Assembly Committee Approves Lead Prevention Bills
Advocates urge legislative leaders to support home inspection changes to prevent childhood lead poisoning

1/12/2017

The New Jersey Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee today voted in favor of two bills that enhance inspections of homes as a lead poisoning prevention measure. The bills go before the full Assembly for a vote. On the bills, Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey President and Chief Executive Officer Staci Berger issued the following statement:

“Childhood lead poisoning is completely preventable, but more than 225,000 children since 2000 have been exposed to the toxin. This is unacceptable. New Jersey must stop using children as lead detectors. Unfortunately, a 2008 law requiring inspections of one and two family homes has never been implemented. In the absence of those rules, New Jersey’s communities need tools to make sure our children do not move into lead contaminated homes.

Thank you Chairman Green and the members of the committee for voting in favor of this proactive approach to keeping our children safe. We urge Assembly and Senate leaders to help put an end to this public health epidemic taking swift action on these bills.”

A3585 would allow municipalities to conduct home inspections at least once every five years. Properties certified to be free of lead-based paint, constructed during and after 1978, and seasonal rental units would be exempt from the inspection requirements. Its companion, A3611, would ensure that rentals are being inspected for lead before a new tenant moves into the home.

About the Housing and Community Development Network of NJ
The Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey is the statewide association of more than 250 community development corporations, individuals and other organizations that support the creation of affordable homes, economic opportunities, and strong communities. For more information on the Network, visit www.hcdnnj.org.

For more information: Nina Arce
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