The bill H.542 amends existing legislation regarding the testing of schools in Vermont for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). It allocates up to $4,500,000 from the Environmental Contingency Fund for indoor air quality testing in public and approved independent schools built or renovated before 1980, extending the testing deadline from July 1, 2027, to August 1, 2035. Additionally, it establishes the School Polychlorinated Biphenyl Program Fund, which will be administered by the Secretary of Natural Resources to support the investigation, mitigation, and remediation of PCBs in schools. The fund will include reimbursements from schools, litigation recoveries, and other sources of funding.

The bill also modifies the approval process for school construction projects, requiring that applicants for construction aid complete indoor air quality testing for PCBs if their buildings were constructed or renovated before 1980. Furthermore, it mandates a report from the Agency of Natural Resources by January 15, 2027, detailing the costs and funding plans for PCB testing and remediation in schools. Lastly, it repeals a previous provision regarding state funding for grants related to PCB contamination. The act will take effect upon passage, with specific provisions related to school construction projects effective from July 2, 2026.

Statutes affected:
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Official: 16-3445
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Unofficial: 16-3445