Bill > S2821

This bill, known as the Testing, Removal, and Updated Evaluations of Lead Everywhere in America for Dramatic Enhancements that Restore Safety to Homes, Infrastructure, and Pipes Act of 2016, or the True LEADership Act of 2016, aims to significantly improve drinking water quality and reduce lead exposure across the nation. It proposes a multi-faceted approach by investing in water infrastructure through grants and funding for State Revolving Funds (SRFs), including specific provisions for the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) pilot program and requiring the use of American-made iron and steel in public water systems. The bill also focuses on reforming lead notification, testing, and transparency by establishing state reporting of elevated blood lead levels, updating lead and copper regulations in drinking water with a new household action level and enhanced consumer notification, and requiring electronic reporting of test results. Furthermore, it seeks to build healthier homes and communities by offering a home lead safety tax credit, amending existing laws to address lead hazards, and establishing an Interagency Council on Healthy Housing to coordinate efforts. The legislation also includes provisions for accelerating water technologies through grants and SRF funding for innovative solutions, empowering citizens during water emergencies, providing disaster assistance for lead contamination, and mitigating the effects of lead poisoning on children through grants for affected local educational agencies. Finally, it mandates wage rate requirements for projects funded by the bill.