NJ Senate Passed Mold Legislation

Summary

The NJ Senate Passed Mold Legislation! This is great news for the residents of New Jersey. Unfortunately, it comes too late for thousands of NJ residents who have suffered from loss and mold illnesses.

New Jersey has been affected by several major storms and hurricanes. Some of the worst hurricanes and storms were extremely damaging. (Floyd 1999; Irene 2011; Sandy 2012; Melissa 2019). As a result, the destruction left extensive flooding. And, the saturated structures were perfect for mold growth. Sadly, there were a lot of horror stories about unqualified mold remediation contractors. Due to this fact, thousands of people did not receive proper clean up and restoration after the mold.

The Good News: the NJ Senate Passed Mold Legislation!

Senator Robert Singer sponsored legislation (Bill S2897). Now that it has passed, it will provide consistent procedures for mold remediation work in schools and apartments. The Department of Community Affairs has been charged with creating procedures for inspection and removal. Also, changes will focus on the standards and guidelines published by the Environmental Protections Agency. Finally, it calls for the creation of a certification program for inspectors and remediation workers.

Background

Currently, no federal laws cover a landlord’s responsibilities regarding mold. And, neither are there federal laws covering mold testing and remediation in schools. Most noteworthy, until Singer’s bill passed the Senate, New Jersey did not have any laws that specifically addressed duties or liability for mold clean up. Mold-Help.org looks forward to a speedy implementation by the Department of Community Affairs.

The Insider NJ published this statement by Senator Singer

“Our children shouldn’t have to spend the school day in mold-infested classrooms or in apartments where mold make the air unsafe,” said Singer (R-30). He continued, this is a danger we cannot ignore. To identify and eliminate it requires trained experts and standardized practices.

“The EPA has developed comprehensive standards for combating this hazard. It’s time for New Jersey to finally follow suit,” added Singer. “With uniform procedures and guidelines, we will protect generations of New Jersey families from illness related to toxic mold.”

To read the Insider NJ article, click here.

Author: Carolyn Willbanks