Bill > S1382

This bill aims to establish a "Healthy and Green Public Schools Initiative" in Massachusetts. The key provisions are: 1. The Department of Public Health and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will conduct an assessment of the extent to which school buildings in the Commonwealth provide a healthy, energy-efficient, and environmentally-friendly learning environment. This assessment will consider factors such as ventilation, air quality, water quality, thermal comfort, lighting, and accessibility. 2. Based on the assessment and in consultation with an advisory board, the departments will develop standards for "healthy and green schools" and a plan to ensure all schools in the state meet these standards by 2050, prioritizing those with the greatest needs. 3. The departments will provide recommendations and a funding plan to implement the healthy and green school standards, considering factors like historic inequities, special education needs, and the varying financial capacities of different municipalities. 4. The initiative will be guided by an advisory board with representatives from various stakeholder groups, including government agencies, education organizations, environmental experts, and community members. 5. The initial assessment findings, standards, and recommendations must be published and provided to legislative committees by specific deadlines in 2022.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S1382