Requires landlords of certain properties providing child care services who refuse lead service line replacements to install and maintain water filters.
Should A2938 be enacted, it would create a significant regulatory framework that holds landlords accountable for maintaining safe water supplies in child care settings. The bill empowers the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to impose civil penalties on landlords who fail to install or maintain these filters, thus ensuring compliance. This proposed legislation represents a proactive step in addressing the public health concerns surrounding lead exposure, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children.
Assembly Bill A2938 is aimed at safeguarding children's health by ensuring that landlords of properties providing child care services replace lead service lines or, if they refuse, install and maintain certified water filters at all relevant points of use. Specifically, if a landlord denies access to a public community water system to replace lead service lines, they are mandated to install point-of-use filters that comply with NSF/ANSI standards for safe drinking, food preparation, and baby formula. This bill emphasizes the necessity of ensuring safe water access in environments where the health of children is paramount.
While the intention behind A2938 is to protect children from lead contamination, there could be contention surrounding the enforcement measures it introduces. The potential for landlords to incur up to $500 per day in fines for non-compliance could be a source of tension, as owners may argue against the financial burden this represents. Moreover, the stipulation allowing tenants to escalate actions into court and seek civil damages adds a layer of complexity that may provoke disagreements between landlords and tenants. The statutory demands may spark debate about the balance between regulatory oversight and property rights.