Illinois elementary schools and daycares would have to test drinking water for lead and notify parents of the results under newly-filed legislation. The proposal applies to all public and private schools built before 2000 with students through grade 5.
Illinois has roughly 2,500 elementary schools. The proposal also covers licensed daycare centers. Over 300 schools in Chicago have already tested their water.
Environmental experts estimate it'll cost between $500 and $5,000 per facility. Schools will be required to pay for the test, which could be difficult for some cash-strapped districts.
Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office and the Illinois Environmental Council have pushed lead testing legislation for months. Gov. Bruce Rauner's administration says it's on board with the latest plan after negotiations.
