposes.
  • Contractors and firms performing such renovations (must register, hire lead contractors, and ensure trained workers and a supervising lead).
  • Employees/workers on these renovations (must complete 24 hours of lead worker training).
  • Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT) (enforcement and oversight role).

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • Introduction and referral: Introduced March 13, 2026, referred to Senate Housing & Municipal Government.
  • Scheduled consideration: The bill was scheduled for hearing/consideration around April 30, 2026.
  • Effective date: Immediate upon passage (no delay period specified).

Potential impact

  • Enhanced protection against lead exposure during renovations of older buildings.
  • Increased regulatory compliance burden on renovation projects (registration, lead contractor engagement, training, and on-site supervision).
  • Stronger oversight by DLT with broader tools to enforce lead-safety provisions.
  • Potential implications for project timelines and costs due to required training, supervision, and contractor qualifications.

If you’d like, I can provide a comparison with current Rhode Island lead-safety requirements or outline the specific responsibilities for lead contractors under the referenced statutes.

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

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