Test Lead In Public Schools' Drinking Water

The bill directs the department of public health and environment (department) to establish a grant program to test for lead in public schools' drinking water. The department will give the highest priority to the oldest public elementary schools, then the oldest public schools that are not elementary schools, and then all other public schools. The department may also consider ability to pay in administering the program. The department is directed to use its best efforts to complete all testing and analysis by June 30, 2020. The public school must provide at least 10% local matching funds and give the test results to its local public health agency, its supplier of water, its school board, and the department. The department may use up to $300,000 per year for 3 years for grants beginning on or after July 1, 2017, from the water quality improvement fund if there is money available after fully funding existing programs. The department shall provide 4 annual reports to the general assembly regarding implementation of the grant program, including any legislative proposals that may be warranted.

The bill appropriates $431,803 and 1.3 FTE to the department of public health and environment for the implementation of the act.

(Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.)