New Jersey Senate Bill S1071

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Requires owners of certain buildings to test drinking water for Legionella bacteria.

Impact

The consequences of this legislation significantly affect state laws concerning public health and safety. Building owners who fail to comply with the testing requirements may face severe repercussions, including civil administrative penalties up to $25,000 per violation. Furthermore, if Legionella bacteria contamination is detected, building owners must provide immediate notification to residents and undertake remediation efforts within specified time frames, thus reinforcing accountability in maintaining safe drinking water standards.

Summary

Senate Bill 1071, sponsored by Senator Linda R. Greenstein, introduces regulations requiring owners of certain building types to perform annual testing of drinking water for Legionella bacteria. This bill specifically targets covered buildings, including acute care facilities, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, county correctional facilities, public housing, and others that provide residential services or accommodations. The testing is mandated to ensure the safety and health of residents in these buildings.

Contention

While the bill seeks to improve public health outcomes by mandating water testing, it introduces potential concerns regarding the burden placed on building owners. Critics may contend that compliance will create financial and operational challenges, particularly for smaller facilities that may lack resources for testing and remediation. Supporters, however, argue that safeguarding residents from Legionella exposure is paramount and that these regulatory measures are necessary to avoid outbreaks of serious illnesses associated with the bacteria.