New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A5432

Introduced
5/11/23  

Caption

Requires schools and child care centers to test drinking water for lead every two years and install filters certified to reduce lead levels.

Impact

The enactment of A5432 will result in a significant adjustment to existing regulatory protocols for lead testing in drinking water at educational facilities. Currently, schools are required to conduct lead testing every three years, but this new bill shortens that interval to every two years. Additionally, it mandates immediate notification to parents and staff if lead levels exceed five parts per billion, reinforcing transparency and accountability in public health matters. The introduction of certified water filters in drinking fountains and faucets will also offer a critical preventive measure against lead contamination.

Summary

Assembly Bill A5432 mandates that schools and child care centers in New Jersey test their drinking water for lead contamination every two years. The bill requires institutions to develop a lead sampling plan that outlines the procedures for testing the water and how to handle elevated lead levels, with a specific focus on establishments where children and staff may access water. This development responds to elevated concerns regarding lead exposure and public health in environments frequented by children.

Contention

While A5432 strengthens protections against lead in drinking water, there may be contention regarding the financial implications and practicality of its implementation. Concerns have been raised about the financial burden placed on schools and child care centers required to upgrade their infrastructure with filters and testing routines. Additionally, ensuring compliance with testing standards and frequency could pose challenges, particularly for smaller institutions with limited resources. As such, balancing health priorities with budgetary constraints may induce debates in legislative discussions.

Companion Bills

NJ S3683

Same As Requires schools and child care centers to test drinking water for lead every two years and install filters certified to reduce lead levels.

Previously Filed As

NJ A2882

Requires schools and child care centers to test drinking water for lead every two years and install filters certified to reduce lead levels.

NJ S3683

Requires schools and child care centers to test drinking water for lead every two years and install filters certified to reduce lead levels.

NJ S1569

Requires schools and child care centers to test drinking water for lead every two years and install filters certified to reduce lead levels.

NJ A1919

Requires certain residential property owners, schools, and child care centers to test drinking water for lead every three years.

NJ A2306

Requires certain residential property owners, schools, and child care centers to test drinking water for lead every three years.

NJ S2744

Requires institutions of higher education to test for lead in drinking water annually, report test results, and install lead filters or treatment devices.

NJ S2877

Requires institutions of higher education to test for lead in drinking water annually, report test results, and install lead filters or treatment devices.

NJ A3949

Requires institutions of higher education to test for lead in drinking water annually, report test results, and install lead filters or treatment devices.

NJ A2470

Requires institutions of higher education to test for lead in drinking water annually, report test results, and install lead filters or treatment devices.

NJ A4675

Requires child care centers to test for and remediate lead in drinking water, and disclose test results.

Similar Bills

NJ S3683

Requires schools and child care centers to test drinking water for lead every two years and install filters certified to reduce lead levels.

NJ S1569

Requires schools and child care centers to test drinking water for lead every two years and install filters certified to reduce lead levels.

NJ A2882

Requires schools and child care centers to test drinking water for lead every two years and install filters certified to reduce lead levels.

CA SB1308

Ozone: indoor air cleaning devices.

CA SB1041

Childhood lead poisoning prevention.

CA AB1316

Public health: childhood lead poisoning: prevention.

CA AB249

Water: schoolsites: lead testing.

NJ S3283

Directs DEP to take certain actions concerning identification and testing of microplastics in drinking water, and requires DEP and BPU to study and promote use of microplastics removal technologies.