The proposed 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, which must be conducted every five years using a skilled and trained construction workforce. The results of these inspections must be made available online and communicated to school principals, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and local school boards.

Furthermore, the bill requires that all schools with HVAC systems install filtration that achieves a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of 13, as feasible, and mandates that all HVAC repairs and adjustments be performed by qualified personnel. The legislation emphasizes the importance of maintaining air quality standards in schools to ensure the health and safety of pupils. The bill also authorizes the Departments of Health and Education to promulgate necessary rules and regulations to implement these provisions. This act will take effect upon passage.