There is pending mold licensing legislation in YOUR area. We want your opinion on what how IAQA should respond to this legislation. If there is a consensus among the membership, IAQA will take an active position built upon that consensus. This is your opportunity to make yourself heard!

Please review the bill below and answer the survey here. We need your opinion by Monday, June 27, 2016 at 5PM EST.

If you have any questions on how we will move forward with the opinion you provide, please view the information below.

THE CURRENT BILL AND RECENT HISTORY:

Currently, the New Jersey State Assembly introduced the bill on 1/27/2016 and has been referred to the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee. The bill description is listed as "Requires DCA to establish procedures for inspection and abatement of mold hazards in residential buildings and school facilities, and certification programs for mold inspectors and mold hazard abatement workers." DCA refers to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA), which is the state entity that would be responsible for implementation should the legislation become law.

A full text of the bill can be found via this link: http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bills/BillsByNumber.asp. The bill designation is Assembly A381 or Senate S251 (N.B., Last session, the bill numbers were A1007 or S2142. Also, please note that there is another mold related bill also moving through the legislature.

WHAT ARE WE HOPING FROM YOU?
Please review the entire bill if you can. IAQA does not want to influence your judgment by listing highlights of the bill here. It is important to note, however, that it is a multi-faceted piece of legislation. We also want you to know that IAQA Government Affairs will request every opportunity to provide advice and input to NJDCA during implementation should the bill reach the Governor. While no one can predict future events, if there is a provision of the bill you emphatically dislike, it may not be necessary for you to respond with a wholly negative position because your concern can likely be addressed during a NJDCA implementation process.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

• If a consensus among the members is readily apparent, our Government Affairs Committee will draft a position paper, and submit it to the IAQA Board of Directors for evaluation and possible approval. We will also consult with local Chapters to ensure their input as well.
• If there is a position IAQA can express to the Legislators, Governor's Office and NJDCA, we will make sure all parties involved are aware of our stance, concerns, and interest in organization involvement in any implementation process.
• IAQA Government Affairs will also apprise ASHRAE Government Affairs.
• Of course, much depends on whether the Senate approves the measure, and then if the Governor decides to sign the bill. Here is an article explaining Governor's reasons for vetoing the previous 2014 mold bills: http://www.iaqa.org/Governors-Comments-on-Conditional-Veto-of-A1007

In advance, please accept my thanks as IAQA Government Affairs for your response and contribution to this process.
Best Regards,
Thomas Adams, CIEC