Bill Summary – FastDemocracy

BILL AS INTRODUCED                                                             S.10
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                                         S.10
 Introduced by Senators Chittenden, Gulick, Lyons and Perchlik
 Referred to Committee on
 Date:
 Subject: Education; school buildings; health and safety; water
 Statement of purpose of bill as introduced: This bill proposes to require water
 bottle filling stations to be installed in any newly constructed public school
 building or regional CTE center or in any public school building or regional
 CTE center undergoing an addition or major renovation. This bill also requires
 the Agency of Education to adopt a rule relating to the requirements for the
 installation of water bottle filling stations in public school buildings and
 regional CTE centers.
    An act relating to the installation of water bottle filling stations in schools
 It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont:
 Sec. 1. 16 V.S.A. § 1433 is added to read:
 § 1433. WATER BOTTLE FILLING STATIONS
    (a) Definitions. As used in this section:
         (1) “Major renovation” means:
           (A) a renovation project of which the total estimated cost is
 $500,000.00 or more; or VT LEG #365679 v.1
     BILL AS INTRODUCED                                                            S.10
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             (B) a renovation that involves the substantial repair, replacement, or
 upgrading of the plumbing system or plumbing fixtures, regardless of cost.
          (2) “Public school” has the same meaning as in subdivision 11(7) of this
 title.
          (3) “Regional CTE center” has the same meaning as in subdivision
 1522(4) of this title.
          (4) “Water bottle filling station” means a water dispenser accessible to
 all persons in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C.
 § 12101 et seq.) that dispenses clean drinking water directly into a bottle or
 other drinking container. Water bottle filling stations may be integrated into
 drinking fountains and may be touchless for sanitary reasons.
    (b) Requirements on construction and renovation projects. A water bottle
 filling station shall be installed in a public school building or regional CTE
 center as part of the following construction or major renovation projects:
          (1) any project for the construction of a new public school building or
 regional CTE center for which construction commences on or after July 1,
 2023; or
          (2) any addition or major renovation of a public school building or
 regional CTE center for which construction commences on or after July 1,
 2023.
    (c) Water bottle filling station requirements.
                                                                         VT LEG #365679 v.1
     BILL AS INTRODUCED                                                               S.10
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       (1) Number of stations. The plans for a water bottle filling station
 installed pursuant to subsection (b) of this section shall meet the following
 requirements:
             (A) a minimum of one water bottle filling station for every 200
    persons projected to occupy the building upon completion of the proposed
    construction or renovation project;
             (B) a minimum of one water bottle filling station on each floor or
    wing of each building; and
             (C) a minimum of one water bottle filling station located near
    cafeterias, gymnasiums, or outdoor recreation spaces and other high-traffic
    areas.
       (2) Maintenance. A water bottle filling station installed pursuant to
 subsection (b) of this section shall:
             (A) dispense clean, cooled, and filtered drinking water;
             (B) be regularly cleaned to maintain sanitary conditions; and
             (C) be regularly maintained to ensure proper functioning.
    (d) Water bottles permitted. Public schools and regional CTE centers shall
 permit students and employees to bring to school water bottles that:
       (1) are made of a material that is not easily breakable;
       (2) have lids to prevent spills; and
       (3) are filled exclusively with water.
                                                                            VT LEG #365679 v.1
     BILL AS INTRODUCED                                                            S.10
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    (e) Disciplinary action. The State Board may enact a disciplinary policy
 regarding the misuse of water bottles by students or employees.
 Sec. 2. AGENCY OF EDUCATION; SCHOOL DISTRICT QUALITY
         STANDARDS; RULE; WATER BOTTLE FILLING STATIONS IN
         SCHOOLS
    On or before July 1, 2024, the Agency of Education shall amend its school
 district quality standards rule required under 16 V.S.A. § 165(g) to include
 requirements for the installation of water bottle filling stations in newly
 constructed public school buildings or regional CTE centers or in public school
 buildings or regional CTE centers undergoing an addition or major renovation.
 Sec. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE
    This act shall take effect on July 1, 2023.
                                                                         VT LEG #365679 v.1