Bill > S4632

This bill establishes a School Lead Filters program within the New Jersey Department of Education to provide grants for public schools to purchase and install point-of-use filtered bottle-filling stations and filtered faucets. The bill defines key terms such as "filtered bottle-filling station" as an apparatus connected to piping that filters water to meet specific NSF/ANSI standards for lead reduction and particulate removal, includes a drinking fountain, and has a filter replacement indicator. Within 180 days of enactment, the Commissioner of Education must create a grant program allowing public schools to apply for funding to install these water filtration devices. When awarding grants, priority will be given to schools with documented water quality issues or those that have not yet installed such filtration systems. The commissioner is also tasked with developing guidance for schools on selecting and installing these systems and must submit a report to the Governor and Legislature six months after the 2025-2026 school year, detailing the number of grant applications, awards, and recommendations for additional funding. The goal of the bill is to improve drinking water safety in public schools by helping them address potential lead and contaminant issues through filtered water stations and faucets.

Budget and Finance

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4632