CA AB1851

Establishes a pilot program requiring the Superintendent of Public Instruction to test for and remediate lead contamination in drinking water at public school facilities with plumbing installed before January 1, 2010.

Requires selection of 6 to 10 local educational agencies by July 1, 2025, prioritizing schools serving low-income students (at least 75% eligible for free/reduced meals) and schools in disadvantaged communities.

Requires participating agencies to notify parents within 30 school days (or 60 days) if lead levels exceed 5 parts per billion, immediately shut down contaminated outlets, and provide lead-free drinking water alternatives.

Mandates testing follow EPA guidelines, requires retesting after remediation, and prohibits water flushing as a remediation method; participating agencies must report results to a designated public university technical assistance provider by January 1, 2028.

Requires technical assistance provider to deliver analysis and recommendations to the Superintendent by July 1, 2028, with the Superintendent providing the report to the Legislature and making it publicly available by July 15, 2028.