Committee hears bill to require radon testing and seller-paid mitigation in home sales

The House Committee on Corporations heard testimony on House Bill 7513, which would require radon testing within one year of most residential real-estate transactions and require sellers to fund mitigation when tests show unsafe levels. Chairman Corvaci introduced the bill as continuing work begun by the late Senate President Ruggiero and asked the committee to consider technical edits before moving forward.

Dr. Gerald Colvin, an oncologist testifying in support, described radon as a colorless, odorless gas and a leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers. "One in three houses has too much radon," he said, adding that mitigation can essentially eliminate the risk if elevated levels are detected. Dr. Colvin urged universal testing similar to existing laws for schools and government buildings.

Lynette Foray Menard, representing the Rhode Island Association of Realtors, said the association recognizes the public-health concern but requested five specific changes to the bill designed to avoid interrupting closings or blocking otherwise legitimate transactions. Menard told the committee negotiators were near agreement on language and offered to deliver suggested edits to legal counsel.

Chair members noted the bill’s dual goals of protecting public health and preserving orderly real-estate transactions. The hearing record was left open to allow for technical changes and follow-up with witnesses; no final vote on the underlying policy was taken at the hearing.