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Bill on lead in school water heads to governor

by Angelica Relente, Herald Legislative Writer
| April 15, 2021 1:00 AM

State House representatives passed multiple bills during a virtual legislative debate Wednesday, including legislation to address lead in drinking water at schools. All bills will head to the governor’s desk.

House Bill 1139, which passed in a 91-5 vote, would appoint the state Department of Health as the principal agency for actions that must be taken to address lead in drinking water at school districts, charter schools, the state School for the Blind and the state School for the Deaf.

Rep. Gerry Pollet, D-Seattle, is HB 1139’s primary sponsor. Pollet said during the debate HB 1139 will protect children from having lead in their water. Lead reduces children’s IQ and causes lifelong behavioral health effects, he said.

Schools must cooperate with the DOH when they conduct tests or gather samples of lead, according to the bill’s text. Schools must also adopt an action plan if there is an “elevated lead level” in drinking water outlets.

Rep. Alex Ybarra, R-Quincy, said during the debate there would be a few “no” votes from Republicans because the bill looks to reduce lead to five parts per billion compared to the acceptable level, which is 15 parts per billion.

Ybarra said in an interview with the Herald schools may have to change their water pipes or fixtures if their lead contamination level is over 5 parts per billion, which can cost them “millions of dollars.”

“We don’t want lead in anybody’s systems or anything, but who’s going to pay for it?” Ybarra said.

Another bill the House approved is HB 1267, which passed in a 56-41 vote. The bill would create the Office of Independent Investigations under the governor’s office to conduct investigations of the use of force incidents among police officers.

Rep. Debra Entenman, D-Kent, is HB 1267’s primary sponsor. Entenman said during the debate she hopes HB 1267 will help reestablish the trust between law enforcement and Washingtonians.

Rep. Gina Mosbrucker, R-Goldendale, said during the debate some legislators still have concerns with HB 1267. One of the concerns includes having civilians, who may not have the expertise, conduct homicide investigations.

During the afternoon session, the House also approved these bills:

HB 1044 (in a 59-37 vote): allows the state Department of Corrections to expand postsecondary education degree and certificate programs for incarcerated individuals.

HB 1219 (84-13): establishes the Statewide Children’s Legal Representation Program to ensure children have counsel in dependency proceedings.

HB 1273 (85-12): requires schools to offer menstrual hygiene products at no cost by the 2022-23 school year.