H.R. 4321

Grants for Eliminating the Toxic Hazard of Environmental Lead in Our Towns Act of 2019 or GET THE LEAD OUT Act of 2019

This bill addresses the reduction of lead-based hazards. It also modifies the tax treatment of carried interest (i.e., compensation that is typically received by a partner of a private equity or hedge fund and is based on a share of the fund's profits) and the estate tax.

With respect to lead-based hazards, the bill allows the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide grants to state and local governments to reduce lead-based pipe hazards in housing. Additionally, HUD must require risk assessments, inspections, interim controls, and abatement of these hazards in federally assisted housing.

HUD and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must require the disclosure of such hazards in housing that is for sale or lease. Persons that fail to disclose such hazards are subject to civil penalties from HUD and may be liable to purchasers or lessees for treble damages.

Additionally, the EPA must ensure that individuals who work with lead-based pipes have proper training and certification. States may enforce and administer such training and certification programs upon receiving EPA approval. The EPA must publish an information pamphlet regarding the health risks and best practices for dealing with lead hazards.

The bill also modifies the tax treatment of carried interest by, for example, requiring it to be included in gross income and taxed as ordinary income, with certain exceptions. Under current law, carried interest is taxed as investment income.

In addition, the bill reduces the estate tax exemption level.