Requires landlords of residential properties built before 1978 to register lead hazard mitigation information with the department of health and the information would remain private and only accessible by specific entities.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would require landlords who own residential rental properties built before 1978 to register information about lead hazard mitigation with the Rhode Island Department of Health. Homes built before 1978 are the focus because that is when lead-based paint was commonly used in construction, and it can pose serious health risks — particularly to young children — if it deteriorates or is disturbed. By collecting this information, the state would be able to track which older rental properties have addressed lead hazards and which may still pose potential risks.

The registration information submitted by landlords would be kept private and confidential, meaning it would not be available to the general public. Instead, access would be limited to specific entities — such as certain government agencies or health officials — as defined by the bill. This privacy protection is likely intended to encourage landlords to participate and comply honestly without fear of public exposure or liability concerns.

This bill primarily affects landlords of older rental housing (built before 1978) across Rhode Island, who would have a new legal obligation to register their lead-related compliance information with the state. It could also benefit tenants and families living in these properties, as the state would have better information to identify and address potential lead hazards in the rental housing stock. The bill has been introduced and referred to the Senate Housing and Municipal Government Committee, meaning it is still in the early stages of the legislative process.