California Assembly Bill AB2934

California 2017-2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/18
• Refer: 3/8/18
• Report Pass: 3/8/18
• Refer: 3/12/18
• Refer: 3/15/18
• Refer: 4/2/18
• Report Pass: 4/25/18
• Refer: 4/30/18
• Refer: 5/16/18
• Report Pass: 5/25/18
• Engrossed: 5/30/18
• Refer: 5/31/18
• Refer: 6/13/18
• Report Pass: 6/14/18
• Refer: 6/14/18
• Report Pass: 6/21/18
• Refer: 6/21/18
• Refer: 8/6/18

Caption

Residential lead-based paint hazard reduction program: county health departments: certification.

Impact

The legislation amends existing sections of the Health and Safety Code to formalize the role of county health departments in managing lead-related certifications. This change is significant as it localizes control and administration of safety standards, potentially increasing responsiveness to community-specific issues related to lead hazards. The bill also mandates that the Division of Occupational Safety and Health complete rulemaking by July 1, 2019, to establish a revised permissible exposure limit for lead, which could strengthen workplace safety regulations considerably.

Summary

Assembly Bill 2934, introduced by Assembly Member Mark Stone, aims to enhance California's efforts to mitigate lead-based paint hazards by allowing county health departments to administer the certification for individuals engaging in lead-related construction work. The bill requires the State Department of Public Health to seek permission from the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to modify its agreement related to lead-based construction programs, thereby expanding its authority to delegate certain responsibilities to county-level entities. Should approval be granted, it would enable counties to implement and oversee certification programs that ensure compliance with public health regulations regarding lead exposure.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding AB 2934 reflects a consensus on the necessity of addressing public health concerns related to lead exposure. Many stakeholders, including health officials and lead hazard specialists, support the bill as it could lead to better enforcement of lead safety standards. However, there may be concerns from some sectors regarding the adequacy of local resources or the ability of county health departments to effectively manage these new responsibilities.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding the bill might include discussions about the need for adequate funding and staffing within county health departments to handle the proposed certification program effectively. Additionally, debates may arise regarding whether the shift to county-level administration could lead to inconsistencies in how lead hazards are managed across different jurisdictions, potentially affecting the overall effectiveness of the state’s public health initiatives related to lead safety.