BILL REQ. #:  S-1016.1 

Read first time 01/31/2003.   Referred to Committee on Natural Resources, Energy & Water.

     AN ACT Relating to granting authority to the department of ecology to address concerns with lead-based paint activities; adding a new chapter to Title 70 RCW; and prescribing penalties.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   (1) The legislature finds that lead hazards associated with lead-based paint represent a significant and preventable environmental health problem. Lead-based paint is the most widespread of the various sources of lead exposure to the public. Census data show that one million five hundred sixty thousand homes in Washington state were built prior to 1978 when the sale of residential lead-based paint was banned. These are homes that are believed to contain some lead-based paint.
     Lead negatively effects every system of the body. It is harmful to individuals of all ages and is especially harmful to children, fetuses, and adults of childbearing age. The effects of lead on a child's cognitive, behavioral, and developmental abilities may necessitate large expenditures of public funds for health care and special education. The irreversible damage to children and subsequent expenditures could be avoided if exposure to lead is reduced.
     (2) The federal government regulates lead poisoning and lead hazard reduction through:
     (a)(i) The lead-based paint poisoning prevention act;
     (ii) The lead contamination control act;
     (iii) The safe drinking water act;
     (iv) The resource conservation and recovery act of 1976; and
     (v) The residential lead-based paint hazard reduction act of 1992; and
     (b) Implementing regulations of:
     (i) The environmental protection agency;
     (ii) The department of housing and urban development;
     (iii) The occupational safety and health administration; and
     (iv) The centers for disease control and prevention.
     (3) In 1992, congress passed the federal residential lead-based paint hazard reduction act, which allows states to provide for the accreditation of lead-based paint activities programs, the certification of persons completing such training programs, and the licensing of lead-based paint activities contractors under standards developed by the United States environmental protection agency.
     (4) The legislature recognizes the state's need to protect the public from exposure to lead hazards. A qualified and properly trained work force is needed to assist in the prevention, detection, reduction, and elimination of hazards associated with lead-based paint. The purpose of training workers, supervisors, inspectors, risk assessors, and project designers engaged in lead-based paint activities is to protect building occupants, particularly children ages six years and younger from potential lead-based paint hazards and exposures both during and after lead-based paint activities. Qualified and properly trained individuals and firms will help to ensure lead-based paint activities are conducted in a way that protects the health of the citizens of Washington state and safeguards the environment. The state lead-based paint activities program requires that all lead-based paint activities be performed by certified personnel trained by an accredited program, and that all lead-based paint activities meet minimum work practice standards established by the department of ecology. Therefore, the lead-based paint activities accreditation, training, and certification program shall be established in accordance with this chapter. The lead-based paint activities accreditation, training, and certification program shall be administered by the department of ecology and shall be used as a means to assure the protection of the general public from exposure to lead hazards.
     (5) For the welfare of the people of the state of Washington, this chapter establishes a lead-based paint activities program within the department of ecology to protect the general public from exposure to lead hazards and to ensure the availability of a trained and qualified work force to identify and address lead-based paint hazards.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
     (1) "Abatement" has the same meaning as set forth in 40 C.F.R. Sec. 745.223 (1996) as now existing or hereafter amended.
     (2) "Accredited training program" means a training program that has been accredited by the department to provide training for individuals engaged in lead-based paint activities.
     (3) "Certified inspector" means an individual who has been trained by an accredited training program, meets all the qualifications established by the department, and is certified by the department to conduct inspections.
     (4) "Certified abatement worker" means an individual who has been trained by an accredited training program, meets all the qualifications established by the department, and is certified by the department to perform abatements.
     (5) "Certified firm" includes a company, partnership, corporation, sole proprietorship, association, agency, or other business entity that meets all the qualifications established by the department and performs lead-based paint activities to which the department has issued a certificate.
     (6) "Certified project designer" means an individual who has been trained by an accredited training program, meets all the qualifications established by the department, and is certified by the department to prepare abatement project designs, occupant protection plans, and abatement reports.
     (7) "Certified risk assessor" means an individual who has been trained by an accredited training program, meets all the qualifications established by the department, and is certified by the department to conduct risk assessments and sample for the presence of lead in dust and soil for the purposes of abatement clearance testing.
     (8) "Certified supervisor" means an individual who has been trained by an accredited training program, meets all the qualifications established by the department, and is certified by the department to supervise and conduct abatements, and to prepare occupant protection plans and abatement reports.
     (9) "Department" means the Washington state department of ecology.
     (10) "Director" means the director of the Washington state department of ecology.
     (11) "Federal laws and rules" means:
     (a) Title IV, toxic substances control act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 2681 et seq.) and the rules adopted by the United States environmental protection agency under that law for authorization of state programs;
     (b) Any regulations or requirements adopted by the United States department of housing and urban development regarding eligibility for grants to states and local governments; and
     (c) Any other requirements adopted by a federal agency with jurisdiction over lead-based paint hazards.
     (12) "Lead-based paint" means paint or other surface coatings that contain lead equal to or in excess of 1.0 milligrams per square centimeter or more than 0.5 percent by weight.
     (13) "Lead-based paint activity" includes inspection, testing, risk assessment, risk reduction, lead-based paint hazard reduction project design or planning, or abatement of lead-based paint hazards.
     (14) "Lead-based paint hazard" means any condition that causes exposure to lead from lead-contaminated dust, lead-contaminated soil, or lead-contaminated paint that is deteriorated or present in accessible surfaces, friction surfaces, or impact surfaces that would result in adverse human health effects as identified by the administrator of the United States environmental protection agency under the toxic substances control act, section 403.
     (15) "State program" means a state administered lead-based paint activities certification and training program that meets the federal environmental protection agency requirements.
     (16) "Person" includes an individual, corporation, firm, partnership, or association, an Indian tribe, state, or political subdivision of a state, and a state department or agency.
     (17) "Risk assessment" means:
     (a) An on-site investigation to determine the existence, nature, severity, and location of lead-based paint hazards; and
     (b) The provision of a report by the individual or the firm conducting the risk assessment, explaining the results of the investigation and options for reducing lead-based paint hazards.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   (1) The department shall administer and enforce a state program for worker training and certification, and training program accreditation, which shall include those program elements necessary to assume responsibility for federal requirements for a program as set forth in Title IV of the toxic substances control act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 2601 et seq.), the residential lead-based paint hazard reduction act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 4851 et seq.), 40 C.F.R. Part 745, Subparts L and Q (1996), and Title X of the housing and community development act of 1992 (P.L. 102-550).
     (2) The department is authorized to adopt rules that are consistent with federal requirements to implement a state program. Rules adopted under this section shall:
     (a) Establish minimum accreditation requirements for lead-based paint activities for training providers;
     (b) Establish work practice standards for conduct of lead-based paint activities;
     (c) Establish certification requirements for individuals and firms engaged in lead-based paint activities;
     (d) Require the use of certified personnel in all lead-based paint activities;
     (e) Be revised as necessary to comply with federal law and rules and to maintain eligibility for federal funding;
     (f) Facilitate reciprocity and communication with other states having a lead-based paint certification program;
     (g) Provide for decertification, deaccreditation, and financial assurance for a person certified by or a training provider accredited by the department; and
     (h) Be issued in accordance with the administrative procedure act, chapter 34.05 RCW.
     (3) The department may accept federal funds for the administration of the program.
     (4) This program shall equal, but not exceed, legislative authority under federal requirements as set forth in Title IV of the toxic substances control act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 2601 et seq.), the residential lead-based paint hazard reduction act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 4851 et seq.), and Title X of the housing and community development act of 1992 (P.L. 102-550).
     (5) Any rules adopted by the department shall be consistent with federal laws, regulations, and requirements relating to lead-based paint activities specified by the residential lead-based paint hazard reduction act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 4851 et seq.) and Title X of the housing and community development act of 1992 (P.L. 102-550), to ensure consistency in regulatory action. The rules may not be more restrictive than corresponding federal regulations unless such stringency is specifically authorized by this chapter.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   (1) The department shall establish a program for certification of persons involved in lead-based paint activities and for accreditation of training providers in compliance with federal laws and rules.
     (2) Rules adopted under this section shall:
     (a) Establish minimum accreditation requirements for lead-based paint activities for training providers;
     (b) Establish work practice standards for conduct of lead-based paint activities;
     (c) Establish certification requirements for individuals and firms engaged in lead-based paint activities;
     (d) Require the use of certified personnel in any lead-based paint hazard reduction activity;
     (e) Be revised as necessary to comply with federal law and rules and to maintain eligibility for federal funding;
     (f) Facilitate reciprocity and communication with other states having a lead-based paint certification program;
     (g) Provide for decertification, deaccreditation, and financial assurance for a person certified or accredited by the department; and
     (h) Be issued in accordance with the administrative procedure act, chapter 34.05 RCW.
     (3) This program shall equal, but not exceed, legislative authority under federal requirements as set forth in Title IV of the toxic substances control act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 2601 et seq.), the residential lead-based paint hazard reduction act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 4851 et seq.), 40 C.F.R. Part 745 (1996), Subparts L and Q, and Title X of the housing and community development act of 1992 (P.L. 102-550).
     (4) Any rules adopted by the department shall be consistent with federal laws, regulations, and requirements relating to lead-based paint activities specified by the residential lead-based paint hazard reduction act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 4851 et seq.) and Title X of the housing and community development act of 1992 (P.L. 102-550), to ensure consistency in regulatory action. The rules may not be more restrictive than corresponding federal regulations unless such stringency is specifically authorized by this chapter.
     (5) The department may accept federal funds for the administration of the program.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 5   The department shall adopt rules to:
     (1) Establish procedures and requirements for the accreditation of lead-based paint activities training programs including, but not limited to, the following:
     (a) Training curriculum;
     (b) Training hours;
     (c) Hands-on training;
     (d) Trainee competency and proficiency;
     (e) Training program quality control;
     (f) Procedures for the reaccreditation of training programs;
     (g) Procedures for the oversight of training programs; and
     (h) Procedures for the suspension, revocation, or modification of training program accreditations, or acceptance of training offered by an accredited training provider in another state or Indian tribe authorized by the environmental protection agency;
     (2) Establish procedures for the purposes of certification, for the acceptance of training offered by an accredited training provider in a state or Indian tribe authorized by the environmental protection agency;
     (3) Certify individuals involved in lead-based paint activities that:
     (a) Ensure certified individuals:
     (i) Are trained by an accredited training program; and
     (ii) Possess appropriate educational or experience qualifications for certification;
     (b) Establish procedures for recertification;
     (c) Require the conduct of lead-based paint activities in accordance with work practice standards;
     (d) Establish procedures for the suspension, revocation, or modification of certifications; and
     (e) Establish requirements for the administration of third-party certification exams;
     (4) Use laboratories accredited under the environmental protection agency's national lead laboratory accreditation program;
     (5) Establish work practice standards for the conduct of lead-based paint activities for:
     (a) Inspection for presence of lead-based paint;
     (b) Risk assessment; and
     (c) Abatement;
     (6) Establish an enforcement response policy that shall include:
     (a) Warning letters, notices of noncompliance, notices of violation, or the equivalent;
     (b) Administrative or civil actions, including penalty authority, including accreditation or certification suspension, revocation, or modification; and
     (c) Authority to apply criminal sanctions or other criminal authority using existing state laws as applicable; and
     (7) Prepare and submit a biennial report to the legislature regarding the program's status, its costs, and the number of persons certified by the program.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 6   (1) The department is designated as the official agency of this state for purposes of cooperating with, and implementing the state lead-based paint activities program under the jurisdiction of the United States environmental protection agency.
     (2) No individual or firm can perform, offer, or claim to perform lead-based paint activities without certification from the department to conduct these activities.
     (3) The department may deny, suspend, or revoke a certificate for failure to comply with the requirements of this chapter or any rule adopted under this chapter. No person whose certificate is revoked under this chapter shall be eligible to apply for a certificate for one year from the effective date of the final order of revocation. A certificate may be denied, suspended, or revoked on any of the following grounds:
     (a) A risk assessor, inspector, contractor, project designer, or worker violates work practice standards established by the United States environmental protection agency or the United States department of housing and urban development governing work practices and procedures; or
     (b) The certificate was obtained by error, misrepresentation, or fraud.
     (4) Any person convicted of violating any of the provisions of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor. A conviction is an unvacated forfeiture of bail or collateral deposited to secure the defendant's appearance in court, the payment of a fine, a plea of guilty, or a finding of guilt on a violation of this chapter, regardless of whether imposition of sentence is deferred or the penalty is suspended, and shall be treated as a violation conviction for purposes of certification forfeiture under this chapter. Violations of this chapter include:
     (a) Failure to comply with any requirement of this chapter;
     (b) Failure or refusal to establish, maintain, provide, copy, or permit access to records or reports as required;
     (c) Obtaining certification through fraud or misrepresentation;
     (d) Failure to obtain certification from the department and performing work requiring certification at a job site; or
     (e) Fraudulently obtaining certification and engaging in any lead-based paint activities requiring certification.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 7   The department shall appoint a lead-based paint activities advisory board for the purposes of advising the department. The board shall:
     (1) Provide scientific input to ensure that this program continues to be in synchronism with scientifically substantiated needs for either abatement or monitoring activities; and
     (2) Provide the opportunity for involvement of state research facilities in the preparation, conduct, and evaluation of the specific training programs and the certification process.
     The board shall consist of at least five volunteer members who are residents of the state and skilled and experienced in one or more of the following activities: Environmental health, medical or environmental science, industrial hygiene, construction, real estate, environmental regulatory oversight, property owners, parents of leaded children, or lead hazard identification. In addition to the five volunteer members, the following persons, or their designees, may serve as ex officio members of the board: The director of the department of labor and industries; the director of the department of community, trade, and economic development; the secretary of the department of health; and the director of the department of agriculture. At least one member shall serve as a representative of the medical community. Members of the board shall be reimbursed for travel expenses as provided in RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060. Members of the board may be reimbursed for customary expenses as set out in RCW 43.03.220. The board shall meet no more often than quarterly.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 8   Sections 1 through 7 of this act constitute a new chapter in Title 70 RCW.