House Bill No. 5129, reported favorably by the Committee on Higher Education and Employment Advancement, mandates that each institution of higher education in the state that provides on-campus student housing must offer an option for substance-free housing. This bill defines "substance-free housing" as a part of a residential facility where students agree to maintain their rooms free from alcohol and drugs. The bill includes a new section to be effective from July 1, 2024, as indicated by the insertion "Section 1 July 1, 2024 New section." The fiscal impact statement accompanying the bill clarifies that there is no expected state or municipal fiscal impact, as the bill is conforming statute to current practice for public institutions. The bill's effective date is set for July 1, 2024, and it received unanimous support in the committee vote with 22 yeas and no nays on February 29, 2024.