A state lawmaker has introduced a bill that would require all Rhode Island preschools to test their tap water each year for lead.
Rep. Eileen Naughton, a Warwick Democrat, says the lead contamination crisis in Flint, Michigan, motivated her to sponsor the bill.
The legislation would affect any school, daycare, playground or foster home that has children under 6 years old.
Federal rules only require schools to test tap water for lead if they rely on their own water supply, usually from a well.
New Jersey Republican Gov. Chris Christie said this month he’ll require all of New Jersey’s schools to test for lead in water starting next school year.
Massachusetts Republican Gov. Charlie Baker last month announced a $2 million initiative to help schools test for lead.