Bill
HB 3855
If a system has over 99,999 lead service lines, the bill requires replacing all lead lines at least 2% per year, completing within 35 years.
HB3855 – EPA-Lead Service Lines (Illinois)
Overview
- Purpose: Strengthen and accelerate the replacement of lead service lines in community water supplies, with enhanced reporting, planning, and notification requirements. The bill adjusts the replacement timeline when a community has a large inventory of lead service lines.
- Current status: Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee. Introduced February 18, 2025 by Rep. Justin Slaughter; later added co-sponsors and fiscal note. As of the latest action, it remains in Rules Committee after Rule 19(a) referral.
- Key trigger: If a community water supply’s final inventory and replacement plan reports more than 99,999 lead service lines, the bill requires replacement of all lead service lines at an annual rate of at least 2% of the final inventory, with a completion timeline of up to 35 years (replacing the prior 50-year timeline).
What the bill would change (main provisions)
- Replacement rate and timeline:
- For large inventories (> 99,999 lead service lines), require full replacement of all lead service lines.
- Replacement must occur at an annual rate of no less than 2% of the final inventory.
- Completion timeframe capped at 35 years (instead of 50), accelerating the overall project.
- Inventory and planning requirements:
- Agencies must develop and maintain a material inventory identifying the number of service lines, their materials, and changes since the last inventory.
- Prioritization of inspections in high-risk areas (preschools, day cares, hospitals, clinics, parks, etc.).
- Use historical records and on-site verification to determine service line materials.
- Include information on suspected lead service lines and previous replacements.
- Notification and access:
- Water systems must notify occupants before construction or repair work on water mains or lead service lines.
- Access to potentially affected buildings should be requested before replacing lead service lines.
- Governance and funding:
- Establishment of a Lead Service Line Replacement Fund (subsection (bb)) to support replacement efforts.
- An Advisory Board to oversee aspects of replacement and related actions.
- Definitions and scope:
- Clear definitions for lead service line, service line, material inventory, suspected lead lines, high-risk facilities, and other key terms to guide implementation.
- Includes both community water supplies and, where applicable, small systems and non-community supplies.
Who is affected
- Community water supplies (public water systems) with large inventories of lead service lines, especially those serving more than 99,999 lead lines.
- Residents and occupants in buildings served by lead service lines, who will receive notifications and protections during replacements.
- Local governments and water utilities responsible for inventorying, plan development, and executing replacements.
- Contractors and workers involved in inspections, replacements, and communications.
Procedural and timeline notes
- Legislative path in 2025 shows committee assignments, fiscal note processes, and multiple readings with amendments and co-sponsors.
- Key deadlines embedded in the bill relate to inventory reporting and the annual replacement rate, subject to adjustments under federal law and agency determinations.
- The bill is designed to pair regulatory requirements with funding mechanisms and an advisory framework to guide systematic replacement.
Overall impact
- Aims to dramatically accelerate the elimination of lead service lines in large systems, improve public health protections, and standardize inventory, notification, and replacement procedures across Illinois.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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