2016 -- H 8127 SUBSTITUTE A

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LC005778/SUB A

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2016

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION - LEAD AND COPPER DRINKING WATER

PROTECTION ACT

     Introduced By: Representatives Naughton, Shekarchi, Handy, Carson, and Kennedy

     Date Introduced: April 29, 2016

     Referred To: House Environment and Natural Resources

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 46-12.8-6 of the General Laws in Chapter 46-12.8 entitled "Water

Projects Revolving Loan Fund" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     46-12.8-6. Authorization to expend funds available for local grants. -- In addition to

the financial assistance provided by the agency to local governmental units and private water

companies for approved projects in accordance with this chapter, the department is hereby

authorized to expend funds otherwise available for grants to local governmental units and private

water companies to the extent permitted by federal and state law. The department is authorized

and directed to expend funds from its portion of federal capitalization grants to conduct baseline

testing of the drinking water supply systems of each local governmental unit responsible for the

ownership or operation of water supply facilities within the state or privately organized water

suppliers, which provide drinking water to more than one municipality, for compliance with all

state and federal laws, rules and regulations pertaining to lead and copper levels in drinking water

supplies. The department is further authorized and directed to expend funds from its portion of

federal capitalization grants to conduct testing of water supplies at all public schools serving

students from pre-K to grade 12 and state licensed daycare facilities in the state of Rhode Island

for compliance with all state and federal laws, rules and regulations pertaining to lead and copper

levels in drinking water supplies. The department shall report its findings to the speaker of the

house and senate president by April 30, 2017, which report shall include a plan for ensuring

compliance with all state and federal laws, rules and regulations pertaining to lead and copper

levels in drinking water supplies.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION - LEAD AND COPPER DRINKING WATER

PROTECTION ACT

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     This act would direct the department of health to use funds from federal capitalization

grants to conduct baseline copper and lead testing the water supply systems of each local

government as well as in public schools and licensed daycare facilities.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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