Bill > H2223

This bill aims to update the Massachusetts lead law and promote equal access to lead-free housing. It makes several key changes: 1. It expands the Lead Paint Advisory Committee from 14 to 20 members, with additional representation from the fair housing and environmental justice fields. 2. It removes the term "retarded" from the law's language related to cognitive development delays. 3. It requires local boards of health and code enforcement agencies to enforce the lead abatement and containment requirements. 4. It establishes a transition schedule to require owners of rental properties, starting in 2022 for high-risk communities and 2026 for all rental properties, to abate or contain lead paint, plaster, or other lead-containing materials, regardless of whether a child under 6 resides there. 5. It removes certain exceptions that previously allowed owners to avoid lead abatement or containment if no child under 6 resided in the property. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen Massachusetts' lead law and promote more equitable access to lead-safe housing, particularly in high-risk communities.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H2223