Bill > S0977

This bill establishes comprehensive indoor air quality standards for schools by requiring the department of health to develop guidelines for air quality measurements, including temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, and particulate matter levels. The department of education must now conduct a detailed indoor air quality inspection of school buildings every five years, using a skilled workforce, which will assess HVAC systems, filter efficiency, ventilation components, and air quality measurements. Schools must aim to install MERV 13 air filters (a measure of filter efficiency) or the highest level their existing HVAC systems can support without compromising performance. The bill mandates that inspection results be made publicly available online and shared directly with school principals, the department of elementary and secondary education, and local school boards. Importantly, the bill defines several technical terms like HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value), and specifies that HVAC repairs and adjustments must be performed by qualified personnel. The goal is to ensure safe, healthy learning environments by systematically monitoring and improving air quality in schools, with all provisions taking effect immediately upon passage.

Health and Social Services

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