Bill > H583

This bill aims to improve student and staff health and attendance by mandating comprehensive air quality monitoring in all public schools (grades K-12) throughout the Commonwealth by January 1, 2026. The legislation requires schools to install Air Quality Monitor (AQM) systems that measure multiple environmental indicators including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, temperature, and relative humidity. The bill defines key terms such as "school facility" (any educational building or space), "hours of school activity" (times when students and staff occupy the space), and establishes requirements for ventilation verification assessments by certified third-party contractors. Schools must collect air quality data and make it publicly accessible through an online database, with the ultimate goal of creating safer, healthier learning environments and reducing student and staff absences related to poor air quality. The bill provides detailed definitions of technical terms and specifies that the air quality standards will be determined by industry professionals to ensure comprehensive and scientifically-sound monitoring of school environments.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H583