LEGISLATION UPDATE FROM IAQA GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE On 11/10, the Government Affairs Committee of IAQA (IAQA G.A.) emailed almost 400 of our members that provide services in the mid-atlantic region to update on the progress of mold licensing legislation in both New York and New Jersey. Both Governor Christie in New Jersey and Governor Cuomo in New York each have bills before them which would require licensing of professionals engaged in either mold remediation or mold assessment, as well as the development of minimum work practice standards for mold remediation activity. IAQA G.A., has also began the process of involvement with amendments that Florida is considering to their mold assessment and remediation rules. The following is a brief update: New Jersey: The bill has passed both houses, moving from the Senate to Governor Christie on 9/22. The primary sponsors are Dan Benson in the Assembly, and Robert Singer in the Senate. According to Assemblyman Dan Benson’s chief of staff, who spoke with IAQA G.A. on November 10, the Governor has 60 days to sign, pocket veto or absolute veto the bill. Last year, the Governor used the pocket veto on almost identical legislation. There was strong legislative support in the Assembly (60-15-2) and in the Senate (33-2), and that is a factor although support in the legislature was strong last year as well. The sponsors’ chiefs of staff are expecting the Governor’s decision in early to mid-December. IAQA G.A. is developing contacts with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) in case the Governor signs the measure and regulations will be developed by that agency during the implementation phase. New York: The mold licensing bill passed both chambers with strong support, and has been in Governor Cuomo’s chambers for several weeks, but has not yet been presented to him. According to sources, the bill was never going to the Governor prior to the mid-term elections. The agency that will be responsible for implementation if the measure becomes law is the New York State Department of Labor (DOL). IAQA G.A. has been actively providing assistance to NYSDOL in response to their preliminary questions about mold remediation and assessment. The early preparations by DOL for regulatory promulgation may be an indication that the agency is expecting the Governor to sign the measure into law. IAQA G.A. will make every effort to be actively involved on behalf of our members should that occur. Florida: John Lapotaire, who serves on the IAQA Board of Directors, provided the IAQA G.A. on 11/10 with valuable contacts and insights into the regulatory amendment process underway concerning mold related services. Currently, there are draft revisions under consideration by an independent panel of mold professionals, as well as a legal review. Progress is not expected to be rapid, and while there is a public meeting and web conference pending for input from stakeholders and discussion, the date has not yet been scheduled. IAQA G.A. will continue to monitor developments, and the plan is to poll our Florida members to determine if there is consensus on our association’s position once the amendments take firmer shape. IAQA G.A. is also investigating and/or monitoring legislative and regulatory activity which could affect our members in New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Tennessee and Texas.
Posted on: Mon, 17 Nov 2014 18:22:54 +0000
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