IL Senate passes bill accelerating lead service line replacement, sends plan to House

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — An Illinois bill could help speed up lead service line replacement. The state is currently in the process of replacing these hazardous pipes, but the project has faced some roadblocks.

This plan ensures utility companies and contractors can access service lines located on private property at no cost to the property owner. It also expands who can authorize and perform the replacement.

"We worked with environmental groups, trade groups, and municipalities to streamline lead service line replacement given the dangers of lead, but also the deadlines that have been put in place to replace the hundreds of thousands of lead service lines in our state," said Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago).

Senate Bill 4025 passed unanimously out of the Senate Thursday. The measure now heads to the House for further consideration.