Bill > S2275

This bill establishes a new Healthy and Sustainable Schools Office within the Department of Energy Resources to conduct comprehensive energy audits and improve ventilation systems in public schools, municipal higher education institutions, and other educational facilities. The office will be led by a director appointed by the governor and will include members appointed by legislative leaders, with a focus on prioritizing schools in environmental justice communities. The bill mandates detailed ventilation verification assessments every five years, performed by qualified testing personnel and reviewed by mechanical engineers, to ensure proper air quality, filtration, and system performance. Contractors working on energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy system installations must meet strict requirements, including using skilled and trained workforces, paying prevailing wages, prioritizing hiring from marginalized communities, complying with labor and anti-discrimination laws, and potentially entering into project labor agreements. The office is authorized to seek funding from various sources, including federal programs and state bonds, to finance energy audits, improvements, and renewable energy system installations. Importantly, the bill prohibits the same contractors from performing both energy audits and system installations to prevent conflicts of interest, and requires public input from stakeholders during the implementation process. The bill will take effect on January 1, 2026, providing time for preparation and implementation.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2275