Relating to an indoor mold information and public awareness program

Description

House File 2399 requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish an Indoor Mold Public Information and Awareness Program to assist the public in understanding the threat of mold in indoor environments and the importance of the proper removal of indoor mold. As part of the Program, the HHS is required to:

• Beginning July 1, 2024, review the adverse effects to humans from exposure to indoor mold in damp and water-damaged indoor environments by consulting with medical research institutions and organizations with expertise in the adverse effects of such exposure and submit a report including findings and recommendations to the General Assembly by June 30, 2025.
• Every five years, beginning July 1, 2025, review technology or treatment techniques for indoor mold identification and remediation that provide additional protections to public health and safety and submit a report to the General Assembly following completion of each review.
• Establish a public information and awareness campaign on the dangers of indoor mold and damp or water-damaged indoor environments to educate the public on the health effects of indoor mold and the methods of identifying and remediating indoor mold, and provide contact information for sources to assist the public with concerns regarding indoor mold.
• Adopt administrative rules for the Program.

Assumptions

• According to the Department of Management, the starting salary and benefits for an environmental engineer is approximately $79,000 and for a community health consultant is approximately $77,000.
• The HHS anticipates that candidates with indoor air quality expertise will need to be hired above the base pay level. As a result, the initial cost is estimated to be approximately $95,000 for an environmental engineer and approximately $92,000 for a community health consultant. The HHS also estimates that FTE costs may increase approximately 5.0% per year for each position.
• One-time, support costs (phone, equipment, etc.) for a new FTE position are approximately $5,000.
• The HHS will need to leverage existing epidemiological and clinical staff for the five-year review of new scientific evidence.
• The cost of the public awareness campaign is based on the cost of other campaigns coordinated by the HHS.

Fiscal Impact

House File 2399 is estimated to cost the HHS $297,000 in FY 2025 and $296,000 in FY 2026, as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1 — Cost Per Year Under HF 2399

Sources

• Department of Health and Human Services
• Department of Management