The bill amends Chapter 16-21 of the General Laws, titled "Health and Safety of Pupils," by introducing a new section, 16-21-43, which focuses on school air quality. It mandates the Department of Health to establish recommended standards for indoor air quality in schools, covering aspects such as temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide levels, and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10). Additionally, the Department of Education is tasked with creating a program for uniform inspections and evaluations of indoor air quality in school buildings, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. These evaluations must be conducted every five years by a skilled and trained workforce, and any deficiencies identified must be reported along with estimated remediation costs in accordance with existing capital needs outlined in 16-105-3.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that all schools with HVAC systems must install filtration systems that achieve a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 13, where feasible. If the existing HVAC system cannot support this level, schools are required to implement the highest possible MERV level without significantly reducing the lifespan or performance of the system. School personnel are also required to inspect and replace filters according to manufacturer guidelines. All HVAC repairs, upgrades, or replacements must be performed by a skilled and trained workforce, and adjustments must be made by qualified adjusting personnel. The Departments of Health and Education are authorized to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out the purposes of this section. The act will take effect upon passage.