Task force on lead-based pipe hazard reduction and financing

(a) In general The Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall establish a task force to make recommendations on expanding resources and efforts to evaluate and reduce lead-based pipe hazards in private housing. (b) Membership The task force shall include individuals representing the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Rural Housing Service of the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Environmental Protection Agency, employee or organizations in the building and construction trades industry, landlords, tenants, primary lending institutions, private mortgage insurers, single family and multifamily real estate interests, nonprofit housing developers, property liability insurers, public housing agencies, low-income housing advocacy organizations, national, State and local lead-poisoning prevention advocates and experts, and community-based organizations located in areas with substantial rental housing. (c) Responsibilities The task force shall make recommendations to the Secretary and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency concerning— (1) incorporating the need to finance lead-based pipe hazard reduction into underwriting standards; (2) developing new loan products and procedures for financing lead-based pipe hazard evaluation and reduction activities; (3) adjusting appraisal guidelines to address lead safety; (4) incorporating risk assessments or inspections for lead-based pipe as a routine procedure in the origination of new residential mortgages; (5) revising guidelines, regulations, and educational pamphlets issued by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and other Federal agencies relating to lead-based pipe poisoning prevention; (6) reducing the current uncertainties of liability related to lead-based pipe in rental housing; clarifying standards of care for landlords and lenders, and exploring the safe harbor concept; (7) increasing the availability of liability insurance for owners of rental housing and certified contractors and establishing alternative systems to compensate victims of lead-based pipe poisoning: and (8) evaluating the utility and a appropriateness of requiring risk assessments or inspections and notification to prospective leases of rental housing. (d) Compensation The members of the task force shall not receive Federal compensation for their participation.