Bill would force radon testing, mitigation costs on schools without additional funding

(The Center Square) – Illinois lawmakers are considering legislation that would require schools to cover the costs of testing and mitigation for high levels of radon.

The Illinois Senate Education Committee passed an amended version of Senate Bill 2438 last week. The measure was then assigned to the Rules Committee along with a companion measure, House Bill 3691.

The legislation would require schools to test for radon by Jan. 1, 2029, and then re-test every five years.

State Sen. Don DeWitte, R-St. Charles, noted that SB 2438 provides no appropriations for testing or mitigation.

“This is an unbelievable unfunded mandate on every school across the state,” DeWitte said.

Republicans in the legislature have for years criticized majority Democrats for passing unfunded mandates on schools.

State Sen.

Continue reading