Labor and Public Employees Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: SB-902
Title: AN ACT CONCERNING WORKING CONDITIONS.
Vote Date: 03/18/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable
PH Date: 3/4/2021
File No.:
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
Labor and Public Employees Committee
REASONS FOR BILL:
There are no official standards for air quality in schools.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
None submitted
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
RAY ROSSOMANDO, DIRECTOR OF POLICY, RESEARCH, AND GOVERNMENT
RELATIONS, CT EDUCATION ASSOCIATON
Their testimony cited the importance of including indoor air quality among the standards for
working conditions. Indoor air quality in schools is especially important given the presence of
children and the risks posed to everyone from poor conditions. There has been a spike in the
number of educators being exposed to mold and other environmental toxins in schools and
classrooms. They have spoken with parent groups about the illnesses that children are facing
and the reports of credible incidents of illness which are staggering and getting worse. In light
of COVID19, we've learned much about the role ventilation plays in the spread of infectious
disease. CT has set a maximum temperature for dog kennels and pet shops but there are no
minimum and maximum temperatures set for school classrooms. This inequity must be
addressed. This bill provides an opportunity for the creation of a uniform process for
addressing school indoor air quality. Guidelines would go a long way to help these issues. A
survey by the CEA outlining concerns raised by teachers showed that even after reporting
these issues, nothing was done. This bill brings CT in-line with national safety standards.
They ask inclusion of HVAC maintenance repair standards. This is a fundamental issue for
students and educators and immediate action is needed.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
None submitted
Reported by: Marie Knudsen, Assistant Clerk Date: March 17, 2021
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