Bill > S02412

This bill, known as the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and Safe Housing Act of 2015, aims to improve the enforcement of lead hazard control standards in New York State by establishing new regulations and programs. It creates a loan fund to help property owners make their residences lead-safe, mandates inspections and certifications for inspectors and remediators, requires the registration of affected properties, and offers tax credits for lead hazard reduction work. The bill also calls for the appointment of a Deputy Commissioner of Housing and Community Renewal to oversee these provisions and establishes educational programs on lead poisoning and its abatement. Key definitions are provided for terms like "abatement" (permanent removal of lead hazards), "affected property" (a dwelling unit constructed before 1970, with some exceptions), and "lead-based paint" (paint containing a specific amount of lead). The act requires owners of affected properties with children under seven or pregnant women to certify their properties as "lead-stabilized," "lead-free," or "lead-contained" within two years, and outlines procedures for inspections, investigations, and enforcement, including penalties for non-compliance. It also introduces new requirements for real property transfers, prohibiting waivers of lead-based paint testing rights and mandating inspections for properties built before 1970 (or 1960 in cities over one million). Furthermore, the bill amends tax laws to provide credits for lead hazard reduction activities and establishes a revolving loan fund for abatement. It also includes provisions for insurance coverage for lead poisoning and prohibits retaliatory evictions against tenants who report lead hazards. Finally, it amends laws related to public assistance, multiple dwellings, and child care facilities to align with the new lead safety standards.