Blood lead level testing proposed for all students

A lead testing bill was expanded April 12 to require testing of children attending both parochial and public schools.

LB204, introduced by Omaha Sen. Brenda Council, would require blood lead level testing of children between the ages of 18 months and four years as a condition of enrolling in public schools.

A Council amendment adopted on select file also would require the testing for enrollment in parochial schools and would allow testing to be completed by age six. Under the amendment, blood-lead testing would not be required if a student submits:
• a physician’s statement that assesses a child to be considered at low-risk for elevated blood lead levels based on information provided by their parent or guardian;
• a physician’s statement that blood lead testing would be injurious to their health; or
• an affidavit stating the blood lead testing conflicts with their religious beliefs.

Students who have not met the testing requirements may be provisionally enrolled if they have a test scheduled.

Council offered a second amendment, adopted 26-0, that would eliminate the requirement for testing to take place prior to the age of six.

School representatives pointed out that some students do not enroll in kindergarten until they are six years of age, Council said, so this amendment was offered to take those children into consideration.

The Council amendment was adopted 28-0 and LB204 was advanced from select file on a voice vote.