2018 -- H 8321

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LC005895

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2018

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Ranglin-Vassell, Williams, Almeida, Ajello, and
McKiernan

     Date Introduced: June 14, 2018

     Referred To: House Health, Education & Welfare

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Chapter 16-21 of the General Laws entitled "Health and Safety of Pupils" is

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hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

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     16-21-3.2. Indoor air quality - Schools.

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     (a) The department of health shall establish rules and regulations regarding indoor air

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quality in schools which will do the following:

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     (1) Establish an indoor air quality in schools inspection and evaluation program to inspect

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and evaluate the indoor air quality of every public and private elementary and secondary school

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in Rhode Island.

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     (2) Set minimum standards for indoor air quality in schools, including standards that

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relate to the following:

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     (i) Mold levels in the air;

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     (ii) Potential for exposure to bioaerosols;

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     (iii) Chemical compounds that affect indoor air quality, including volatile organic

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compounds;

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     (iv) Ventilation systems;

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     (v) Plumbing, including water distribution systems, drainage systems and fixtures;

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     (vi) Building structural elements, including roofing, basements and slabs;

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     (vii) The use of space, particularly areas designed to be unoccupied.

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     (b) The department of health shall:

 

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     (1) Inspect each school in Rhode Island each year for compliance with the minimum

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standards adopted under subsection (a) of this section; and

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     (2) Report the results of the inspection to:

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     (i) Each school's principal;

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     (ii) The state department of elementary and secondary education; and

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     (iii) The appropriate local school committee.

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     (c) If a school does not meet the minimum air quality standards established by the

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department, the school must remedy each air quality problem noted within sixty (60) days after

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the principal receives the report under subsection (b) of this section.

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     (d) The department of health is hereby authorized to promulgate rules and regulations

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necessary to carry out the purposes of this section.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS

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     This act would direct the department of health to establish an inspection and evaluation

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program and establish rules and regulations regarding air quality in elementary and secondary

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schools.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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