This bill proposes changes to the requirements and procedures for school districts in receiving and using school building aid, as well as clarifying the rulemaking and administration of the school building aid and public school infrastructure fund. The bill includes amendments to the standards for school building construction, the use of grant funds, the engagement of project managers for construction projects, and the administration of the public school infrastructure fund. Notably, it introduces the requirement for school building aid grants to be deposited into a school district expendable trust, with unused funds remaining invested and interest accrued to be used for operation, maintenance, or capital improvements. It also mandates the engagement of an owner's project manager for construction or reconstruction projects of $1,000,000 or more, with specific insurance coverage requirements, unless waived by the commissioner.

Additionally, the bill modifies the authorization process for funding school infrastructure projects, shifting some authority from the governor and executive council to the department of education and the fiscal committee of the general court. It updates the reporting requirements of the public school infrastructure commission and revises the procedures for investigating air quality in schools, replacing a checklist with a survey to be completed and filed annually. The bill also ensures that public schools are informed about how to access the United States Environmental Protection Agency Tools for Schools program to maintain good indoor air quality. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 21-N:9, 198:15-b, 198:15-c, 198:15-z, 200:11-a
As Amended by the House: 21-N:9, 198:15-b, 198:15-c, 198:15-y, 198:15-z, 200:11-a
As Amended by the Senate: 21-N:9, 198:15-b, 198:15-c, 198:15-y, 198:15-z, 200:11-a
Version adopted by both bodies: 21-N:9, 198:15-b, 198:15-c, 198:15-y, 198:15-z, 200:11-a