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.