Legislative History

Legislative Authority

As the fight against childhood lead poisoning continues, legislative efforts at the city and state level continue to fulfill a key role. The following three pieces of legislation support the housing-based approach to childhood lead poisoning prevention.

City of Milwaukee Lead Poisoning Prevention and Control Ordinance: This ordinance, which was originally passed in 1991, provides the Health Department with the authority to issue legally binding work orders to property owners when a lead poisoned child has been identified. The work orders specify treatments to remediate lead-based paint hazards. Changes to the ordinance include permanent treatments to window surfaces and components in order to provide longer-term protection to young children and the inclusion of lead-dust clearance tests as a final condition of compliance with orders. The ordinance also includes specific standards for lead hazard reduction projects and lead hazard reduction contractors who conduct this work. The ordinance was passed by the Common Council on October 30, 1998. Call 286-0387 for a copy if interested.

 State of Wisconsin Act 113: Governor Tommy Thompson signed legislation that makes major changes in the lead poisoning prevention portion of Chapter 254, Wisconsin Statutes. These changes are intended to reduce childhood lead poisoning through proper management of lead based paint in pre-1978 dwellings by detailing maintenance practices and standards while providing incentives for property owners to meet these standards by limiting their potential liability and increasing the availability of insurance coverage.

For further information contact the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at 414-286-5987.