NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is
intended only for use by the standing finance committees of the
legislature. The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume
responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used for
other purposes.
The most recent FIR
version (in HTML & Adobe PDF formats) is available on the Legislative
Website. The Adobe PDF version includes
all attachments, whereas the HTML version does not. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be
obtained from the LFC in
SPONSOR: |
Sanchez, B |
DATE TYPED: |
|
HB |
|
||
SHORT TITLE: |
Indoor Air Quality in Schools |
SB |
489/aSEC |
||||
|
ANALYST: |
|
|||||
APPROPRIATION
Appropriation
Contained |
Estimated
Additional Impact |
Recurring or
Non-Rec |
Fund Affected |
||
FY03 |
FY04 |
FY03 |
FY04 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Parenthesis
( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)
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
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