Andrea Saum Baker

The meeting addressed several key old business items and updates. The Radioactive Material Division (RHP) discussed licensing changes, specifically extending renewal terms from 7 to 15 years, and confirmed that the RHP is fully staffed as of July 2025 to process actions timely. Updates were provided on Supplement 35, which took effect in September 2025, and discussions occurred regarding streamlining renewal applications for medical licensees by submitting only necessary updates, pending alignment with NRC requirements. Other topics included the consolidation of licenses for medical facilities (nuclear medicine, HDR, LDR) under broad scope licenses, an overview of radiation machine inspections performed by state and private inspectors, and the risk-based categorization of radioactive material licenses. The Board also addressed the transition to an electronic payment system for renewals, planned for November, and reviewed the RHP's role in the nuclear emergency response team and compliance with FEMA evaluations. Furthermore, the Board noted the preliminary "satisfactory" ratings received from the NRC following the Integrated Materials Performance Evaluation Program (IMPEP) review in August, and discussed potential future regulatory impacts from Executive Order 14300 and the status of data center and small modular reactor applications in Maryland.

This document outlines the vision, mission, and goals of the Lead Poisoning Prevention Commission. Its vision is a Maryland where all children are free from lead exposure and receive necessary services to reach their full potential. The mission involves informing and educating residents about lead hazards, promoting prevention strategies, and advocating for services for affected children. The commission achieves its mission by promoting a lead-safe environment, providing leadership for regulation and prevention, increasing public awareness, monitoring statutory requirements, promoting health and wellness, ensuring effective lead screening, and advocating for best practices in case management and data analysis.

The meeting focused on determining where specific provisions related to reuse and refill—such as those concerning definitions, program plans, and guidance documents—should be codified within regulations. Key discussion points included the statutory definitions of reuse and refill, noting the overlap and differences, particularly concerning who continues to use the material (producer vs. consumer) and requirements like durability and maintenance for reuse. The council discussed the need for a definition of 'waste reduction' to properly account for refillable packaging toward goals. Furthermore, there were calls for stronger financial incentives for reusables within the program fee structure, specifically regarding base fees and eco-modulated fees, ensuring that reusable packaging receives favorable treatment compared to single-use packaging. The importance of investing program budget into reuse infrastructure was emphasized, alongside a caution against over-regulating reuse systems prematurely, given ongoing standardization efforts by external bodies like PR3.

The meeting included introductions of commission members and staff representatives. A significant portion of the discussion centered on legislative updates, specifically concerning bills related to lead inspection requirements (SB203 and HB2) involving performance bonds and insurance coverage, with concerns raised about fraud exclusions and the availability of bonding for smaller inspectors. A proposal for a state-sponsored fund, similar to one utilized by the real estate commission, was discussed as a potential mechanism for ensuring financial recourse. Another legislative item discussed was Senate Bill 181 regarding phasing out lead ammunition, and House Bill 196, which proposes expanding heavy metal testing in baby foods to include infant cereals and formula, a bill supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics chapter.

The meeting commenced the 2026 session with a review of federal agency adjustments concerning lead programs from the EPA and HUD, including updates on the lead and copper rule and lead dust standards. Discussions highlighted the Green and Healthy Homes Initiative lawsuit against the EPA resulting in $180 million, with $44 million already distributed to communities. The commission welcomed the new Commissioner of Health for Baltimore City, Dr. Michelle Taylor, and discussed the importance of continued state and local leadership amid federal uncertainty. Key operational focuses included raising awareness, encouraging lead testing by healthcare professionals, empowering families to address housing conditions, and contingency planning for potential federal funding cuts. The commission also addressed the ongoing need to support lead inspection processes in Baltimore City to prevent delays in addressing high lead exposure cases.