Bill > S251

This bill aims to improve access to safe drinking water for students in public schools. It does so in three key ways: 1. It directs the state Department of Public Safety to develop requirements and regulations for water bottle filling stations in public buildings, including specific requirements for public schools. 2. It establishes a "Safe Drinking Water for Healthy Students" grant program, administered by the Department of Public Health in consultation with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The program will provide funding to public schools to purchase and install water bottle filling stations, with a focus on schools with high percentages of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals and schools with elevated levels of lead or copper in their drinking water. 3. It amends existing law to require that drinking water provided to students in public schools be made available through water bottle filling stations, rather than just being provided at no cost to students.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/S251