Section 6309 - Water bottle filling stations1.Water bottle filling stations. Beginning in fiscal year 2024-25, a newly constructed public school or existing public school undergoing substantial renovations must be equipped with a water bottle filling station pursuant to this section. For purposes of this section, "water bottle filling station" means a water dispenser accessible to all persons in compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 that dispenses potable drinking water directly into a bottle or other drinking container. For purposes of this section, "substantial renovations" means any renovation for which the cost exceeds 50% of the building's current value prior to renovation. [2023, c. 492, §1 (NEW).]
2.Water bottle filling station criteria. A water bottle filling station: A. Must dispense clean, filtered, cooled drinking water; [2023, c. 492, §1 (NEW).]B. Must be regularly cleaned to maintain sanitary conditions; [2023, c. 492, §1 (NEW).]C. Must be maintained to ensure proper functioning, including replacing the filling station's filter as recommended by the manufacturer; [2023, c. 492, §1 (NEW).]D. May be integrated into a drinking fountain, which is considered one water bottle filling station under subsection 3; and [2023, c. 492, §1 (NEW).]E. May be touchless for sanitary reasons. [2023, c. 492, §1 (NEW).] [2023, c. 492, §1 (NEW).]
3.Building inspection requirements. A state or municipal building inspection authority may not approve the plans or specifications for a new public school building or for any substantial renovations 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; [2023, c. 492, §1 (NEW).]B. A minimum of one water bottle filling station for every floor or wing of the new construction; and [2023, c. 492, §1 (NEW).]C. A minimum of one water bottle filling station located near a cafeteria, gymnasium, outdoor recreation space or other high-traffic area. [2023, c. 492, §1 (NEW).] [2023, c. 492, §1 (NEW).]
4.Student water bottles. A public school shall allow a student to possess a water bottle in school that: A. Is refillable; [2023, c. 492, §1 (NEW).]B. Is made of a material that is not easily breakable; [2023, c. 492, §1 (NEW).]C. Has a lid or cover to prevent the bottle from spilling; and [2023, c. 492, §1 (NEW).]D. Is to be filled and used exclusively for water. [2023, c. 492, §1 (NEW).] [2023, c. 492, §1 (NEW).]
5.Disciplinary policy. A school board may enact a disciplinary policy regarding the misuse of a water bottle by a school student, employee or staff member. [2023, c. 492, §1 (NEW).]
6.Rules. The state board shall adopt rules to carry out the purposes of this section. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules under Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A. [2023, c. 492, §1 (NEW).]
Added by 2024, c. 492,§ 1, eff. 8/9/2024.