SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SSB 6273

              As Passed Senate, February 9, 2000

Title:  An act relating to lead‑based paint activities.

Brief Description:  Creating a public health education program aimed at reducing childhood exposure to lead in residential settings.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Health & Long‑Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Franklin, Fraser, Winsley, Thibaudeau, Patterson, Costa, Fairley, Brown, Wojahn and Kline).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long‑Term Care:  1/27/2000, 1/31/2000 [DPS].

Passed Senate, 2/9/2000, 45-1.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6273 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

  Signed by Senators Thibaudeau, Chair; Wojahn, Vice Chair; Costa, Deccio, Franklin, Johnson and Winsley.

Staff:  Rhoda Jones (786-7198)

Background:  In 1992 Congress passed the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act, also known as Title X.  Under Title X, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other federal agencies developed a national program to prevent and reduce lead-based paint exposures and hazards. The four key elements of the EPA program are:

(1) training and certification requirements to ensure the proficiency of contractors who conduct lead-based paint inspection, risk assessment and abatement services in residences and day care centers;

(2) accreditation requirements to ensure that training programs provide quality instruction in current and effective work practices;

(3) work practice standards to ensure that lead-based paint activities are conducted safely, reliably and effectively; and

(4) procedures for the states and tribes to apply to the EPA for authorization to administer these key elements.

Summary of Bill:  The Department of Health is directed to establish an education program on lead poisoning using federal funds.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 13, 2000.

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Testimony For:  This type of education will continue the work the department is already doing to identify areas where lead is a problem in the state.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Bill Robertson (pro); Bill White, DOH (pro substitute); Dan Sexton, Plumbers and Pipefitters (pro w/concerns); Rick Slunaker, Associated General Contractors (pro/amd).