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6/4/2026
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Assembly passes lead test bill sponsored by Woonsocket legislators
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STATE HOUSE – The General Assembly gave its final approval today to legislation sponsored by Woonsocket legislators Sen. Melissa Murray and Rep. Robert D. Phillips to streamline blood lead test analysis for children.
The bill, which now goes to the governor, is aimed at improving health outcomes for children, particularly those with fewer resources, while creating cost-savings and efficiency for the state at the same time.
The legislation (2026-S 2870, 2026-H 7191A) allows certified clinical laboratories to perform blood lead analyses on samples taken from children under age 6. Currently, private labs across the state draw blood for the tests, but state law requires them to send the samples to the state laboratory at the Department of Health for lead analysis.
Allowing certified private labs to perform the analysis themselves, as they do with other tests, would streamline the process, providing the results more quickly and reducing opportunities for errors. The bill requires that any certified private lab performing the test do so regardless of the patient’s ability to pay and at no cost to the patient.
“Private labs are already drawing the blood samples that are used to determine blood lead levels, but they are legally required to send them to the state lab for analysis. Allowing them to perform the test themselves, provided they have been certified for that analysis and are willing to do it without cost to the patient, will streamline the process, reduce the workload at the state lab and save the state money. Patients are also likely to get their results more quickly, meaning kids with elevated lead levels will be able to get help sooner,” said Chairwoman Murray (D-Dist. 24, Woonsocket, North Smithfield), who chairs the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.
Said Representative Phillips (D-Dist. 51, Woonsocket, Cumberland), “Particularly in communities like ours, with a high proportion of older housing units, lead levels in kids are a serious concern. Every child deserves protection from the hazards of lead poisoning. Ultimately, this bill removes an unnecessary hurdle and makes it quicker and simpler for parents to get their child’s test results, while guaranteeing that their ability to pay for the test will not stand in their way.”
For more information, contact:
Meredyth R. Whitty, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-1923
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