House passes bill easing lead abatement regulations

Intro:	The Missouri House of Representatives passed a bill that would soften procedures when removing lead-based paint from homes and businesses.
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Wrap: Representatives in favor of the bill say Missouri's stricter regulations on lead paint abatement are unaffordable for some families.

Additionally, supporters say businesses are afraid of getting a fine by not abiding by current procedures.

However, St. Louis County Democratic Representative Jill Schupp argues federal regulations are too loose and can harm children.

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Description: "It takes a pinch of lead to kill or permanently damage someone. These regulations take away Missouri's own regulations to ensure our children and our adults remain safe."

Despite Schupp's opposition, the House body passed the bill preventing stricter lead paint removal procedures.

From the Missouri State Capitol, I'm Meghann Mollerus.

Intro:	The Missouri House of Representatives passed a bill that would soften regulations on lead-based paint removal from homes and businesses.
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Wrap: Opponents of the bill say the softening of lead paint safety rules are endangering constituents, especially children.

St. Louis County Democratic Representative Jill Schupp says federal regulations don't do enough to remove lead from the state's environment.

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Description: "Missouri leads in lead poisoning, and we need to ensure that the safety of our children, and our citizens, and our communities, our clean water...those are our number one priorities."

Supporters of the bill say most families cannot afford stricter lead inspections and removal.

Also, businesses are afraid of getting a fine for not complying with state law.

The bill now will go to the Senate.

From the Missouri State capitol, I'm Meghann Mollerus.

Intro:	The Missouri House of Representatives passed a bill that would make it easier to remove lead-based paint from homes and businesses.
RunTime:	0:46
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: Supporters of the bill say state regulation procedures can be too expensive, and children can be harmed in the long run if families cannot afford to get the lead paint removed properly.

Harrisonville Republican Representative Rick Brattin says some businesses are too scared to remove harmful lead themselves, in fear of getting a fine.

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Description: "If you're really about business, and really about protecting our businesses and the children at the same time to where we actually do remove the lead in a safe manner, but not killing the business so they don't even want to touch it, I urge the body to vote for this."

Opponents argued federal lead procedures aren't enough to protect Missourians, who live in the number one state for lead poisoning.

From the Missouri State Capitol, I'm Meghann Mollerus.