The bill amends Chapter 16-21 of the General Laws to establish a new section, 16-21-44, focused on school air quality. It mandates the Department of Health to create guidelines for indoor air quality in schools, addressing factors such as temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10). The Department of Education's school building authority is tasked with conducting uniform inspections and evaluations of indoor air quality and HVAC systems in schools at least once every five years, in conjunction with local school boards. The inspection results, which will include estimated costs for addressing identified issues, must be made publicly available online and sent directly to each school's principal, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the appropriate local school board.

Schools with HVAC systems are required to install filtration that achieves MERV levels of thirteen (13) to the extent feasible, with all adjustments performed by qualified personnel. The Department of Education, in coordination with the Department of Health, is required to submit a report to the General Assembly within one year of the effective date of this section, providing recommendations to improve indoor air quality in public schools and an update on funding necessary for improvements and assessments.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 16-7-44 to include provisions for enhanced reimbursement for indoor air quality improvements in school housing projects. The Council of Elementary and Secondary Education will provide a temporary school housing aid reimbursement rate of five percent (5%) for approved school construction projects that include eligible indoor air quality improvements, such as HVAC repairs, upgrades, increased ventilation, air filtration, and other building system enhancements. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7582: 16-7-44