Bill > A00944

This bill modifies the definition of "elevated lead levels" in New York's public health law, lowering the threshold for blood lead concentration from 5 micrograms to 3.5 micrograms per deciliter of whole blood. The bill requires the Department of Health to adopt new regulations within 90 days to implement this change, with the authority to use emergency rulemaking procedures. Additionally, the bill mandates that within 6 months of any future federal guidance recommending an even lower lead concentration, the Department of Health must consider updating its regulations accordingly. This change is significant because lower blood lead level thresholds can trigger earlier interventions to protect children from the harmful effects of lead exposure, which can cause serious developmental and health problems. The bill aims to improve lead poisoning prevention efforts by identifying and addressing potentially dangerous lead levels at an earlier stage.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A944