Lead-Safe Housing for Kids Act 2020 Introduced in Congress

Congressmen McEachin and García Unveil Legislation to Protect Children and Families in Public Housing From Lead Poisoning

October 30, 2020

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) today unveiled the Lead-Safe Housing for Kids Act of 2020, legislation to protect children in federally-assisted housing from dangerous lead exposure and poisoning. Co-introduced by Congressman Jesús “Chuy” Garciía (IL-04), the Lead-Safe Housing for Kids Act of 2020 would adopt federal prevention measures, including comprehensive risk assessments, to determine the presence of lead hazards.

Congressman McEachin’s Lead-Safe Housing for Kids Act of 2020 is supported by more than 15 groups including: Green & Healthy Homes Initiative, National Housing Law Project, National Low Income Housing Coalition, National Disability Rights Network, Earthjustice, RESULTS, National NeighborWorks® Association, Brain Injury Association of America, Public Justice Center, National Housing Trust, National Center for Healthy Housing, the Arc of the United States, Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities Housing Task Force, National Homelessness Law Center, the American Public Health Association, Trust for America’s Health, Elevate Energy and the Poverty & Race Research Action Council.

“For far too long, children living in federally supported housing have been provided lesser protections from the dangers posed by exposure to lead hazards in their homes,” said Ruth Ann Norton, GHHI President and CEO.  “Under the Lead Safe Housing for Kids Act introduced by Congressmen Donald McEachin and Jesús ‘Chuy’ García, these homes will finally have the standards and protections afforded through other HUD programs and the private markets to protect the children who live there and more importantly better ensure their life outcomes and opportunities.”

Read the full Press Release

Read the full text of the Lead Safe Housing for Kids Act of 2020