Source: https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/fullchapter/18/038
Timestamp: 2020-08-05 14:22:03
Document Index: 643341741

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 1752', '§ 2601', '§ 3', '§ 3', '§ 11', '§ 1752', '§ 3', '§ 3', '§ 11', '§ 2', '§ 3', '§ 59', '§ 189', '§ 6', '§ 11', '§ 27', '§ 1753', '§ 3', '§ 59', '§ 189', '§ 6', '§ 11', '§ 27', '§ 2', '§ 3', '§ 3', '§ 116', '§ 47', '§ 3', '§ 3', '§ 116', '§ 47', '§ 2', '§ 1755', '§ 3', '§ 38', '§ 28', '§ 92', '§ 1755', '§ 3', '§ 38', '§ 28', '§ 92', '§ 2', '§ 3', '§ 1757', '§ 3', '§ 4', '§ 29', '§ 3', '§ 4', '§ 29', '§ 2', '§ 1758', '§ 5', '§ 117', '§ 48', '§ 6', '§ 2', '§ 30', '§ 1759', '§ 6', '§ 2', '§ 30', '§ 2', '§ 1760', '§ 7', '§ 31', '§ 1760', '§ 7', '§ 31', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 1760', '§ 32', '§ 8', '§ 33', '§ 8', '§ 33', '§ 2', '§ 9', '§ 9', '§ 2', '§ 10', '§ 10', '§ 2', '§ 1764', '§ 11', '§ 11', '§ 2', '§ 12', '§ 38', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 1766', '§ 2', '§ 1767', '§ 34', '§ 1767', '§ 34', '§ 2']

Chapter 038: LEAD POISONING PREVENTION
[Section 1752 effective until occurrence of contingency; see also contingent amendment to section 1752 .]
§ 1752. Accreditation of training programs; certification and licensure of environmental lead inspectors and lead contractors, supervisors, and workers
(a) Not later than six months after promulgation of final federal regulations under section 402 of the Federal Toxic Substances Control Act, 15 U.S.C. § 2601 et seq., the Department shall develop a program to administer and enforce the lead-based paint activities training and certification standards, regulations, or other requirements established by the Administrator of the federal Environmental Protection Agency for persons engaged in lead-based paint activities.
(b) The Secretary shall adopt emergency rules, and not later than January 1, 1994, the Secretary shall adopt permanent rules, establishing standards and specifications for the accreditation of training programs both within and outside Vermont, including the mandatory topics of instruction, the knowledge and performance standards that must be demonstrated by graduates in order to be certified, and required qualifications for training programs and instructors. Such standards shall be designed to protect children, their families, and workers from improperly conducted lead-based paint activities, and shall be at least as protective of human health and the environment as the federal program. Hands-on instruction and instruction for identification and proper handling of historic fabric and materials shall be components of the required training.
(d) After the adoption of rules pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, no person shall perform lead-based paint activities without first obtaining a license from the Commissioner. The Commissioner may grant a license to a person who holds a valid license from another state.
(e) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to limit the authority of the Secretary, the Commissioner of Health, the Commissioner of Labor, or the Commissioner of Environmental Conservation under the provisions of any other law. (Added 1993, No. 94, § 3; amended 2005, No. 103 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 5, 2006; 2007, No. 76, § 11a.)
[Contingent amendments to section 1752; see also section 1752 .]
§ 1752. Accreditation of training programs; individuals, entities, or firms involved in lead-based paint or RRPM activities
(a) The Department shall develop a program to administer and enforce lead-based paint activities and RRPM activities with regard to training and licensing standards, rules, or other requirements established by the Commissioner, which are at least as protective of human health and the environment as the applicable federal programs, for persons engaged in lead-based paint activities and RRPM activities performed on target housing, child-occupied facilities, pre-1978 facilities, commercial facilities, and bridges or other superstructures.
(b) The Commissioner shall adopt rules pursuant to 3 V.S.A. chapter 25 establishing standards and specifications for the accreditation of training programs for lead-based paint activities and RRPM activities, including the mandatory topics of instruction, the knowledge and performance standards that must be demonstrated by graduates in order to be certified or licensed, and required accreditation qualifications for training programs and instructors. The standards shall be designed to protect children, their families, and workers from improperly conducted lead-based paint activities and RRPM activities, and shall be at least as protective of human health and the environment as the federal programs. Hands-on instruction and instruction for identification and proper handling of historic fabric and materials shall be components of the required training.
(c) The Commissioner shall license consulting contractors, analytical contractors, lead-based paint abatement supervisors, lead-based paint abatement workers, project designers, inspector-risk assessors, RRPM firms, and RRPM supervisors, who have successfully completed an accredited training program and met other requirements as the Commissioner may, by rule, impose.
(d) The Commissioner shall certify individuals engaged in RRPM activities for no compensation and who have successfully completed an accredited training program and met all other requirements as the Commissioner may impose by rule.
(e) After the adoption of rules pursuant to this section, a person shall not perform lead-based paint activities or RRPM activities for compensation without first obtaining a license from the Commissioner. The Commissioner may grant a license to a person who holds a valid license from another state.
(f) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to limit the authority of the Secretary or the Commissioner of Health, of Labor, or of Environmental Conservation under the provisions of any other law. (Added 1993, No. 94, § 3; amended 2005, No. 103 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 5, 2006; 2007, No. 76, § 11a.; 2017, No. 149 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)
[Section 1753 effective until occurrence of contingency; see also contingent amendment to section 1753 .]
Training courses $480.00 per year
Lead contractors $600.00 per year
Lead workers $ 60.00 per year
Lead supervisors $120.00 per year
Lead inspectors $180.00 per year
Lead risk assessors $180.00 per year
Lead designers $180.00 per year
Laboratories $600.00 per year
Lead-safe renovators $ 50.00 per year
(d) Fees imposed by this section shall be deposited into the Lead Paint Abatement Accreditation and Licensing Special Fund. Monies in the Fund may be used by the Commissioner only to support departmental accreditation, registration, certification, and licensing activities related to this chapter. The Fund shall be subject to the provisions of 32 V.S.A. chapter 7, subchapter 5. (Added 1993, No. 94, § 3; amended 1997, No. 155 (Adj. Sess.), § 59, eff. April 29, 1998; 1999, No. 49, § 189; 2001, No. 65, § 6; 2007, No. 76, § 11b; 2007, No. 176 (Adj. Sess.), § 27.)
[Contingent amendments to section 1753; see also section 1753 set out above.]
§ 1753. Accreditation, license, permit, notification, registration, and administrative fees
(a) The Commissioner shall assess fees for accrediting training programs, licenses, license renewals, and permits issued in accordance with this chapter. Fees shall not be imposed on any State or local government, agent of the State, or nonprofit training program and may be waived for the purpose of training State employees.
(b) Each accredited training program and licensee shall be subject to the following annual fees, except where otherwise noted:
Lead-based paint training courses $480.00 per year
Lead-based paint contractor entity license $600.00 per year
Lead-based paint abatement supervisor worker license $60.00 per year
Lead-based paint abatement supervisor license $120.00 per year
Lead-based paint inspector license $180.00 per year
Lead-based paint inspector-risk assessor license $180.00 per year
Lead-based paint project designer license $180.00 per year
Lead-safe RRPM training course accreditation $560.00 initial,
$340.00 renewal
Lead-safe RRPM firm license $300.00 every
Lead-safe RRPM supervisor license $50.00 per year
(c) Each licensee seeking to complete a lead-based paint abatement project or RRPM activities project involving prohibited or unsafe work practices shall be subject to the following permit fees:
(1) Project permit $50.00
(2) Project permit revision $25.00
(d) Fees imposed by this section and monies collected under section 1766 of this chapter shall be deposited into the Lead-Based Paint Accreditation and Licensing Special Fund. Monies in the Fund may be used by the Commissioner only to support Departmental accreditation, certification, licensing, education, and training activities related to this chapter. The Fund shall be subject to the provisions of 32 V.S.A. chapter 7, subchapter 5. (Added 1993, No. 94, § 3; amended 1997, No. 155 (Adj. Sess.), § 59, eff. April 29, 1998; 1999, No. 49, § 189; 2001, No. 65, § 6; 2007, No. 76, § 11b; 2007, No. 176 (Adj. Sess.), § 27; 2017, No. 149 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)
[Section 1754 effective until occurrence of contingency; see also contingent amendment to section 1754 .]
(a) Beginning January 1, 1994, the Commissioner of Health shall prepare and distribute clear and simple printed materials describing the dangers of lead poisoning, the need for parents to have their child screened, how to have a child tested, and recommended nutrition and housekeeping practices. The Commissioner shall work with persons and organizations involved in occupations that may involve lead-based paint hazards or childhood lead poisoning to distribute the materials to their clients, patients, students, or customers, such as realtors, subcontractors, apartment owners, public housing authorities, pediatricians, family practitioners, nurse clinics, child clinics, other health care providers, child care and preschool operators, and kindergarten teachers. The Commissioner shall also identify those points in time or specific occasions when members of the public are in contact with public agencies and lead might be an issue, such as building permits, home renovations, the WIC program, and programs established under 33 V.S.A. chapters 10, 11, and 12, and make the materials available on these occasions.
(b) The Commissioner shall prepare an appropriate media campaign to educate the public on lead poisoning prevention. The Commissioner shall encourage professional property managers, rehab and weatherization contractors, minimum housing inspectors, social workers, and visiting nurses to attend education and awareness workshops.
(c) The Commissioner shall develop a program or approve a program, or both, to train owners and managers of rental target housing and child care facilities and their employees to perform essential maintenance practices. The names and addresses of all persons who attend the approved training program shall be maintained as a public record that the Commissioner shall provide to the Department of Housing and Community Development. (Added 1993, No. 94, § 3; amended 1995, No. 165 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; 2013, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 116; 2015, No. 97 (Adj. Sess.), § 47.)
[Contingent amendments to section 1754; see also section 1754 .]
(a) The Commissioner shall prepare and distribute clear and simple materials describing the dangers of lead poisoning, the need for parents to have their child screened, how to have a child tested, and recommended nutrition and housekeeping practices. The Commissioner shall work with persons and organizations involved in occupations that may involve lead hazards or childhood lead poisoning to distribute the materials to their tenants, clients, patients, students, or customers, such as realtors, subcontractors, apartment owners, public housing authorities, pediatricians, family practitioners, nurse clinics, child clinics, other health care providers, child care and preschool operators, and kindergarten teachers. The Commissioner shall also identify those points in time or specific occasions when members of the public are in contact with public agencies and lead might be an issue, such as building permits, home renovations, the WIC program, and programs established under 33 V.S.A. chapters 10, 11, and 12, and make the materials available on these occasions.
(b) The Commissioner shall prepare an appropriate media campaign to educate the public on lead poisoning prevention. The campaign shall include education targeting owner-occupied residences regarding the importance of following safe maintenance and work practices when there is a potential for exposure to lead-based paint. (Added 1993, No. 94, § 3; amended 1995, No. 165 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; 2013, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 116; 2015, No. 97 (Adj. Sess.), § 47; 2017, No. 149 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)
[Section 1755 effective until occurrence of contingency; see also contingent amendment to section 1755 .]
§ 1755. Universal screening
(a) The Commissioner shall publish guidelines that establish the methods by which and the intervals at which children should be screened and given a confirmation test for elevated blood lead levels, according to the age of the children and their probability of exposure to lead. The guidelines shall take into account the recommendations of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics and shall be updated as those recommendations are changed. The Commissioner shall recommend screening for lead in other high risk groups. The Commissioner shall ensure that all health care providers who provide primary medical care to children six years of age or younger are informed of the guidelines. Once the Department has implemented lead screening reports within the immunization registry, the Department shall use the information in the registry to inform health care providers of their screening rates and to take, within available resources, other measures necessary to optimize screening rates, such as mailings to parents and guardians of children ages one and two, outreach to day care facilities and other community locations, screening at district offices, and educating parents and guardians of children being served.
(b) Annually, the Commissioner shall determine the percentage of children six years of age or younger who are being screened in accordance with the guidelines. If fewer than 85 percent of one-year-olds and fewer than 75 percent of two-year-olds as specified in the guidelines are receiving screening, the Secretary shall adopt rules to require that all health care providers who provide primary medical care to young children shall ensure that their patients are screened and tested according to the guidelines, beginning January 1, 2011.
(c) All health care providers who provide primary medical care shall ensure that parents and guardians of children six years of age or younger are advised of the availability and advisability of screening and testing their children for lead in accordance with the Commissioner's guidelines. No health care provider shall be liable for not performing a screening or confirmation test for blood lead level when a parent or guardian has refused to consent or has failed to follow through in response to a referral for a screening or confirmation test. No later than 120 days after the Department has notified health care providers that it has implemented lead screening reports within the immunization registry, a health care provider shall report to the Department regarding lead screening of children ages one and two pursuant to the guidelines in subsection (a) of this section in a form and as required by the Department.
(d) Any laboratory that analyzes blood samples of Vermont residents for lead levels shall report to the Department all information required by the Department. All health care providers who analyze blood samples for lead levels or who use laboratories outside Vermont to analyze blood samples for lead levels shall report all information required by the Department to the Department immediately by telephone if the result of any analysis is 45 micrograms or more of lead per deciliter of blood, or by electronic means within 14 days of analysis if the result of the analysis is less than 45 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood. All blood lead data reports to the Department shall include the name, date of birth, date of blood test, and address of the individual whose blood is analyzed and, if known, the owner of the residence of the individual.
(e) No later than 120 days after the Department has notified laboratories that it has implemented lead screening reports within the immunization registry, a laboratory shall report to the Department regarding lead screening of children ages one and two pursuant to the guidelines in subsection (a) of this section in a form and as required by the Department. (Added 1993, No. 94, § 3; amended 1995, No. 180 (Adj. Sess.), § 38(a); 2007, No. 176 (Adj. Sess.), § 28; 2013, No. 142 (Adj. Sess.), § 92.)
[Contingent amendments to section 1755; see also section 1755 .]
§ 1755. Universal testing
(a) All health care providers who provide primary health care to children shall test children one and two years of age for elevated blood lead levels in accordance with rules adopted by the Commissioner.
(e) No later than 120 days after the Department has notified laboratories that it has implemented lead screening reports within the immunization registry, a laboratory shall report to the Department regarding lead screening of children ages one and two pursuant to the guidelines in subsection (a) of this section in a form and as required by the Department. (Added 1993, No. 94, § 3; amended 1995, No. 180 (Adj. Sess.), § 38(a); 2007, No. 176 (Adj. Sess.), § 28; 2013, No. 142 (Adj. Sess.), § 92; 2017, No. 149 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)
(a) The Commissioner shall, at least annually, analyze and summarize all aggregate lead screening and testing information provided by physicians, health care facilities, and laboratories and provide this information to all other local and State agencies involved with case management and lead hazard reduction.
(b) The Commissioner shall also at least annually provide to the General Assembly, the health community, and the general public an analysis and summary of such data and a progress report on the Commissioner's efforts to prevent lead poisoning in young children in a format that is easily understandable to nontechnical readers. The report shall include:
(1) The number and percentage of children under the age of six who have been screened and tested for lead poisoning, and the number found to have lead poisoning at various levels.
(4) The Commissioner's recommendations for action. (Added 1993, No. 94, § 3.)
[Section 1757 effective until occurrence of contingency; see also contingent amendment to section 1757 .]
§ 1757. Children with elevated blood lead levels
(a) Upon receiving a report that a child has a screening test result of 10 or more micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood, or a lower level as determined by the Commissioner, the Commissioner shall take prompt action to ensure that the child obtains a confirmation test.
(b) If the child has an elevated blood lead level, the Commissioner shall provide information on lead hazards to the parents or guardians of the child.
(c) If a child six years of age or younger has a confirmed blood lead level at or above 10 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood, and if resources permit, the Commissioner:
(1) Shall, with the consent of the parent or guardian, provide an inspection of the dwelling occupied by the child or the child care facility the child attends by a state or private lead risk assessor, and develop a plan in consultation with the parents, owner, physician, and others involved with the child to minimize the exposure of the child to lead. The plan developed under this subdivision shall require that any lead hazards identified through the inspection be addressed. The owner of rental target housing or a child care facility shall address those lead hazards within the owner's control, and shall not be required to abate lead hazards if interim controls are effective.
(2) May inspect and evaluate other dwelling units in the building in which the child is living if it is reasonable to believe that a child six years of age or younger occupies, receives care, or otherwise regularly frequents the other dwellings in that building.
(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the Commissioner's authority under any other provision of Vermont law. (Added 1993, No. 94, § 3; amended 1995, No. 165 (Adj. Sess.), § 4; 2007, No. 176 (Adj. Sess.), § 29.)
[Contingent amendments to section 1757; see also section 1757 .]
(a) The Commissioner shall adopt rules pursuant to 3 V.S.A. chapter 25 regarding:
(1) the method and frequency with which children shall be tested for elevated blood lead levels;
(2) the reporting requirements for the lead test result; and
(3) the action required for children found to have elevated blood lead levels.
(c) If a child six years of age or younger has a confirmed blood lead level at or above the level determined by the Commissioner, and if resources permit, the Commissioner:
(1) Shall, with the consent of the parent or guardian, provide an inspection of the dwelling occupied by the child or the child-occupied facility the child attends by a State or private lead-based paint inspector-risk assessor, and develop a plan in consultation with the parents, owner, physician, and others involved with the child to minimize the exposure of the child to lead. The plan developed under this subdivision shall require that any lead hazards identified through the inspection be addressed. The owner of rental target housing or a child care facility shall address those lead hazards within the owner's control, and shall not be required to abate lead hazards if interim controls are effective.
(2) May inspect and evaluate other dwelling units in the building in which the child is living if it is reasonable to believe that a child six years of age or younger occupies, receives care in, or otherwise regularly frequents the other dwellings in that building.
(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the Commissioner's authority under any other provision of Vermont law. (Added 1993, No. 94, § 3; amended 1995, No. 165 (Adj. Sess.), § 4; 2007, No. 176 (Adj. Sess.), § 29; 2017, No. 149 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)
[Section 1758 repealed effective upon occurrence of contingency.]
§ 1758. Housing registry
(a) The Department shall issue certificates to all persons who satisfactorily complete a training program on performing essential maintenance practices for lead-based hazard control and shall compile a list of those persons' names.
(b) If additional funds are appropriated to the Department in fiscal year 1998, on or before October 1, 1997, the Department of Housing and Community Development shall establish and maintain a list of housing units that (1) are lead free, or (2) have undergone lead hazard control measures and passed independent dust clearance tests. The registry shall be maintained as a public record.
(c) The Department for Children and Families shall identify all child care facilities in which the owners have completed essential maintenance practices or lead hazard control measures and provide the findings to the Department annually. (Added 1995, No. 165 (Adj. Sess.), § 5; amended 2013, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 117; 2015, No. 97 (Adj. Sess.), § 48.)
[Section 1759 effective until occurrence of contingency; see also contingent amendment to section 1759 .]
(a) Essential maintenance practices (EMP) in rental target housing and child care facilities shall be performed only by a person who has successfully completed an EMP training program approved by the Commissioner or a person who works under the direct, on-site supervision of a person who has successfully completed such training. That person shall comply with section 1760 of this title and shall take all reasonable precautions to avoid creating lead hazards during any renovations, remodeling, maintenance, or repair project that disturbs more than one square foot of lead-based paint, pursuant to guidelines issued by the Department. The following essential maintenance practices shall be performed in all rental target housing and child care facilities, unless a lead inspector or a lead risk assessor has certified that the property is lead-free:
(1) Install window well inserts in all windows or protect window wells by another method approved by the Department.
(2) At least once a year, with the consent of the tenant, and at each change of tenant, perform visual on-site inspection of all interior and exterior painted surfaces and components at the property to identify deteriorated paint.
(3) Promptly and safely remove or stabilize lead-based paint if more than one square foot of deteriorated lead-based paint is found on any interior or exterior surface located within any area of the dwelling to which access by tenants is not restricted. An owner shall assure that all surfaces are free of deteriorated lead-based paint within 30 days after deteriorated lead-based paint has been visually identified or within 30 days after receipt of a written or oral report of deteriorated lead-based paint from any person including the Department, a tenant, or an owner of a child care facility. Because exterior paint repairs cannot be completed in cold weather, any exterior repair work identified after November 1 shall be completed no later than the following May 31, provided that access to surfaces and components with lead hazards and areas directly below the deteriorated surfaces is clearly restricted.
(4) If more than one square foot of deteriorated paint is found on any exterior wall surface or fixture not covered by subdivision (3) of this subsection, the owner shall:
(B) prohibit access to the area, surface, or fixture to assure that children will not come into contact with the deteriorated lead-based paint.
(7) At each change of tenant, thoroughly clean all interior horizontal surfaces of the dwelling, except ceilings, using methods recommended by the Department.
(8) Post, in a prominent place in buildings containing rental target housing units or a child care facility, a notice to occupants emphasizing the importance of promptly reporting deteriorated paint to the owner or to the owner's agent. The notice shall include the name, address, and telephone number of the owner or the owner's agent.
(b) The owner of rental target housing shall perform all the following:
(E) A certification that subdivisions (2) and (3) of this subsection have been or will be complied with within 10 days.
(2) File the statement required in subdivision (1) of this subsection with the owners' liability insurance carrier and the Department.
(4) Prior to entering into a lease agreement, provide approved tenants with written materials regarding lead hazards approved by the Department, along with a copy of the owner's most recent EMP compliance statement. The written materials approved by the Department pursuant to this subdivision shall include information indicating that lead is highly toxic to humans, particularly young children, and may even cause permanent neurological damage.
(D) A certification that subdivision (2) of this subsection (c) has been or will be complied with within 10 days.
(2) File the statement required in subdivision (1) of this subsection with the owner's liability insurance carrier; the Department for Children and Families; and with the tenant of the facility, if any.
(d) An owner who desires an extension of time for filing the EMP compliance statement shall file a written request for an extension from the Department no later than 10 days before the due date. The Department may grant or deny an extension. (Added 1995, No. 165 (Adj. Sess.), § 6; amended 1997, No. 37, §§ 2-4; 2007, No. 176 (Adj. Sess.), § 30.)
[Contingent amendments to section 1759; see also section 1759 .]
§ 1759. RRPM activities
(a)(1) RRPM activities include activities that disturb lead-based paint on target housing and child-occupied facilities, unless the property has been certified as lead-free pursuant to subsection (e) of this section. RRPM practices for target rental housing and child care facilities shall minimally include regular inspection of painted surfaces for deterioration, prompt and safe repairs to deteriorated paint, and specialized cleaning after any work that disturbs painted surfaces and at tenant turnover.
(2) RRPM activities, including worksite preparation and cleanup of work areas, in target housing and child-occupied facilities shall be performed only by a person who has successfully completed an accredited RRPM training program or a person who works under the direct, on-site supervision of a person who has successfully completed the training, unless the property is exempt pursuant to subsection (b) or (e) of this section.
(3) A person engaging in RRPM activities shall comply with section 1760 of this chapter and related rules adopted by the Commissioner.
(4) A person engaging in RRPM activities shall take all reasonable precautions to avoid creating lead hazards during any RRPM project that is not a minor RRPM activity.
(5) RRPM activities performed for compensation shall be conducted only by a licensed RRPM supervisor or under the direct, on-site supervision of a licensed RRPM supervisor.
(b) A homeowner residing in and intending to perform RRPM activities in his or her own private residence:
(1) is exempt from this section;
(2) shall comply with section 1760 of this chapter; and
(3) shall dispose of all lead-based paint in accordance with the rules adopted by the Department of Environmental Conservation.
(c) An owner of rental target housing or a child care facility or the owner's representative shall:
(1) file with the Department an RRPM compliance statement pursuant to rules adopted by the Commissioner, unless the property is exempt pursuant to subsection (e) of this section; and
(2) abide by any rules pertaining to the maintenance of lead-based paint and provision of notice to tenants as may be prescribed by the Commissioner.
(d)(1) Prior to entering into a lease agreement, an owner or owner's representative shall provide approved tenants with written materials approved by the Department regarding lead hazards and a copy of the owner's most recent RRPM compliance statement. The written materials approved by the Department pursuant to this subsection shall include information indicating that lead is highly toxic to humans, particularly young children, and may cause permanent neurological damage, even at low exposure levels.
(2) An owner of a facility, or owner's representative, shall fully inform a tenant who intends to operate a child care facility on the premises of the requirements of this section.
(e)(1) A property is exempt from this section if a written inspection report from a licensed lead-based paint inspector-risk assessor states that all accessible surfaces are free of lead-based paint and the owner and person performing RRPM activities have been provided with a copy of the report.
(2) An owner of rental target housing or a child care facility or owner's representative shall provide a copy of the written inspection report to the Department for review and determination of exempt status.
(3) A new written inspection report shall be required to maintain exempt status if lead hazards are created as a result of RRPM activities performed or if previously inaccessible components are exposed after the date of the original written inspection report.
(4) If a property has been remodeled, it is not exempt from this section unless the full requirements of this section have been met.
(f) The Commissioner may adopt rules pursuant to 3 V.S.A. chapter 25 as necessary for the implementation, administration, and enforcement of this section. (Added 1995, No. 165 (Adj. Sess.), § 6; amended 1997, No. 37, §§ 2-4; 2007, No. 176 (Adj. Sess.), § 30; 2017, No. 149 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)
[Section 1760 effective until occurrence of contingency; see also contingent amendment to section 1760 .]
§ 1760. Unsafe work practices
(a) All paint in target housing and child care facilities is presumed to be lead-based unless a lead inspector or lead risk assessor has determined that it is not lead-based. Unsafe work practices include the following, unless specifically authorized by permit by the Department:
(1) Removing lead-based paint by:
(A) open flame burning or torching;
(B) use of heat guns operated above 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit;
(C) dry scraping;
(D) machine sanding or grinding;
(E) uncontained hydro-blasting or high-pressure washing;
(F) abrasive blasting or sandblasting without containment and high-efficiency particulate exhaust controls;
(2) Failing to employ one or more of the following lead-safe work practices:
(A) limiting access to interior and exterior work areas;
(B) enclosing interior work areas with plastic sheathing or other effective lead dust barrier;
(C) using protective clothing;
(D) misting painted surfaces before disturbing paint;
(E) wetting paint debris before sweeping to limit dust creation;
(b) No person shall disturb more than one square foot of lead-based paint using unsafe work practices in target housing or in child care facilities. (Added 1995, No. 165 (Adj. Sess.), § 7; amended 2007, No. 176 (Adj. Sess.), § 31.)
[Contingent amendment to section 1760; see also section 1760 effective until occurrence of contingency .]
§ 1760. Presumption of lead-based paint; prohibited and unsafe work practices
(a) All paint in target housing, child-occupied facilities, and pre-1978 public facilities, commercial facilities, and bridges or other superstructures is presumed to be lead-based unless the component affected by the RRPM activity is exempt pursuant to subsection (c) of this section. Unsafe work practices are prohibited and include the following, unless specifically authorized by the Department:
(C) dry scraping or dry sanding;
(D) powered tools;
(E) hydro-blasting or high-pressure washing;
(F) abrasive blasting or sandblasting; and
(G) chemical stripping.
(2) Failing to employ one or more of the lead-safe work practice standards that the Commissioner shall adopt by rule.
(b) A person shall not use unsafe work practices in target housing, child-occupied facilities, pre-1978 public facilities, commercial facilities, and bridges or other superstructures.
(c) A component is exempt from this section if a written inspection report by a licensed lead-based paint inspector or lead-based paint inspector-risk assessor states that the component affected by an RRPM activity is free of lead-based paint, and the owner or firm, or both, conducting the activity has been provided with a copy of the report. Removal of all paint from a component does not exempt the component from the requirements of this section. (Added 1995, No. 165 (Adj. Sess.), § 7; amended 2007, No. 176 (Adj. Sess.), § 31; 2017, No. 149 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; 2019, No. 4, § 1.)
[Section 1760a repealed effective upon occurrence of contingency.]
§ 1760a. Enforcement; Administrative Order; penalties.
(a) A person who violates section 1759 of this title commits a civil violation and shall be subject to a civil penalty as set forth in this subsection which shall be enforceable by the Commissioner in the Judicial Bureau pursuant to the provisions of 4 V.S.A. chapter 29.
(1) An owner of rental target housing who fails to comply with subdivisions 1759(b)(1), (2), and (3) of this title by the due date or an owner of a child care facility who fails to comply with subsection 1759(c) of this title by the due date shall pay a civil penalty of not more than $50.00 if the owner comes into compliance within 30 days after the due date; otherwise the owner shall pay a civil penalty of not more than $150.00.
(b) Nothing in this section shall limit the Commissioner's authority under any other provisions of law. (Added 2007, No. 176 (Adj. Sess.), § 32, eff. Jan. 1, 2010.)
[Section 1761 effective until occurrence of contingency; see also contingent amendment to section 1761 .]
(a) Owners of target housing and owners of child care facilities shall take reasonable care to prevent exposure to, and the creation of, lead hazards. In an action brought under this section, evidence of actions taken or not taken to satisfy the requirements of this chapter, including performing EMP, may be admissible evidence of reasonable care or negligence.
(b) Any person who suffers an injury proximately caused by an owner's breach of this duty of reasonable care shall have a cause of action to recover damages and for all other appropriate relief.
(c) The owner of target housing or a child care facility shall not be liable to a tenant of the housing or facility in an individual action for habitability under common law or pursuant to 9 V.S.A. chapter 63 or chapter 137, 10 V.S.A. chapter 153, or 12 V.S.A. chapter 169 for injury or other relief claimed to be caused by exposure to lead if, during the relevant time period, the owner is in compliance with section 1759 of this title and any of the following, should they exist:
(1) the conditions of a lead risk assessor's certification, pursuant to Vermont regulations for lead control, that all identified lead hazards have been controlled and the housing or facility has passed an independent dust clearance test;
(2) any plan issued pursuant to section 1757 of this title;
(3) the owner created lead hazards during renovation, remodeling, maintenance, or repair after the certification; or
(4) the owner failed to respond in a timely fashion to notification that lead hazards may have recurred on the premises.
(e) A defendant in an action brought under this section or at common law has a right to seek contribution from any other person who may be responsible, in whole or in part, for the child's blood lead level.
(f) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the right of the Commissioner or any agency or instrumentality of the State of Vermont to seek remedies available under any other provision of Vermont statutory law. (Added 1995, No. 165 (Adj. Sess.), § 8; amended 2007, No. 176 (Adj. Sess.), § 33.)
[Contingent amendments to section 1761; see also section 1761 effective until occurrence of contingency .]
(a) An owner of rental target housing or a child care facility or an owner's representative shall take reasonable care to prevent exposure to, and the creation of, lead hazards. In an action brought under this section, evidence of actions taken or not taken to satisfy the requirements of this chapter, including performing RRPM activities, may be admissible evidence of reasonable care or negligence.
(c) The owner of rental target housing or a child care facility or the owner's representative shall not be liable to a tenant of the housing or facility in an individual action for habitability under common law or pursuant to 9 V.S.A. chapter 63 or chapter 137, 10 V.S.A. chapter 153, or 12 V.S.A. chapter 169 for injury or other relief claimed to be caused by exposure to lead if, during the relevant time period, the owner is in compliance with section 1759 of this chapter and any of the following, should they exist:
(1) the specific recommendations of a lead-based paint risk assessment report provided by a lead-based paint inspector-risk assessor;
(2) any plan issued pursuant to section 1757 of this chapter; or
(1) there was fraud in the RRPM compliance statement under section 1759 of this chapter; or
(2) the owner or owner's representative did not follow the recommendations of a lead-based paint risk assessment report provided by a licensed lead-based paint inspector-risk assessor; or
(3) the owner or owner's representative created or allowed for the creation of lead hazards during renovation, remodeling, maintenance, or repair; or
(4) the owner or the owner's representative failed to respond in a timely fashion to notification that lead hazards may have recurred on the premises.
(f) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the right of the Commissioner or any agency or instrumentality of the State of Vermont to seek remedies available under any other provision of Vermont statutory law. (Added 1995, No. 165 (Adj. Sess.), § 8; amended 2007, No. 176 (Adj. Sess.), § 33; 2017, No. 149 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)
[Section 1762 effective until occurrence of contingency; see also contingent amendment to section 1762 .]
(a) A person who holds indicia of ownership in rental target housing or a child care facility furnished by the owner or person in lawful possession, for the primary purpose of assuring repayment of a financial obligation and takes full legal title through foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure or otherwise shall not be liable as an owner of the property for injury or loss claimed to be caused by exposure to lead of a child on the premises, provided that, on or before the 120th day after the date of possession, the person:
(1) performs essential maintenance practices as required by section 1759 of this title; and
(2) fully discloses to all potential purchasers, operators, or tenants of the property any information in the possession of such person or the person's agents, regarding the presence of lead-based paint hazards or a lead-poisoned child on the property and, upon request, provides copies of all written reports on lead-based paint hazards to potential purchasers, operators, or tenants.
(c) A person who holds legal title to rental target housing or a child care facility as an executor, administrator, trustee, or the guardian of the estate of the owner and demonstrates that in that fiduciary capacity does not have either the legal authority or the financial resources to fund capital or major property rehabilitation necessary to conduct essential maintenance practices shall not be personally liable as an owner for injury or loss caused by exposure to lead by a child on the premises. However, nothing in this section shall limit the liability of the trust estate for such claims and those claims may be asserted against the trustee as a fiduciary of the trust estate. (Added 1995, No. 165 (Adj. Sess.), § 9.)
[Contingent amendments to section 1762; see also section 1762 effective until occurrence of contingency .]
(a) A person who holds indicia of ownership in rental target housing or a child care facility furnished by the owner or person in lawful possession, for the primary purpose of assuring repayment of a financial obligation, and who takes full legal title through foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure or otherwise shall not be liable as an owner of the property for injury or loss claimed to be caused by exposure to lead of a child on the premises, provided that, on or before the 120th day after the date of possession, the person:
(1) performs RRPM activities as required by section 1759 of this chapter; and
(2) fully discloses to all potential purchasers, operators, or tenants of the property any information in the possession of such person or the person's agents, regarding the presence of lead hazards or a lead-poisoned child on the property and, upon request, provides copies of all written reports on lead hazards to potential purchasers, operators, or tenants.
(c) A person who holds legal title to rental target housing or a child care facility as an executor, administrator, trustee, or the guardian of the estate of the owner and demonstrates that in that fiduciary capacity the person does not have either the legal authority or the financial resources to fund capital or major property rehabilitation necessary to conduct RRPM activities shall not be personally liable as an owner for injury or loss caused by exposure of a child on the premises to lead. However, nothing in this section shall limit the liability of the trust estate for such claims and those claims may be asserted against the trustee as a fiduciary of the trust estate. (Added 1995, No. 165 (Adj. Sess.), § 9; amended 2017, No. 149 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)
[Section 1763 effective until occurrence of contingency; see also contingent amendment to section 1763 .]
Every State agency or instrumentality that makes a commitment to provide public financial assistance for the purchase or rehabilitation of rental target housing or child care facilities shall give priority to projects in which the property is lead free, or lead-based paint hazards have been or will be identified and controlled and have passed or will pass an independent dust clearance test that determines that the property contains no lead-contaminated dust prior to occupancy or use. Priority rental target housing projects may include units occupied by severely lead-poisoned children and units in a building that are likely to contain lead-based paint hazards. For purposes of this section, "public financial assistance" means any grant, loan, or allocation of tax credits funded by the State or the federal government, or any of their agencies or instrumentalities. (Added 1995, No. 165 (Adj. Sess.), § 10.)
[Contingent amendments to section 1763; see also section 1763 effective until occurrence of contingency .]
Every State agency or instrumentality that makes a commitment to provide public financial assistance for the purchase or rehabilitation of rental target housing or child care facilities shall give priority to projects in which the property is exempt pursuant to subsection 1759(e) of this chapter or lead hazards have been or will be identified and controlled and have passed or will pass an independent dust clearance test that determines that the property contains no lead-contaminated dust prior to occupancy or use. Priority rental target housing projects may include units occupied by severely lead-poisoned children and units in a building that are likely to contain lead hazards. As used in this section, "public financial assistance" means any grant, loan, or allocation of tax credits funded by the State or the federal government or any of their agencies or instrumentalities. (Added 1995, No. 165 (Adj. Sess.), § 10; amended 2017, No. 149 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)
[Section 1764 effective until occurrence of contingency; see also contingent amendment to section 1764 .]
§ 1764. Lead inspectors; financial responsibility
The Commissioner may require that a licensee or an applicant for a license under subsection 1752(d) of this title provide evidence of ability to properly indemnify a person who suffers damage from lead-based paint activities such as proof of effective liability insurance coverage or a surety bond in an amount to be determined by the Commissioner which shall not be less than $300,000.00. This section shall not restrict or enlarge the liability of any person under any applicable law. (Added 1995, No. 165 (Adj. Sess.), § 11.)
[Contingent amendments to section 1764; see also section 1764 .]
The Commissioner shall require that a licensee or an applicant for a license under subsection 1752(e) of this chapter provide evidence of ability to indemnify properly a person who suffers damage from lead-based paint activities or RRPM activities such as proof of effective liability insurance coverage or a surety bond in an amount to be determined by the Commissioner, which shall not be less than $300,000.00. This section shall not restrict or enlarge the liability of any person under any applicable law. (Added 1995, No. 165 (Adj. Sess.), § 11; amended 2017, No. 149 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)
[Subsection (a) effective until occurrence of contingency; see also contingent amendments to subsection (a).]
(a) If the Commissioner of Financial Regulation determines that lead-based paint hazards have substantially diminished the availability of liability insurance for owners of rental property or child care facilities and that a voluntary market assistance plan will not adequately restore availability, the Commissioner shall order liability insurers to provide or continue to provide liability coverage or to participate in any other appropriate remedial program as determined by the Commissioner, provided the prospective insured is otherwise in compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
[Contingent amendments to subsection (a); see also subsection (a) effective until occurrence of contingency.]
(a) If the Commissioner of Financial Regulation determines that lead hazards have substantially diminished the availability of liability insurance for owners of rental target housing or child care facilities and that a voluntary market assistance plan will not adequately restore availability, the Commissioner shall order liability insurers to provide or continue to provide liability coverage or to participate in any other appropriate remedial program as determined by the Commissioner, provided the prospective insured is otherwise in compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
(b) A determination pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall be made by the Commissioner after a hearing held in accordance with 3 V.S.A. chapter 25. Upon a finding that emergency action is required to protect the public health, safety, or welfare, the Commissioner shall issue an appropriate summary order pending completion of administrative proceedings. No order issued under this section may be stayed pending appeal. (Added 1995, No. 165 (Adj. Sess.), § 12; amended 1995, No. 180 (Adj. Sess.), § 38(a); 2011, No. 78 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. April 2, 2012; 2017, No. 149 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)
[Section 1766 effective upon occurrence of contingency.]
§ 1766. Enforcement; administrative penalties
(a) A person who violates this chapter may be subject to an administrative penalty not to exceed $5,000.00 for each determination of a separate violation. If the Commissioner determines that a violation is continuing, each day's continuance may be deemed a separate offense beginning from the date the violator is served with notice of the violation.
(b) The Commissioner may use the enforcement powers as set forth in chapter 3 of this title to enforce any violations of this chapter or of any related rules, permits, or orders issued. (Added 2017, No. 149 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)
[Section 1767 effective until occurrence of contingency; see also contingent amendment to section 1767 .]
§ 1767. Transfer of ownership of target housing; risk assessment; EMP compliance
(a) Prior to the time a purchase and sale agreement for target housing is executed, the seller shall provide the buyer with materials approved by the Commissioner, including a lead paint hazard brochure and materials on other lead hazards in housing. The seller shall also provide a disclosure form that shall include any assurance of discontinuance, administrative order, or court order the terms of which are not completed and, if the property is rental target housing, verification that the EMP have been completed, and that a current EMP compliance statement has been filed with the Department.
(b) At the time of sale of target housing, sellers and other transferors shall provide the buyer or transferee with any materials delineated in subsection (a) of this section not previously disclosed and a lead-safe renovation practices packet approved by the Commissioner and shall disclose any assurance of discontinuance, administrative order, or court order not disclosed pursuant to subsection (a) of this section the terms of which are not completed.
(e) A buyer or other transferee of title to rental target housing who has purchased or received a building or unit that is not in full compliance with section 1759 of this title shall bring the target housing into compliance with section 1759 of this title within 60 days after the closing. Within the 60-day period, the buyer or transferee may submit a written request for an extension of time for compliance, which the Commissioner may grant in writing for a stated period of time for good cause only. Failure to comply with this subsection shall result in a mandatory civil penalty.
(f) This section shall not apply to target housing that has been certified lead-free.
(g) Noncompliance with this section shall not affect marketability of title. (Added 2007, No. 176 (Adj. Sess.), § 34.)
[Contingent amendments to section 1767; see also section 1767 effective until occurrence of contingency .]
§ 1767. Transfer of ownership of target housing; RRPM compliance
(a) Prior to the time a purchase and sale agreement for target housing is executed, the seller shall provide the buyer with materials approved by the Commissioner, including a lead hazard brochure and materials on other lead hazards in housing. The seller shall also provide a disclosure form that shall include any lead-based paint inspection or risk assessment report or letter of exemption, assurance of discontinuance, administrative order, or court order the terms of which are not completed and, if the property is rental target housing, verification that the RRPM was utilized pursuant to this chapter and that a current RRPM compliance statement has been filed with the Department.
(b) At the time of purchase of target housing, sellers and other transferors shall provide the buyer or transferee with any materials delineated in subsection (a) of this section not previously disclosed and a lead-safe renovation practices packet approved by the Commissioner and shall disclose any lead-based paint inspection or risk assessment report or letter of exemption, assurance of discontinuance, administrative order, or court order not disclosed pursuant to subsection (a) of this section the terms of which are not completed.
(d) Prior to the time of purchase of rental target housing, the real estate agents, sellers, and other transferors of title shall provide the buyer or transferee with information approved by the Commissioner explaining RRPM obligations.
(e) A buyer or other transferee of title of rental target housing shall at the time of sale or transfer of ownership, or both, disclose this transfer to the Department.
(f) A buyer or other transferee of title to rental target housing who has purchased or received a building or unit that is not in full compliance with section 1759 of this chapter shall bring the rental target housing into compliance with section 1759 of this chapter within 60 days after the closing. Within the 60-day period, the buyer or transferee may submit a written request for an extension of time for compliance, which the Commissioner may grant in writing for a stated period of time for good cause only. Failure to comply with this subsection shall result in an administrative penalty in accordance with section 1766 of this chapter.
(g) Noncompliance with this section shall not affect marketability of title. (Added 2007, No. 176 (Adj. Sess.), § 34; amended 2017, No. 149 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)