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Bill

S 1219

Requires DCA to establish procedures for inspection and abatement of mold hazards in residential buildings and school facilities, and certification programs for mold inspectors and mold hazard abatement workers.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Vin Gopal and 3 co-sponsors

New Jersey would require state-certified mold inspectors and abatement workers, with standardized procedures, training, and enforcement, for homes and schools.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 1219

Overview

S 1219 (Session 222, New Jersey) would require the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to establish procedures for inspecting and abating mold hazards in residential buildings and school facilities, and to create certification programs for mold inspectors and mold hazard abatement workers. The bill aims to standardize who can inspect or remediate mold, set training and licensing requirements, and provide enforcement and cost-recovery mechanisms.

Purpose and intent

  • Create formal procedures for the interior inspection, identification, evaluation, and abatement of mold hazards in homes and school facilities, based on industry standards and EPA guidelines.
  • Establish certification programs for two professional groups:
    • Mold inspectors for residential buildings and school facilities.
    • Mold hazard abatement workers for residential buildings and school facilities.
  • Ensure that individuals presenting themselves as mold experts are certified by the state.
  • Integrate certification data into the state contractor lists for transparency and oversight.
  • Provide a framework for enforcement, penalties, continuing education, and potential use of accreditation.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definitions (Section 1):
    • Clarifies terms: Department (DCA), District (educational entities), Mold (various indoor fungi), and School facility (educational structures).
  • Development of inspection/abatement procedures (Section 2):
    • DCA, within six months of enactment, must adopt rules establishing procedures for inspecting, identifying, evaluating, and abating interior mold in homes and schools.
    • Procedures to be based on industry standards and EPA guidelines.
  • Certification programs (Section 3):
    • Within 12 months, DCA must establish:
    • Mold inspection certification program for inspectors (requirements include training in: mold identification methods, sampling techs, moisture intrusion location, state/federal laws, and other relevant areas).
    • Mold hazard abatement certification program for workers (requirements include abatement procedures, specialized cleaning/maintenance, removal of mold and underlying water issues, protective equipment, laws, and additional training such as OSHA-approved programs).
    • Optional items for program administration (Section 3(c)):
    • Annual certification fees.
    • Continuing education every two years.
    • Examinations to test knowledge of laws/standards.
    • Maintenance of a certified professionals list, with annual forwarding to the Division of Consumer Affairs for the Contractors’ Registration Act list.
    • Rulemaking for enforcement, potential suspension/revocation, and penalties for violations.
    • Recognition of equivalency (Section 3(d)):
    • Certifications may be granted to individuals who complete an accredited national program deemed equivalent or superior to state requirements, with ongoing fee and CE obligations.
  • Exemptions and transitional rules (Section 3(e)-(g)):
    • Routine maintenance employees of multi-dwelling buildings or school districts are not required to be certified to address mold on-site, so long as the employer and facility comply with DCA procedures.
    • Residential property owners are not required to be certified to inspect or remediate mold on their own property.
  • Effective date and implementation (Section 4):
    • Six months from the rulemaking start: individuals who inspect mold must be certified; those who perform mold abatement must be certified; individuals cannot market themselves as mold experts without certification.
  • Immediate effect (Section 5):
    • The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Who would be affected

  • Mold inspectors and mold hazard abatement workers serving residential buildings and school facilities would be required to obtain certification from DCA once the programs are in place.
  • Employers and facilities (residential landlords, school districts, property managers) would be subject to new procedures and enforcement.
  • Residential property owners and routine maintenance staff for multi-dwelling units and schools would have limited exemptions.
  • Nationally accredited programs could provide an alternate path to certification, subject to FE requirements.
  • The Division of Consumer Affairs would receive a certified workers list annually for publishing on the Contractors’ Registration Act list.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Rulemaking:
    • Section 2: DCA must adopt procedures within six months.
    • Section 3: Certification programs established within 12 months.
    • Subsequent enforcement rules would be set via additional regulations.
  • Certification deadline:
    • Six months after program establishment: mandatory certification for inspectors and abatement workers.
  • Compliance and enforcement:
    • The act authorizes penalties, suspension, revocation, and enforcement mechanisms for noncompliance.
  • Funding/administration:
    • DCA may set and collect annual fees, require continuing education, and conduct exams.

Summary

S 1219 would professionalize and regulate mold inspection and remediation in New Jersey by establishing state-defined procedures and mandatory state certifications for inspectors and abatement workers, with specific training, education, and enforcement provisions. It creates exemptions for routine maintenance and owner-conducted work, but overall aims to standardize practices to protect health and safety in homes and school facilities. The act would take effect progressively, starting with rulemaking and then mandatory certifications within a year or so after implementation.

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

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