HB 4903

Abstract

Amends the School Code. Creates the Air Quality in Schools Task Force. Provides that the purpose of the task force is to study and make recommendations to the General Assembly on air quality goals for elementary, middle, and high schools, processes to assess current ventilation systems in schools, processes to improve ventilation after assessment, and potential State and federal funding sources to improve school air quality in this State. Sets forth the members of the task force. Provides that the State Board of Education shall provide administrative assistance and necessary staff support services. Provides that the task force shall meet at the call of the State Superintendent of Education and issue recommendations for elementary and secondary schools, in a report to the General Assembly, relating to best practices to better assess current ventilation systems in schools and to improve their overall maintenance, as well as identify potential infrastructure needs and funding sources. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Deletes reference to: 105 ILCS 5/22-100 new Adds reference to: 105 ILCS 5/2-3.204 new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Code. Provides that the State Board of Education shall, in consultation with the Department of Public Health, compile resources for elementary and secondary schools relating to indoor air quality in schools, including best practices for assessing and maintaining ventilation systems and information on any potential State or federal funding sources that may assist a school in identifying ventilation needs. Provides that the State Board of Education shall compile these resources in consultation with stakeholders, including, but not limited to, the Department of Public Health, local public health professionals, ventilation professionals affiliated with a Department of Labor apprenticeship program, licensed design professionals, representatives from regional offices of education, school district administrators, teachers, or any other relevant professionals, stakeholders, or representatives of State agencies. Provides that, no later than 30 days after resources are compiled, the State Board of Education shall implement outreach strategies to make the compiled resources available to elementary and secondary schools, including publication of the compiled resources on the State Board of Education's website. Provides that the State Board of Education may, in consultation with the Department of Public Health or any other relevant stakeholders, update the compiled resources as necessary. Effective January 1, 2025.