Requires policies regarding maximum temperatures in school buildings and facilities to include a plan to remove students and staff from occupied spaces where practicable when educational and support services spaces reach eighty-eight degrees Fahrenheit.
Summary
Bill A00752 amends the education law to require school districts and boards of cooperative educational services to develop policies addressing extreme heat conditions in school buildings. Specifically, it mandates that when indoor temperatures reach eighty-two degrees Fahrenheit or higher, schools must take actions to alleviate heat discomfort. These actions may include turning off lights, using fans, and providing water breaks. Additionally, the bill requires schools to have a plan for relocating students and staff from occupied spaces when temperatures reach eighty-eight degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring a safer learning environment during extreme heat days.
Impact
The bill impacts state laws by formalizing requirements for school districts to address extreme heat conditions, thereby enhancing the health and safety of students and staff. It modifies existing education law to include specific temperature thresholds and mandates actionable policies, which may lead to changes in school operations and facilities management. This could also result in increased costs for schools as they implement necessary measures to comply with the new regulations.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Bill A00752 appears to be overwhelmingly positive, as indicated by the unanimous support in committee votes and the final passage in both the Assembly and Senate. The discussions reflect a strong consensus on the importance of ensuring student safety and comfort in school environments, particularly during increasingly frequent extreme heat events.
Contention
There are no notable points of contention surrounding Bill A00752, as it received broad bipartisan support throughout the legislative process. The unanimous votes in both the Assembly and Senate suggest that there are no significant opposing viewpoints regarding the necessity of the bill or its provisions.
Same As
Requires policies regarding maximum temperatures in school buildings and facilities to include a plan to remove students and staff from occupied spaces where practicable when educational and support services spaces reach eighty-eight degrees Fahrenheit.
Requires policies regarding maximum temperatures in school buildings and facilities to include a plan to remove students and staff from occupied spaces where practicable when educational and support services spaces reach eighty-eight degrees Fahrenheit.
Permits local health boards to require minimum temperature of 70 degrees from October through April in certain buildings occupied by seniors and disabled persons.
Student and staff safety measures required to be included in each school district's long-term facilities maintenance school facility plan, school security systems grants created, report required, and money appropriated.