Bill > A2714

Introduced Session

This bill, the "Legionnaires' Disease Prevention Act" establishes a "Legionnaires' Disease Prevention Grant Program" in the Department of Environmental Protection (department) through which the department would reimburse the lessor of 50 percent or $5,000 of the costs of property restoration, in order to remove or renovate buildings or properties with compromised or aging water supply infrastructure, which may be the source of Legionella pneumophila bacteria. Grants would reimburse property owners in covering expenses associated with building demolition or renovation, and would be issued periodically on a rolling basis. Buildings and properties considered for removal or renovation through the grant program would be required to meet certain criteria, such as having historically significant design pre-dating 1910, characteristics of classical State architecture, or be buildings in keeping with federal Executive Order 13967. Grants will be considered according to the cost to the State of their renovation or destruction; the proportionate resultant reduction in risk of Legionnaires' Disease; the regional risk of Legionnaire's Disease; the number of compromised water systems in the building; the number of building applicants; the safety of the regional public water system provider; the environmental protection measures of the surrounding community; the feasibility of building or property occupancy following reconstruction; State environmental justice considerations; and the region's needs in affordable housing through the "Fair Housing Act". In order to provide a source of funding for the grant program, this bill establishes in the department a separate, nonlapsing fund to be known as the "Legionnaires' Disease Prevention Fund." Upon review of applications and acceptance of certain applicants, the Commissioner of Environmental Protection will award a proportionate grant to each approved applicant. The department would also be required to prepare and submit an annual report of the grant program identifying the awardees, program effectiveness, and ways in which the program could be improved. The bill appropriates $5 million from the General Fund to the department to implement the provisions of this bill. The "Legionnaires' Disease Prevention Fund" will consist of moneys appropriated by the Legislature along with investment earnings of the fund, and monies received by the department from public or private donations. Finally, the bill amends P.L.2024, c.66 to eliminate minimum requirements of chlorine and chloramine in water supply systems, when used as a disinfectant mechanism.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Paul Kanitra (R)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee (on 01/13/2026)

Official Document