Lead in Kids: California’s Lagging Screening May Fall Further Behind

California is considering eliminating its Child Health and Disability Prevention Program that could set back blood-lead testing for kids, especially in low-income, rural areas. The program has served the crucial function of connecting families to required Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment services (including blood lead testing) and the managed care providers providing them.

Lead in Water: Indiana Allows Utilities to Replace LSLs without Landlord’s OK 

Indiana’s legislature unanimously passed SEA-5 in March 2024, establishing steps by which drinking water utilities can replace customer-owned portions of lead service lines (LSL) without the owner’s consent. The provisions are designed to overcome what has become a major challenge facing utilities as they strive to eliminate LSLs in their service area in a cost-effective manner—cooperation of customers.