Lead hazard evaluation.

Existing law requires the State Department of Public Health to implement and administer a program to meet the requirements of the federal Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992. Under existing law, a person who engages in lead hazard evaluations is required to obtain certification from the department and to comply with specified regulations. Violation of those provisions is a misdemeanor. This bill would authorize the department to update the regulations on lead hazard evaluation methods in order to incorporate the Guidelines for the Evaluation and Control of Lead-Based Paint Hazards in Housing, as published in 2012 by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the recommendations of the United States Environmental Protection Agency for paint test kits for renovation projects, as specified. By expanding the scope of a crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.