Assemblyman William Payne

PAYNE BILL TO EXPAND LEAD-BASED PAINT TESTING CLEARS COMMITTEE HURDLE
Legislation Would Keep Residents and Children Safe from Dangerous Lead Poisoning

(TRENTON) - The Assembly Housing and Local Government committee today released legislation Assemblyman William Payne sponsored to expand lead paint inspections to single-family and two-family properties. "Many families who are buying homes or living in rental communities are unaware of the potential dangers lurking on their walls and ceilings," said Payne (D-Essex). "This legislation would ensure that owners and renters alike have access to all of the information available to protect the safety of their families."

The bill (A-3263) would mandate the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs to inspect houses for lead-based paint hazards at least once every five years. In addition, the measure would require every owner of a tenant-occupied single or two-family residential property to register with the Department of Community Affairs. Property owners who fail to comply with these registration requirements would be subject to a $200 penalty for each delinquent registration.

"By expanding lead paint inspections to all housing units, we are better protecting New Jersey's most precious resource: our children," said Payne. "We must do all that we can to protect the health and safety of all New Jerseyans, and especially our children."

The legislation would not apply to properties that have been certified to be free of lead-based paint, were constructed in or after 1978, that are used as seasonal rental units, or properties certified as having a lead-free interior by a professional inspector.

The bill was released 4 - 2 with two abstentions. It now heads to the Assembly Speaker, who decides if and when to post it for a floor vote.

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For Release:
January 18, 2007

Contact:
Assemblyman Payne
(973) 621-1400
John Duthie
(609) 292-7065