Bill > A1007

This bill mandates that the Department of Community Affairs (DCA), in collaboration with the Departments of Health and Labor and Workforce Development, establish rules and regulations for inspecting, identifying, evaluating, and abating mold within residential buildings and school facilities, drawing upon industry standards and guidelines from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Mold is defined as any multicellular fungus found on organic matter and in indoor environments, often associated with water-damaged materials. The bill also requires the DCA to create certification programs for individuals who inspect for mold hazards and those who perform mold hazard abatement work, ensuring they have adequate training and education in relevant procedures, laws, and safety practices. These certification programs may include fees, continuing education requirements, and examinations, and certified individuals will be listed and shared with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The bill specifies that after these regulations are adopted, only certified individuals can perform mold inspections or abatement work in residential buildings and school facilities, with certain exceptions for routine maintenance employees and property owners performing work on their own homes.