Bill

Bill > H5597


RI H5597

RI H5597
Establishes program to provide recommended air quality levels in schools.


summary

Introduced
02/26/2025
In Committee
02/26/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
06/20/2025

Introduced Session

2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This act would provide that the department of health provide recommended air quality standards for schools. This act would further provide that the department of education establish a program to test the air quality in schools and deficiencies in air quality would be addressed in the responsibilities of the school building authority pursuant to § 16-105-3. This act would also provide that HVAC systems in schools achieve a MERV level of 13 where practical. This act would take effect upon passage.

AI Summary

This bill establishes a comprehensive program to improve and monitor air quality in schools by requiring the department of health to create recommended indoor air quality standards and the department of education to implement a uniform inspection program. The bill defines several technical terms like HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value), and PM2.5 and PM10 (different sizes of particulate matter), and mandates that schools conduct detailed air quality assessments every five years using skilled workers. These assessments will measure temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide levels, and particulate matter, and test HVAC filtration systems, aiming to achieve MERV 13 filter levels where feasible. Schools must make inspection results publicly available and directly report them to school principals, the department of elementary and secondary education, and local school boards. Additionally, the bill requires schools to install the highest feasible HVAC filtration levels, with repairs and adjustments performed by qualified personnel, and authorizes both departments to create necessary regulations to implement these requirements.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (6)

Last Action

Committee recommended measure be held for further study (on 03/18/2025)

bill text


bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...