Rutherford, Lawson Introduce the Keep Children and Families Safe From Lead Hazards Act

WASHINGTON, D.C -Today, U.S. Representatives John Rutherford (FL-04) and Al Lawson (FL-05) introduced the Keep Children and Families Safe From Lead Hazards Act. This legislation requires that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) assess annually the risks of lead-based hazards on housing properties receiving federal rental assistance. It also directs HUD to develop an action plan that outlines necessary changes for properties at risk for lead exposure hazards.

"It is inexcusable that some living in public housing have experienced dangerous levels of lead exposure, threatening their health and safety," said Rutherford. "I am proud to join a bipartisan coalition working to hold HUD accountable for any lead-based hazards in their facilities. Thank you to Rep. Lawson for leading this important effort."

"Every family deserves to live in a home that is free of danger, yet far too many households are detrimentally impacted by lead poisoning," said Lawson. "Our residents should not have to worry about the risk of lead exposure and the harmful impact this hazardous toxin can cause. The Keep Children and Families Safe From Lead Hazards Act will raise the standard of federally-assisted housing by enforcing accountability and improving the living conditions for our most vulnerable citizens. I am pleased to work with Rep. Rutherford on this critical legislation to protect the safety and health of North Florida's children and families."

Many properties in Florida and nationwide were built before the 1978 ban on lead paint in residential buildings. According to the CDC, 3.6 million American families are at risk of lead-based paint contamination in their homes, including 340,000 children living in Section 8 housing.

The Keep Children and Families Safe From Lead Hazards Act improves conditions and protects the health and well-being of millions of Americans living in Section 8 properties. The risk assessment portion of this legislation will identify properties with the greatest risk of exposing children under age six to lead-based hazards. The action plan will include remediation steps and safeguards that address the lead-based hazards, and priority for executing these plans will be given to properties with children under the age of six years old.

The legislation also directs HUD to submit a report to Congress regarding the at-risk properties and the number of children impacted by lead-based hazards, which will be included as a graded factor in uniform physical condition inspections. In doing so, hazards will be regularly tracked and owners of properties will be held accountable for methods of reformation.

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