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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2025 - 2026
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | December 13, 2024 01:08 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Patrick J. Stefano |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Clarifying the Plumbing System Lead Ban |
| In the near future, I plan to reintroduce legislation inspired by recommendations from the Joint State Government Commission’s report Lead Exposure Risks and Responses in Pennsylvania. This legislation will focus on the creation and distribution of educational materials to raise awareness about the dangers of lead exposure. Lead is a highly toxic metal, and, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no safe level of lead in the human bloodstream. The report highlights that “exposure to lead-based paint is the primary cause of lead poisoning and presents a much broader risk than public drinking water systems.” I believe that education is key to preventing unnecessary lead exposure. Specifically, my legislation would direct the Department of Education to develop educational materials to be provided to parents and guardians of newborns through their caregivers. These materials would also be distributed to consumers at retail outlets that sell plumbing, paint, or supplies for paint removal. By increasing consumer awareness, we can empower individuals to take proactive steps to avoid lead exposure. Without education, prevention is impossible, we must ensure that Pennsylvanians are equipped with the knowledge necessary to protect themselves and their families from lead poisoning. This legislation was formerly Senate Bill 109 during the 2023-24 Session and was co-sponsored by Senators Yaw and Baker. I hope you will join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation to protect the health and safety of Pennsylvanians by raising awareness and preventing lead exposure. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Jeffrey Ivicic in my office at jivicic@pasen.gov. |
Memo Updated: December 13, 2024 01:09 PM