SRC-MWN H.B. 2007 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 2007 By: Naishtat (Moncrief) Education 5/8/2001 Engrossed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Indoor air pollutants, which may include toxic forms of mold, are of increasing concern to the public. Among the major causes of unhealthy indoor air quality in schools are poor facility design, improper ventilation, improperly installed heating and air conditioning systems, water leaks, high humidity, and outgassing of new materials. In 1995, the 74th Texas Legislature enacted legislation authorizing the Texas Board of Health to establish voluntary guidelines for indoor air quality and ventilation in schools. H.B. 2007 establishes mandatory indoor air quality guidelines for newly constructed or substantially renovated schools. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Texas Board of Health in SECTION 1 (Section 385.002) of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 385.002, Health and Safety Code, as follows: (b) Requires the Texas Board of Health (board) by rule to establish mandatory guidelines for indoor air quality in a public school for which construction or a substantial renovation of the school begins after the date that the board's mandatory guidelines for newly constructed or substantially renovated schools are adopted and take effect. (d) Requires the board, in establishing guidelines under this section, to consider certain criteria. Makes conforming changes. (e) Makes a conforming change. SECTION 2. Amends Section 385.003, Health and Safety Code, to delete "voluntary." SECTION 3. Amends Chapter 46A, Education Code, by adding Section 46.0081, as follows: Sec. 46.0081. SURVEY OF INDOOR AIR QUALITY REQUIRED FOR CONSTRUCTION OR RENOVATION PROJECTS. Prohibits a school district from using state funds received under this chapter to make payments on bonds issued in connection with the construction or renovation of an instructional facility unless the district obtains a copy of a survey conducted promptly after the construction or renovation is complete that analyzes the facility's overall indoor air quality. SECTION 4. Makes application of this Act prospective. SECTION 5. Effective date: September 1, 2001.