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F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T

SPONSOR:	Sanchez, B		DATE TYPED:	2/24/03		HB
SHORT TITLE:		Indoor Air Quality in Schools				SB	489/aSEC
					ANALYST:		Segura

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained		Estimated Additional Impact		Recurring or Non-Rec	Fund Affected
FY03	FY04	FY03	FY04
	N/A

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Department of Environment (DOE)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of SEC Amendment

The Senate Education Committee amendment to Senate Bill 489 removes references to proprietary agencies and the standards published by these agencies. The amendment provides that “minimum standards for indoor air quality shall be no less than codes and standards adopted by the state of New Mexico”. The amendment also provides that the requirement for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems include “compliance with the standards of nationally recognized testing, adjusting and balance certification agencies.

SB 489/a gives the Indoor Quality Advisory Committee the authority to extend the time allowed to remedy air quality problems beyond the 60 days provided for in the bill.

Senate Bill 489 amends the Public School Code by enacting a new section on Indoor Air Quality in Schools that would apply to both public and private schools.

Synopsis of Original Bill

Senate Bill 489 mandates the State Board of Education adopt rules establishing an Indoor Air Quality program for public and private schools. The bill creates an 11 person advisory committee that includes a representative from the Environment Department.

The legislation requires a report be completed no later than 60 days after an inspection is conducted and mandates the school correct the problems identified in the report no later than 60 days from receipt of the report.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

Senate Bill 489 does not contain an appropriation.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

There could be an administrative impact to school districts in meeting the mandates of the legislation.

TECHNICAL ISSUES

The Department of Environment indicates that the legislation does not set acceptable levels for Radon or other chemical compounds normally found in the air. Reference standards are continually updated and the bill does not set a reference year or publication date for school to meet. The legislation also does not address enforcement actions to be taken if corrections are not completed within the limits set in the bill.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

The Department of Environment also is concerned that the legislation does not address the growing concerns of molds, mildews or other biological agents that can become airborne.

RMS/prr/njw