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6/8/2023
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House passes Rep. Dawson’s lead poisoning accountability bill
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STATE HOUSE – The House of Representatives today passed legislation (2023-H 6201) sponsored by Rep. Matthew S. Dawson which would hold landlords accountable for instances of childhood lead poisoning in their properties.
The legislation would allow families affected by childhood lead poisoning to recover up to three times their actual damages (known as treble damages), which would create another mechanism to encourage compliance with existing lead poisoning prevention laws.
“Lead poisoning is a serious problem that is still affecting far too many residents in the state and if landlords are willfully neglecting necessary lead mitigation practices, they should be held accountable for putting their tenants at risk. This bill will allow renters to seek the restitution they deserve if they are exposed to the dangers of lead by neglectful property owners,” said Representative Dawson (D-Dist. 65, East Providence).
The bill would allow for a property owner who fails to comply with lead hazard mitigation provisions to be subject to damages and reasonable attorneys’ fees and would take effect upon passage.
The legislation now heads to the Senate where Sen. Valarie J. Lawson (D-Dist. 14, East Providence) has introduced the legislation (2023-S 0739). Senator Lawson’s legislation was also approved by the Senate today.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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