Bill mandating blood lead tests for children under 2 advances from committee
Rep. Jose Giral April 28, 2026 | 3:11 PM
HARRISBURG, April 28 – State Rep. Jose Giral today announced his bill that would mandate insurance-covered blood lead tests for pregnant women and children at 12 and 24 months of age has advanced from the House Health Committee.
“There is no safe blood lead level for children,” said Giral. “Ensuring every pregnant person and toddler is tested for lead in their blood is the best way to find out if they’re being exposed and to make changes before they reach the point of having lead poisoning.”
According to Giral, lead poisoning in children can lead to significant health issues, including developmental delays, seizures, and nervous system damage. During pregnancy, lead poisoning raises the risk of miscarriage or exposes the developing baby to lead, leading to premature birth, underdeveloped organs, low birth weight, and future learning and developmental issues.
Under current law, children determined to be high-risk for lead exposure are eligible for blood lead testing at 12 and 24 months of age, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Giral’s House Bill 916 expands current requirements so that all children, not just those deemed high risk, are eligible for lead testing. It adds a requirement that all pregnant women should receive at least one lead test during their prenatal care.
“Unfortunately, as lead exposure goes on and blood lead levels rise, many people have no visible signs or symptoms and they simply don’t know it’s happening,” said Giral. “The only surefire way to mitigate exposure – and to prevent serious health issues later – is to have a blood level test.”
The bill now goes to the full House for consideration.