SB1257eng 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SB1257 Engrossed LRB095 06869 CMK 26988 b

AN ACT concerning public safety.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Mold Remediation Registration Act.

Section 5. Findings. The General Assembly finds that:

(1) Excessive indoor dampness in buildings is a widespread problem that warrants action at the local, State, and national levels.

(2) Because of the public's concern about the possible public health effects of exposure to mold in buildings, as well as the effects on workers performing remediation work, and the costs of remediation for the property owner, there is a need to identify parties performing mold remediation in the State.

(3) Because there is a need to reduce moisture that fosters mold formation in buildings, the State should review current State building codes to ensure that they do not foster mold.

(4) Parties providing mold remediation services in residential, public, and commercial buildings in Illinois should be required to register with the State and provide proof of financial responsibility.

(5) Laboratories performing tests to confirm mold contamination in buildings should be certified by the American Industrial Hygiene Association using nationally recognized accreditation standards set under the Environmental Microbiology Laboratory Accreditation Program.

Section 10. Definitions. As used in this Act:

"Department" means the Department of Public Health.

"Mold remediation" means the removal, cleaning, sanitizing, demolition, or other treatment, including preventive activities, of mold or mold-containment matter in buildings.

"Preventative activities" include those intended to prevent future mold contamination of a remediated area, including applying biocides or anti-microbial compounds.

Section 15. Reporting requirement. The Department must report to the Environment and Energy Committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate, on an annual basis, concerning the implementation of any federal regulations that establish:

(1) scientific evidence concerning any health effects associated with fungi, bacteria, and their byproducts in indoor environments including any indoor air quality standard; and

(2) standards for the training, certification, and licensing of parties providing mold remediation services in residential, public, and commercial buildings.

Section 20. Rules. The Department may adopt rules, under the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act, to implement and administer the provisions under this Act. The rules may include a program establishing procedures for parties that provide mold remediation services to register with the State and provide evidence of financial responsibility.

Section 25. Exemptions. The provisions of this Act shall not apply to home builders and remodelers performing work on any residential structure, consisting of 4 or fewer residential units, under the period and terms of the written warranty of that residential structure.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect January 1, 2008.