216 R.I. Code R. 50-15-3 § 216-RICR-50-15-3 § 3.1
Authority and Purpose
Operative Text
3.1.1Authority A.These Regulations are promulgated pursuant to the authority conferred under R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 23-1, 23-24.6, and 42-128.1, and 40 C.F.R Part 745 for the purpose of establishing a comprehensive program to protect public health by reducing exposure to environmental lead and preventing childhood lead poisoning. B.In 1999, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) delegated authority to the Department to enforce the provisions of the Federal Lead-Based Paint Program (40 C.F.R. Part 745). In 2010, EPA delegated authority to the Department to enforce the provisions of the Federal Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program (40 C.F.R. Part 745 Subpart E). C.The following Regulations also provide procedures related to this Part: 1.Rules and Regulations Pertaining to the Fee Structure for Licensing Laboratory and Administrative Services provided by the Department of Health (Part 10-05-2 of this Title); 2.Rules and Regulations Pertaining to Reporting of Infectious, Environmental and Occupational Diseases (Part 30-05-1 of this Title); 3.Rules and Regulations for Certifying Analytical Laboratories (Part 60-05-5 of this Title); 4.Rules and Regulations for Clinical Laboratories and Stations (Part 60-05-4 of this Title); 5.Rules and Regulations Pertaining to Practices and Procedures Before the Department of Health (Part 10-05-4 of this Title); and 6.Rules and Regulations Relating to Equal Access to Justice (Part 10-05-3 of this Title). 7.Lead Training, Certification, and Licensing (Part 11 of this Subchapter) 8.Lead Inspections, Testing Methods and Standards (Part 5 of this Subchapter) 9.Lead Safe Work Practices (Part 12 of this Subchapter) 10.Rules and Regulations Governing Lead Hazard Mitigation (860-RICR-00-00-2). 3.1.2Purpose A.The purpose of this Part is to: 1.Implement and enforce requirements of the Act and R.I. Gen. Laws Chapters 42-128.1, Lead Poisoning Prevention Act of 1991 and Rhode Island Housing Resources Act of 1998. 2.Implement and enforce federally delegated provisions, responsibilities, and requirements of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in § 3.1.1(B) of this Part; 3.Protect the public health and public interest by establishing Rules and Regulations to minimize public, occupant, and worker exposure to environmental lead and prevent childhood lead poisoning; and 4.Establish programs for screening children under the age of six (6) who are at risk for lead poisoning;
Section 3.1 of 216 RICR 50-15-3 establishes the legal foundation and stated goals of Rhode Island's comprehensive lead safety regulatory program. The rules draw authority from several Rhode Island General Laws chapters as well as federal EPA delegations covering lead-based paint and lead renovation, repair, and painting programs. The overarching aim is to protect public health by reducing environmental lead exposure, preventing childhood lead poisoning, and screening children under six who may be at risk.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Rhode Island should be aware that 216 RICR 50-15-3 § 3.1 sits at the top of a regulatory framework that reaches into licensing, inspection standards, safe work practices, and lead hazard mitigation — all cross-referenced within this section. Compliant operators generally familiarize themselves with the full set of related regulations listed in § 3.1.1(C), including those governing lead safe work practices and lead inspections, since the Rhode Island Department of Health holds both state and federally delegated enforcement authority. Understanding the scope of this authority helps operators identify which activities — such as renovation, repair, or painting in older housing — may trigger specific compliance obligations under the broader program.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 3.1 of 216 RICR 50-15-3 establishes that Rhode Island's lead safety rules exist specifically to protect occupants — including children under six — from lead exposure in housing. Tenants who believe lead hazards are present in their home may have recourse through the Rhode Island Department of Health, which holds enforcement authority over both state lead laws and federally delegated lead-paint programs. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid services can help residents understand how the protections established under this section and its related regulations may apply to their housing situation.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 15, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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