The bill amends Chapter 16-9 of the General Laws by introducing a new section, 16-9-11, which requires the Department of Education and the Office of Energy Resources to develop and adopt regulations mandating that all school buildings meet the latest Northeast Collaborative for High Performance Schools (NE-CHPS) standard of zero energy capable by December 31, 2037. This initiative is to be implemented by June 30, 2026, and aims to provide local education agencies with flexibility to pursue state and federal funding for energy efficiency and renewable energy systems without penalties affecting state housing aid. Additionally, the bill directs local education agencies that pursue federal funding for renewable energy systems to build, own, and operate solar panels in accordance with federal guidelines established in the Internal Revenue Code.

The bill also amends Chapter 16-7 by defining "zero energy capable" and establishing increased school housing aid ratios for projects that meet specific criteria, such as high-performance school design and energy efficiency upgrades. It specifies that for new construction or renovation projects that achieve the zero energy capable standard, the school housing aid ratio shall be increased by ten percent (10%). Furthermore, it outlines requirements for school housing projects exceeding $10 million, including the necessity of an independent study to determine the potential benefits of adopting a project labor agreement. The legislation emphasizes compliance with minority business enterprise requirements and includes provisions for a needs survey that addresses energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades for state school buildings.

Statutes affected:
5203: 16-105-3