Bill Positions

Bill Number: SB 504

Bill Title: Environment - Reducing Lead Risk in Housing - Lead Paint Dust Testing

Bill Sponsor(s): Senator Gladden

Subject: Environment & Energy

Committee: JPR

Bill Summary: This bill would have removed choice for property owners regarding measures taken to meet lead risk reduction standards, and would have required owners to perform both the lead dust inspection test and perform certain work on their rentals followed by a visual inspection in order achieve compliance with the law.

History: In 2010 this bill died on Third Reading in the Senate. The House version received an UNF report by the Environemntal Committee.

Chamber Position: Oppose

Position Summary: By eliminating the choice and requiring both work/inspection methods, smaller landlords who are already in compliance with the law would have seen a significant increase in costs, particularly when there are turnovers. This also contradicted information supplied by MDE that shows the majority of Lead Poisoning cases are occurring in housing that is either owner occupied and/or not within the Lead Program. Lead poisoning has declined significantly over the
last decade, and there was a 20% reduction in lead cases for 2008 as compared to 2007. This additional standard on those in compliance with the law was unwarranted. For these reasons, the Maryland Chamber opposed the bill.

Position Statement: To view the Chamber's complete position statement, click here (pdf).

Chamber Staff: Allyson Black

General Assembly: Click here to view the bill on the Maryland General Assembly's website.