Real estate: environmental hazards: thirdhand smoke.

Assembly Member Ortega's real estate disclosure legislation requires sellers of single-family homes to inform buyers in writing about any known tobacco smoke residue or history of smoking on the property, while expanding California's environmental hazards guide to address thirdhand smoke contamination.

The bill establishes specific parameters around these new disclosure requirements. Sellers must report their actual knowledge of chemical residues from tobacco or nicotine products, including those from electronic cigarettes and vaping devices. The presence of residue can be indicated through tobacco smoke odors or elevated nicotine levels detected in surface or dust testing.

To educate homebuyers about thirdhand smoke risks, the Department of Toxic Substances Control will oversee updates to the state's Homeowners' Guide to Environmental Hazards. The Center for Tobacco and the Environment at San Diego State University will develop new content explaining thirdhand smoke as an environmental hazard, its impacts on properties, mitigation approaches, and resources for additional information. The department will review these materials to ensure they adequately inform consumers about this persistent form of indoor contamination, which the bill defines as toxic chemical residue that accumulates in building materials and can remain for years after smoking ceases.