Bill > S2594

This bill establishes a Green and Healthy Public College and University Building Planning Commission composed of representatives from various state agencies, educational institutions, and stakeholder organizations to assess and improve the environmental and health conditions of public higher education buildings in Massachusetts. The commission will conduct comprehensive evaluations of existing buildings, focusing on factors such as energy efficiency, indoor air quality, safety, accessibility, disease prevention, ventilation, water quality, lighting, noise control, pest management, and opportunities for using fossil-free fuels. The bill creates a dedicated fund to support implementing the commission's recommendations and requires the development of a plan to bring all public higher education buildings into compliance with new green and healthy standards by December 31, 2037. The commission must prioritize buildings with the greatest needs, consider environmental conditions and community resources, and conduct public hearings at each public higher education institution. The plan will include an analysis of implementation costs, potential long-term savings, and economic benefits, with the first comprehensive report to be submitted by December 31, 2028. Commission members will serve without compensation but may receive expense reimbursements, and the commissioner of higher education will provide administrative support.

Joint Committee on Higher Education (J)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2594