Bill > H5375

This bill modifies Rhode Island's Lead Poisoning Prevention Act by enabling municipalities to enact ordinances that allow municipalities, water suppliers, or their agents to enter properties to replace lead service lines under specific conditions. The bill establishes a comprehensive framework for identifying and replacing lead service lines, requiring water suppliers to create detailed inventories of service lines by October 2024, categorizing them as lead, non-lead, or unknown. Key provisions include mandatory notification to property owners and tenants when lead service lines are identified, with detailed information about lead exposure risks and mitigation steps. The bill prioritizes lead service line replacements for disadvantaged communities and provides mechanisms for financial assistance through federal infrastructure funds (IIJA - Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act). Notably, the bill introduces two significant new provisions: first, allowing municipalities to enter properties for free lead service line replacements with 72-hour notice, and second, empowering tenants to request and schedule private side lead service line replacements when property owners are unresponsive. The legislation aims to protect public health by systematically addressing lead infrastructure and providing clear pathways for service line replacement, with a goal of completing all replacements within ten years and ensuring transparent reporting of progress.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://status.rilegislature.gov/