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SD 1129

An Act relative to the Massachusetts lead law and promoting equal access to lead-free housing

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jamie Eldridge

Summary of Massachusetts Lead Law Bill (SD 1129) OverviewThis proposed bill, titled "An Act relative to the Massachusetts lead law and promoting equal access to lead-free housing",

House concurred
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Bill Summary · SD 1129

Summary of Massachusetts Lead Law Bill (SD 1129)

Overview

This proposed bill, titled "An Act relative to the Massachusetts lead law and promoting equal access to lead-free housing", aims to update and strengthen Massachusetts' existing laws around lead hazards and lead-safe housing. The key goals of the legislation are to expand access to lead-free housing, increase enforcement of lead safety standards, and provide greater protections for residents, especially children, from the dangers of lead exposure.

Key Provisions

  • Requires all rental properties built before 1978 to be inspected and certified as lead-safe before being rented or leased
  • Mandates landlords to disclose lead inspection results and certification status to prospective tenants
  • Increases penalties for landlords who fail to remediate lead hazards or who rent uncertified properties
  • Establishes a lead-safe housing registry and imposes mandatory testing and reporting requirements
  • Expands eligibility for state-funded lead abatement programs to include low- and moderate-income homeowners
  • Provides tax credits and other financial incentives to landlords and homeowners who complete lead hazard reduction

Impacts

  • Enhances protections for children and families, especially in low-income communities, by reducing exposure to lead-based paint and other lead hazards
  • Aims to increase the availability of certified lead-safe housing units across the state
  • Imposes new obligations and potential costs on landlords, who must comply with inspection, remediation, and disclosure requirements
  • Expands state-funded lead abatement programs and provides financial assistance to homeowners and landlords

Timeline and Procedure

  • The bill was introduced in the state Senate on February 27, 2025 and has since passed both the Senate and House of Representatives.
  • The House has now concurred with the Senate version, sending the bill to the Governor for final approval and enactment.
  • If signed into law, the new requirements would take effect 6 months after the bill's passage, giving landlords and homeowners time to prepare for compliance.

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

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