Rhode Island General Assembly passes lead poisoning prevention package

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island House of Representatives and Senate passed a package of lead poisoning prevention legislation.

The package was introduced at the request of Attorney General Peter Neronha and aim to ensure landlords comply with lead-safety laws.

The collection of bills would establish a statewide rental registry, allow tenants to hold rent until lead issues are addressed, and provides guidance for families affected by childhood lead poisoning to recover damages if their landlord violated safety laws.

“For more than 20 years, Rhode Island has had strong lead poisoning prevention laws on the books and with the passage of these bills today, we will finally have the tools we need to enforce compliance with these laws,” Neronha said.

According to state Department of Health data, 19% of Providence children are lead poisoned by the time they reach elementary school. The number for children in East Providence is 15%, in Newport is 14%, and in Cumberland is 5%.