Ensures public access to lead service lines to determine the existence of lead within the water connection. This act also ensures mitigation measures and replacement lines are consistent with the current version of 40 C.C.R. 141 Subpart I.
Impact
The implementation of S0982 will significantly enhance the tracking and management of lead service lines throughout Rhode Island. By requiring water suppliers to disclose and publicize their lead service line inventories, the bill aims to improve community awareness and safety regarding lead exposure. This proactive approach may enhance public health outcomes and reduce the risk of lead poisoning, particularly in populations most vulnerable to its effects. Additionally, the bill emphasizes funding prioritization for communities identified as disadvantaged, ensuring that these areas receive attention and resources for lead line replacements.
Summary
Senate Bill S0982 aims to update the Lead Poisoning Prevention Act by mandating that water suppliers develop and maintain a service line inventory. This inventory must clearly identify the presence of lead within water connections in their service areas. The bill entails a deadline for completing this inventory by October 16, 2024, and establishes a framework for public accessibility to this information, including the creation of a public dashboard and mapping of service lines. These requirements are largely in alignment with federal guidelines to ensure that the state addresses potential lead contamination in drinking water.
Contention
Some noteworthy points of contention surrounding S0982 involve the implementation and funding aspects of the bill. Critics may argue about the financial implications for water suppliers, particularly regarding the costs associated with replacing lead lines and conducting thorough inventories. Furthermore, there may be concerns regarding compliance timelines and the adequacy of available funding to meet the mandates laid out in the bill. As the water suppliers and community advocacy groups navigate these complexities, discussions may emerge about the efficacy of the established guidelines and the allocation of financial resources.
Establishes the office of early childhood development and learning to manage a statewide early learning system for children from birth through age five (5), and ensure all children enter school ready to learn.
Amends the state's apprenticeship laws to make them more consistent with applicable federal regulations and makes said laws more comprehendible and consistent with each other.
Amends the state’s apprenticeship laws to make them more consistent with applicable federal regulations and makes said laws more comprehendible and consistent with each other.
Enables parents to review public school learning materials/object if the parent decides that the material is harmful. Also a parent may withdraw their student from the activity or class where the material is used and request an alternative assignment.
Enables parents to review public school learning materials/object if the parent decides that the material is harmful. Also a parent may withdraw their student from the activity or class where the material is used and request an alternative assignment.
Establishes an agricultural restricted receipt account within the department of environmental management. An advisory committee would be established to determine suggested uses of the funds in said account.
Limits the use by insurers of step therapy, a protocol that establishes a specific sequence in which prescription drugs for a specified medical condition are covered by an insurer, by allowing medical providers to request step therapy exceptions.
Allows municipalities to enact ordinances that would permit municipalities and water suppliers to enter properties to perform lead service line replacements and permit tenants to request and schedule private side lead service line replacements.
Allows municipalities to enact ordinances that would permit municipalities and water suppliers to enter properties to perform lead service line replacements and permit tenants to request and schedule private side lead service line replacements.
Ensures public access to lead service lines to determine the existence of lead within the water connection. This act also ensures mitigation measures and replacement lines are consistent with the current version of 40 C.C.R. 141 Subpart I.