CHAPTER 149

SB 233-FN - FINAL VERSION

02/03/2022 0077s

02/03/2022 0414s

4May2022... 1638h

2022 SESSION

22-2886

10/08

SENATE BILL 233-FN

AN ACT relative to water bottle filling stations in schools.

SPONSORS: Sen. Sherman, Dist 24; Sen. Prentiss, Dist 5; Rep. Luneau, Merr. 10; Rep. Porter, Hills. 1; Rep. Myler, Merr. 10

COMMITTEE: Education

─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

AMENDED ANALYSIS

This bill requires newly constructed public schools and public schools undergoing substantial renovations to incorporate water bottle filling stations to increase access to drinking water on school property.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

02/03/2022 0077s

02/03/2022 0414s

4May2022... 1638h 22-2886

10/08

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty Two

AN ACT relative to water bottle filling stations in schools.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

149:1 New Section; School Buildings; Health and Sanitation; Water Bottle Filling Stations. Amend RSA 200 by inserting after section 11-a the following new section:

200:11-b Water Bottle Filling Stations in Schools.

I. The state board of education shall adopt rules pursuant to RSA 541-A relative to requirements for the installation of water bottle filling stations in newly constructed public schools and in existing public school buildings undergoing substantial renovations.

II. All construction or renovation of public school buildings, including any approved project under RSA 198:15-c, shall be equipped with water bottle filling stations meeting the following requirements:

(a) A water bottle filling station shall mean a water dispenser accessible to all people in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.) that dispenses clean drinking water directly into a bottle or other drinking container.

(b) Water bottle filling stations may be touchless for sanitary reasons.

(1) Be regularly cleaned to maintain sanitary conditions;

(2) Be maintained to ensure they function properly, including replacing filters as recommended by the manufacturers; and

(3) Dispense clean, filtered, cooled drinking water.

III. The local building inspection authority, pursuant to RSA 155-A, of school districts shall not approve the plans or specifications for a new public school building and for any addition or substantial renovation to an existing public school building unless the plans and specifications provide for:

(a) A minimum of one water bottle filling station for every 200 people projected to occupy the building upon completion of the proposed construction.

(b) A minimum of one water bottle filling station on each floor or wing of each building.

(c) A minimum of one water bottle filling station located near cafeterias, gymnasiums, or outdoor recreation spaces and other high-traffic areas.

(d) Water bottle filling stations may be integrated into drinking fountains, at a ratio of 1 combination unit for every 200 people.

IV. Schools shall permit students to bring to school water bottles that:

(a) Are made of a material that is not easily breakable;

(b) Have lids to prevent spills; and

V. The school board may enact a disciplinary policy regarding the misuse of water bottles by students or employees.

149:2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 90 days after its passage.

Approved: June 07, 2022

Effective Date: September 05, 2022