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Bill > HB543


GA HB543

Get the Lead Out of School Drinking Water Act; enact


summary

Introduced
02/20/2025
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT To amend Article 1 of Chapter 1 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions relative to education, so as to require testing of drinking water in child care learning centers and schools for lead contamination; to provide for notice and reporting of test results and remediation plans; to provide for definitions; to provide for rules and regulations; to provide for an exemption; to prohibit waivers; to provide for related matters; to provide a short title; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

AI Summary

This bill requires all child care learning centers and schools in Georgia to test their drinking water outlets for lead contamination by July 1, 2026, defining lead contamination as a concentration of five parts per billion or greater. Centers and schools that identify lead contamination must develop and implement a remediation plan, provide written notification to parents, guardians, and staff, post test results publicly, submit results to the Department of Public Health, and provide an alternative drinking water source that is lead-free. The Department of Public Health, in collaboration with other state agencies, will establish specific testing and remediation guidelines by January 1, 2026. The bill also authorizes the Department of Education to provide grants to help centers and schools comply with testing requirements, though this is subject to available funding. Public water systems already regulated under federal guidelines are exempt from these requirements, and the testing mandates cannot be waived by strategic waivers school systems, local boards of education, charter systems, or individual charter schools. The overall goal is to ensure safe drinking water in educational settings by proactively identifying and addressing potential lead contamination.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (5)

Last Action

House Second Readers (on 02/24/2025)

bill text


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