Attorney General Peter F. Neronha announced plans to appeal a Superior Court ruling in the case against Pioneer Investments, LLC. The court's decision granted both parties' motions for summary judgment, concluding the proceedings at this level.
Neronha expressed dissatisfaction with the court's findings, stating, "Last year, our Office took action to protect children from being lead poisoned in their homes -- suing a major Rhode Island rental corporation and its president for failing to comply with numerous state rental, lead hazard, and consumer protection laws that have placed the health and safety of hundreds of renters at risk." He further criticized the court's interpretation that renters are not considered consumers under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA), calling it contrary to law.
The Attorney General also disagreed with the court's view that the Department of Health should exhaust all available measures before his office can intervene. "I believe this has the potential to cause real, tangible harm to the people of Rhode Island in any case that involves public health," he said.
Neronha reiterated his commitment to pursuing accountability through appeals and other legal avenues. He emphasized the importance of adhering to lead safety laws given their impact on children's health and development. Since September, nearly 37,000 rental units have been registered as part of efforts towards lead-safe housing in Rhode Island.
He concluded by addressing landlord complaints about compliance issues with long-standing lead safety regulations: "To me, these complaints ring hollow and demonstrate the need for an Attorney General’s Office that fights for the people of this state."