The bill introduces a new section, 16-9-11, to Chapter 16-9 of the General Laws, which mandates that by June 30, 2027, the Department of Education and the Office of Energy Resources are authorized and directed to develop and adopt regulations requiring all school buildings to meet the latest Northeast Collaborative for High Performance Schools (NE-CHPS) standard of zero energy capable by December 31, 2037. The regulations will allow local education agencies to pursue state and federal funding for energy efficiency and renewable energy systems without penalties affecting state housing aid. Additionally, the bill provides guidance for local education agencies to build, own, and operate solar panels in accordance with federal guidelines established in the Internal Revenue Code.

Furthermore, the bill amends several sections in Chapter 16-7, introducing a definition for "zero energy capable" and increasing school housing aid ratios for projects that meet specific criteria related to high-performance design and energy efficiency upgrades. Specifically, it increases the school housing aid share ratio by five percent for projects specifically designed for high-performance school design and by ten percent for new construction or renovation that includes energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades to meet the zero energy capable standard.

The bill also outlines the responsibilities of the school building authority, emphasizing compliance with minority business enterprise requirements and energy efficiency standards. It requires independent, objective studies for all projects seeking school housing aid that exceed ten million dollars to evaluate the potential benefits of adopting project labor agreements. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
8167: 16-105-3