§ 13-1506

The Advisory Council shall:

(1) Review and comment on existing rules, regulations, and standards to ensure that the rules, regulations, and standards adequately protect the health of children from environmental hazards by taking into account the special vulnerability of children because of their developing physiology, and because their exposures, behaviors, and diets can differ greatly from those of adults;

(2) (i) Review proposed regulations submitted to the Advisory Council in accordance with § 10–110 of the State Government Article to determine if the proposed regulation:

1. Adequately protects the health of children from environmental hazards by taking into account the special vulnerability of children because of their developing physiology, and because their exposures, behaviors, and diets can differ greatly from those of adults; and

2. Is consistent and uniform with the children’s environmental health policies, rules, regulations, and standards of other State agencies; and

(ii) Recommend to the promulgating unit measures that would avoid or minimize any negative impact that the proposed regulation may have on the health of children;

(3) Comment on any proposed regulations that may be submitted by any other principal department of the Executive Branch, as enumerated in § 8–201 of the State Government Article, during the public comment period required under § 10–112(a)(3)(v) of the State Government Article if the Advisory Council determines that the proposed regulation will have an adverse impact on children’s health;

(4) Gather and disseminate information to the public, including the research and medical communities, community–based organizations, schools, and State agencies, on how to reduce, treat, and eliminate children’s exposures to environmental hazards to further the public’s understanding of the environmental hazards that may potentially affect children;

(5) Recommend uniform guidelines for State agencies to follow to help reduce and eliminate children’s exposure to environmental hazards, especially in areas reasonably accessible to children;

(6) Create and promote education programs, in partnership with health and environmental professionals, for parents, guardians, and caregivers of children that include information on:

(i) The potential health effects of environmental hazards;

(ii) Practical suggestions on how to reduce children’s exposure to environmental hazards; and

(iii) Any other relevant information to assist parents, guardians, and caregivers in protecting children from environmental hazards;

(7) Provide input to the General Assembly on legislation that may impact environmental hazards that affect the health of children; and

(8) Report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly on or before December 1, 2001 and each December 1 thereafter describing the activities of the Children’s Environmental Health and Protection Advisory Council.