HR 5040, also known as the Melina Act, is designed to help prevent consumers and prospective home buyers from moving into mold infested homes, provide legal protection and recourse to prospective home buyers and renters who are exposed to dangerous levels of indoor mold, and protect the public by establishing national standards and education programs.

HR 5040 creates a National Toxic Mold Insurance Program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to protect homeowners from catastrophic losses.  The program would operate in a manner similar to the Federal flood insurance program.

Key measures in the bill:

Title I - Research and Public Education

The Bill directs the EPA and Centers for Disease Control to examine the effects of different molds on human health and develop accurate scientific information on the hazards presented by indoor mold.

Title II - Housing and Real Property Provisions

Title III - Industry Standards Development

Title IV - Indoor Mold Hazard Assistance

Title V - Tax Provisions

Title VI - National Toxic Mold Insurance Program

Title VII - Health Care Provisions