Past Lead Free Legislation
California Assembly Bill 1953
Today, the provisions of the SDWA remain in effect for all states. But, the advancement of new technologies is leading to the reduction of lead in the plumbing industry. In 2006, state Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed California Assembly Bill 1953 to reduce the amount of lead in specific plumbing fixtures from its current amount of no more than 8%, to a new standard not to exceed 0.25%. The bill took effect January 1, 2010. CA AB 1953 defines:
"Brass containing less than 0.25% lead must be used for each component that comes into contact with the wetted surface of pipes and pipe fittings, plumbing fittings and fixtures."
California Health and Safety Code
Vermont Senate Bill S.0152
Vermont has passed similar lead free legislation to the California bill. Vermont Senate Bill S.0152 regulates lead in consumer products, and took effect on January 1, 2010. Today, any person who sells or offers for sale in Vermont plumbing fixtures containing lead with more than 0.24 percent lead shall post a warning at the point of sale regarding the effects of lead exposure. After January 1, 2010, no person shall sell or offer for sale plumbing fixtures or solder or flux for plumbing that contains more than 0.2 percent lead.
Maryland Lead Free Bill Withdrawn
In April 2009, Maryland legislators rejected House Bill #357 entitled "Business Occupations and Professions - Plumbers - Lead-Free Materials" that would've required materials used in the installation and repair of plumbing fittings intended to deliver water for human consumption to be lead free. The law was similar to California's AB 1953, and was planned to take effect January 1, 2011.
Rejected Maryland House Bill #357: Occupations and Professions - Plumbers - Lead-Free Materials
