WA SB5494

Transfers administration and enforcement of the state renovation, repair, and painting program for lead-based paint activities from local governments to the Department of Commerce, making it the sole regulatory authority for certification and training programs

Requires all renovation activities on pre-1978 residential buildings or child-occupied facilities to be performed by certified firms using certified renovators, with all lead-based paint activities meeting minimum work practice standards

Establishes that 1,560,000 homes in Washington built before 1978 (when residential lead-based paint sales were banned) are believed to contain lead-based paint, creating significant public health risks especially for children under age six

Authorizes the department to inspect training premises and business records without prior notification requirements, deny/suspend/revoke certifications for violations, and deposit all fees, penalties, and fines into the lead paint account

Removes previous requirement that funding must come from federal government, allowing program continuation with any sufficient funding source, with effective date of July 27, 2025