HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 7

56th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2023

INTRODUCED BY

Joy Garratt and Christine Chandler

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE PUBLIC SCHOOL CAPITAL OUTLAY OVERSIGHT TASK FORCE TO STUDY PUBLIC SCHOOL HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS AND RECOMMEND A SUSTAINABLE FUNDING MECHANISM FOR HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING ASSESSMENTS, REPAIRS, ADJUSTMENTS AND REPLACEMENTS.

     WHEREAS, air quality has a significant impact on the health, well-being and success of students and teachers; and

     WHEREAS, studies have shown that exposure to poor air quality can result in negative health effects, such as respiratory problems and decreased cognitive function, which can affect student performance in the classroom; and

     WHEREAS, conditions related to poor air quality, including asthma, have increased in prevalence in recent years; and

     WHEREAS, most current assessments of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in New Mexico's schools are not performed by certified mechanical technicians, do not include physical measurements and do not yield data about school air quality; and

     WHEREAS, ventilation verification assessments should provide specific technical information about each system, including maximum filter efficiency, measurements of outside air rate, verification of operation of ventilation components, measurement of all air distribution inlets and outlets, verification of unit operation and history of required maintenance performed, verification of control sequences, verification or installation of carbon dioxide sensors and collection of field data for the installation of mechanical ventilation if none exists; and

     WHEREAS, heating, ventilation and air conditioning assessments should result in direct actions schools can take to improve air quality, which may include repairs, adjustments or full system replacements; and

     WHEREAS, multiple avenues exist for the state and school districts to fund heating, ventilation and air conditioning assessments, repairs and replacements, including federal coronavirus disease 2019 relief funds and systems-based awards from the public school capital outlay council; and

     WHEREAS, more study is required to ensure that school districts have access to a sustainable, reliable funding source to perform heating, ventilation and air conditioning ventilation verification assessments, repairs, adjustments and replacement;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the public school capital outlay oversight task force be requested to study public school heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and recommend a sustainable funding mechanism for the assessment, repair, adjustment and replacement of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the public school capital outlay oversight task force be requested to work with staff from the public school facilities authority, the public education department, the legislative education study committee and the legislative finance committee to develop its recommendations; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the public school capital outlay oversight task force be requested to report its recommendations to the legislative education study committee by January 16, 2024; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the chair of the public school capital outlay oversight task force and the director of the legislative council service.

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