Bill > S949

This bill establishes a Green and Healthy Public College and University Building Planning Commission to assess and make recommendations for improving public higher education buildings across Massachusetts. The commission will be composed of representatives from various state agencies, educational institutions, labor unions, and professional organizations. They will comprehensively evaluate public college and university buildings across several key areas, including energy efficiency, safety, accessibility, indoor air quality, and overall environmental health. The commission will develop specific standards for "green and healthy" buildings, focusing on factors like disease prevention, ventilation, water quality, lighting, pest management, and opportunities for energy efficiency. The bill also creates two new funds: a Capital Debt Relief Fund to help institutions manage construction-related debt, and a Green and Healthy Public College and University Building Fund to implement the commission's recommendations. Notably, the legislation mandates that after January 1, 2027, the state will fully fund the construction and maintenance of public higher education buildings, removing financial burdens from individual institutions. The commission is required to create a comprehensive plan by 2028 to bring all existing and new public higher education buildings up to the new standards by 2037, with a specific focus on addressing historical inequities and prioritizing buildings with the greatest needs.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S949