2009 Radon Legislation

There are several radon bills that have been introduced in Illinois this year. Some are housekeeping items but there are two bills that I want to make readers aware of.

HB 2287 was introduced by Rep. Dan Reitz February 18, 2009. The bill amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Authorizes a credit to taxpayers in an amount equal to the expenditures by the taxpayer for radon testing and mitigation during the taxable year. Provides that the credit may not exceed $250 per building per year.
The bill has been assigned to the Revenue and Finance Committee.

HB4223 was introduced by Rep. Karen May on February 27, 2009. The bill was amended today to read as follows.Adds a preamble. Replaces the amendatory provisions with provisions amending the School Code. Provides that it is recommended that every occupied school building of a school district be tested every 5 years for radon. Provides that it is recommended that new schools of a school district be built using radon resistant new construction techniques. Allows a school district to maintain, make available for review, and notify parents and faculty of test results. Requires the district to report radon test results to the State Board of Education. Requires the State Board to prepare a report every 2 years of the results from all schools that have performed tests, to be submitted to the General Assembly and the Governor. Provides that if IEMA exempts an individual from being required to be a licensed radon professional, the individual does not need to be a licensed radon professional in order to perform screening tests. Provides that if the results of a radon screening test are found to be 4.0 pCi/L or above, the school district may hire a licensed radon professional to perform measurements before any mitigation decisions are made. Provides that if radon levels of 4.0 pCi/L or above are found, it is recommended that affected areas be mitigated by a licensed radon mitigation professional with respect to both design and installation. Provides that a screening test may be done with a test kit found in a hardware store, department store, or home improvement store or with a kit ordered through the mail or over the Internet. Requires the kit to be provided by a laboratory licensed in accordance with the Radon Industry Licensing Act.

The bill is now on the House Calendar for second reading.