Bill · H.R. 4247· House(119-HR-4247)
Asbestos Exposure in Housing Reduction Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 6/27/2025
- Last activity
- 6/27/2025 — Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Norma Torres
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Asbestos Exposure in Housing Reduction Act of 2025 requires the disclosure of asbestos hazards when selling or leasing residential dwellings. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the EPA Administrator will issue regulations within two years to mandate these disclosures. Sellers or lessors must reveal known asbestos or asbestos-based hazards and provide any available evaluation reports. Buyers or lessees must be given a 10-day period to conduct risk assessments or inspections. Contracts must include a specific Asbestos Warning Statement and a signed statement from the purchaser or lessee. The bill also establishes penalties for those who knowingly violate these requirements.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?+7
The act enhances consumer protection by requiring mandatory disclosures of health hazards like asbestos during property transactions.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+6
The bill improves environmental protections by mandating the disclosure of hazardous asbestos in residential dwellings.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+5
The act increases transparency regarding hazardous materials in the housing market.
The opposite
Would business owners be better off under this?-4
The bill imposes new disclosure requirements and potential legal liabilities on property sellers and lessors.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Transparency for Buyers and Lessees: Sellers or lessors are required to disclose any known asbestos or asbestos-s_based hazards and provide available evaluation reports, which helps individuals understand potential health risks before they sign a contract (Section 2(a)(1)).
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Opportunity for Due Diligence: The bill mandates that purchasers be given a 10-day period to perform an inspection or risk assessment, allowing them to identify dangers before becoming legally obligated to the property (Section 2(a)(2) and Section 2(b)(2)).
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Clear Health Warnings: The requirement for a specific Asbestos Warning Statement printed in large type ensures that people are explicitly notified that asbestos may cause lung disease and mesothelioma (Section 2(c)).
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Accountability through Penalties: The act provides for civil money penalties, injunctions, and liability for triple the amount of damages for those who knowingly violate these disclosure rules, which protects consumers from dishonest sellers (Section 2(e)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Increased Burdens for Sellers and Lessors: Those selling or leasing property must comply with specific disclosure regulations, provide warning statements, and potentially deal with agents responsible for ensuring compliance (Section 2(a) and Section 2(d)).
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Potential Financial Penalties: Individuals who knowingly violate the provisions of this act could be subject to civil money penalties, injunctions, and are liable for three times the amount of damages incurred by the purchaser or lessee (Section 2(e)(1) and Section 2(e)(3)).
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Compliance Costs for Agents: Real estate agents may be required to ensure compliance with these regulations on behalf of the seller or lessor (Section 2(d)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+5Increases Federal Power+3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+7
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+6
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners-4
- 6/27/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Introduced in House