The bill amends Chapter 16-21 of the General Laws by adding a new section titled "School air quality." It mandates the Department of Health to establish guidelines for indoor air quality in schools, which will include recommended thresholds for various environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) that affect health and learning.

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, identifying deficiencies based on the health department's recommendations. These inspections will be performed by qualified personnel at least once every five years. The results of the inspections will be made available online and sent directly to each school's principal, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the appropriate local school board.

Additionally, the bill requires all schools with HVAC systems to install filtration that achieves a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of thirteen, to the extent determined feasible by the school board. If the existing HVAC system cannot achieve MERV levels of thirteen, schools must install the highest level of filtration feasible without significantly reducing the lifespan or performance of the system. All HVAC adjustments must be 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 bill's effective date, detailing recommendations for improving indoor air quality in public schools. This report will provide updates on indoor air quality procedures, guidelines, and best practices, along with the status of funding necessary to support expanded indoor air quality and HVAC improvements and assessments in schools. Thereafter, the needs survey and corresponding report will be conducted on a five-year cycle, subject to funding availability.

The bill also authorizes the Department of Health and the Department of Education to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out the purposes of this section. The bill is set to take effect upon passage.