Sec. 4. 22 MRSA §1321, as amended by PL 2003, c. 421, §§6 to 8, is further amended to read:

§1321. Notice and removal

If the department determines that an environmental lead hazard exists in or on any dwelling, premises, residential child- occupied facility, child care facility, premises of a home day family child care provider or nursery school:

1. Notice posted. The department shall post in or upon the dwelling, premises, residential child-occupied facility, child care facility, premises of the home day family child care provider or nursery school, in a conspicuous place or places, notice of the existence of environmental lead hazard. Notice may not be removed until the department states that the environmental lead hazard no longer exists;

2. Notice to persons. The department shall give notice of the existence of the environmental lead hazard to all occupants;

3. Notice to owner; removal. The department shall give notice of the existence of the environmental lead hazard to the owner and order that the lead-based substances be removed, replaced or securely and permanently covered within 30 days of receipt of the notice. If the lead-based substances can not be removed, replaced or securely and permanently covered within 30 days, the department may grant an extension of reasonable time. All lead-based paint activities must be performed in accordance with rules adopted by the Department of Environmental Protection pursuant to Title 38, chapter 12-B. In the case of an owner- occupied, single-family residence, the department may provide technical assistance and guidance in lieu of enforcement activity at the department's discretion; and

4. Sale of dwelling, residential facility, child-occupied facility or nursery school. If, before the end of the 30-day period or extension, the owner sells the dwelling, premises, child care facility, premises of the home day family child care provider, residential child-occupied facility or nursery school, the owner shall notify the prospective buyer of the environmental lead hazard and the new owner must assume the responsibility of carrying out the requirements of this section within the specified time period.