Speaker Carl Heastie announced on April 27th, 2023, the Assembly has passed legislation to protect renters in New York who are exposed to lead-based paint. "It is no secret that lead-based paint is dangerous, especially to children," said Speaker Heastie. This bill is an important measure that ensures insurance companies cannot exclude coverage for losses or damage caused by lead-based paint exposure.

"Under my bill A.1687, the practice known as Lead Poisoning Exclusion* currently found in most general liability insurance policies, would be prohibited." said Assembly member Jonathan Rivera. "My bill would bar insurers licensed to provide liability coverage to rental property owners from excluding coverage for losses caused by exposure to lead-based paint. No mother should have to be concerned that the paint in a new apartment could drastically alter her child's development and potentially inhibit them for life."

Lead poisoning leads to a multitude of issues that can detrimentally impact a person throughout their lifetime. The most common cause of lead poisoning in children is the ingestion of lead paint from poorly maintained residential housing units. Today's package includes legislation that would help protect renters who are exposed to lead-based paint by prohibiting the exclusion of coverage for losses or damages by exposure to lead-based paint from liability coverage provided to rental property owners (A.1687, Rivera).

If you have concerns about lead-based paint exposure, follow this link to schedule a free phone, virtual or in-home inspection.