WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

S 7238

Relates to the criteria for financing certain lead service line and pipe replacements

2025 Regular Session Introduced by April Baskin

Bill S 7238 establishes financing criteria for replacing lead service lines, enhancing public health by protecting communities, especially vulnerable populations, from lead exposure.

PRINT NUMBER 7238A
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 7238

Summary of Bill S 7238

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: S 7238
  • Title: Relates to the criteria for financing certain lead service line and pipe replacements
  • Status: PRINT NUMBER 7238A
  • Introduced: April 04, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 7238 aims to establish specific criteria for financing the replacement of lead service lines and pipes. The primary intent of the bill is to enhance public health and safety by ensuring that communities can effectively replace outdated and hazardous lead infrastructure, which poses significant health risks, particularly to children and vulnerable populations.

Key Provisions

The bill outlines the following key provisions:

  1. Financing Criteria:

    • Establishes eligibility criteria for municipalities and water systems seeking financial assistance for lead service line and pipe replacements.
    • Specifies the types of projects that qualify for funding, focusing on those that directly address lead contamination.

  2. Funding Mechanisms:

    • Details potential funding sources, which may include state grants, low-interest loans, or other financial assistance programs aimed at supporting infrastructure improvements.

  3. Implementation Guidelines:

    • Provides guidelines for the application process, ensuring transparency and accountability in how funds are allocated and used.

  4. Health and Safety Standards:

    • Mandates adherence to health and safety standards during the replacement process to minimize disruption and ensure the safety of residents.

Affected Parties

The bill will primarily affect:
- Municipalities: Local governments seeking to replace lead service lines and pipes in their water systems.
- Water Utilities: Entities responsible for maintaining and operating water supply systems that may contain lead infrastructure.
- Residents: Communities, particularly those with older infrastructure, who are at risk of lead exposure through drinking water.

Legislative Actions and Timeline

  • April 04, 2025: Bill S 7238 was introduced and referred to the Environmental Conservation Committee.
  • April 29, 2025: The bill was amended and recommitted to the Environmental Conservation Committee, leading to the printing of version 7238A.

Related Legislation

  • A 7990: This bill serves as a companion to S 7238, indicating parallel legislative efforts to address the same issues regarding lead service line replacements.

Conclusion

Bill S 7238 represents a significant step towards improving public health by addressing the critical issue of lead in drinking water. By establishing clear criteria for financing replacements, the bill aims to facilitate necessary infrastructure improvements and protect communities from the dangers associated with lead exposure.

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

Sign in to ask a question.