Bill > HB1031

This bill addresses the impact of rising temperatures on school facilities due to climate change by establishing a process to develop indoor temperature standards for public schools. The superintendent of public instruction must appoint an advisory committee by September 1, 2025, comprising representatives from various state agencies, educational organizations, and a parent, to develop recommendations for maximum indoor temperature standards in schools. The committee will need to balance temperature control with existing energy performance standards and submit their recommendations and draft legislation to the governor and legislature by January 1, 2026. The superintendent must also develop cost estimates for implementing these standards by July 1, 2026 and may subsequently request legislative appropriations and grant programs to help schools manage operational and capital costs. Additionally, the bill modifies existing regulations to explicitly include "excessive heat" as a condition under which school districts may receive state basic education funding if they need to cancel school days. The definition of excessive heat will be determined by guidance from the National Weather Service, and the changes to these regulations will take effect on July 1, 2026.