Bill > S1034

This bill addresses lead drinking water hazards in residential properties by establishing several key requirements. The bill mandates that the Department of Health develop an educational notice about lead risks in drinking water, which must be published online and made publicly available within five days of creation. Landlords will be required to provide a "Lead In Drinking Water Disclosure" statement to tenants before entering into a lease or renewal, which must include information about lead service lines, the property's construction date, any lead action level exceedances, and health risk information. Public water systems must provide free lead testing to customers and non-paying consumers once per year, with more frequent testing if lead levels exceed action levels. The bill also prohibits landlords from obstructing the replacement of lead service lines and establishes penalties for non-compliance: landlords can be fined $100 for a first violation, $500 for a second violation, and $1,000 for subsequent violations. Tenants in properties with lead service lines will have the right to terminate their lease without penalty if a landlord obstructs lead service line replacement. The legislation aims to increase transparency about lead drinking water hazards and protect residents, particularly in older housing built before 1986, by ensuring they are informed about potential risks and have mechanisms to address them.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S1034