Louisiana Senate Bill SB211

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/12
• Refer: 3/12/12
• Report Pass: 4/10/12
• Engrossed: 5/1/12
• Refer: 5/2/12
• Report Pass: 5/16/12
• Enrolled: 6/1/12
• Chaptered: 6/11/12
• Passed: 6/11/12

Caption

Requires child-occupied facilities to disclose lead hazards, lead abatement activities, or lead testing. (8/1/12) (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)

Impact

By requiring child-occupied facilities to disclose information about lead hazards and any related remediation efforts, SB211 aims to increase awareness and proactive measures among parents and guardians. This legislation is expected to lead to better management of lead exposure risks in educational and childcare settings, potentially resulting in improved health outcomes for children. Additionally, it places accountability on facility operators to maintain proper documentation of inspections and remediation, thereby reinforcing environmental health standards within the state.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 211, or SB211, establishes requirements for public disclosure regarding lead hazards and abatement activities in child-occupied facilities within Louisiana. This includes day care centers, preschools, and elementary schools constructed prior to 1978. The intent of the bill is to enhance the safety of environments where young children are present, given the known risks of lead exposure and its harmful effects on child development. To that end, the bill mandates that facilities must notify parents or guardians about lead hazards and testing results, ensuring that crucial information is communicated to those responsible for the children's wellbeing.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB211 appears to lean towards support for enhanced child safety and public health. Advocates for the bill emphasize the necessity of protecting vulnerable populations, particularly young children, from preventable health risks. However, there may be some concerns among facility operators regarding the implementation of these disclosure requirements and the potential burden they might impose, especially in relation to compliance and funding for necessary inspections and remediation.

Contention

A key point of contention that arose during discussions about SB211 revolves around the balance between regulatory oversight and the operational challenges faced by child-occupied facilities. Some stakeholders may argue that the requirements could lead to increased operational costs and administrative burdens, particularly for smaller or less-resourced facilities. Conversely, advocates insist that the public health benefits far outweigh these challenges, as timely information about lead hazards is critical for safeguarding children from exposure.