Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB351

Caption

Relating to air filtration efficiency standards at certain educational and child care facilities.

Impact

The implementation of HB 351 will significantly affect existing statutes concerning the operation and maintenance of HVAC systems within educational and child care settings. Facilities will be required to test their systems periodically and replace any components that do not meet the newly established standards. This proactive approach aims to prevent health issues arising from inadequate air filtration and to uphold a safer learning environment for students and children in care.

Summary

House Bill 351 aims to establish air filtration efficiency standards for public schools, private schools, and child care facilities across Texas. The bill introduces Chapter 396 to the Health and Safety Code, which mandates that all relevant facilities comply with scientifically recommended standards for air filtration. The legislation is intended to enhance public health by ensuring that air quality in educational settings meets specified standards, thus protecting children and staff from potential health risks associated with poor air quality.

Contention

While HB 351 is largely endorsed for its public health implications, some stakeholders, particularly facility operators, express concerns regarding the financial implications tied to meeting the new standards. There is apprehension about the potential costs associated with the required testing and updates to existing HVAC systems. Additionally, there may be debates on the frequency of testing mandated by the bill, with education associations advocating for a balance between health safety and financial feasibility.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3198

Relating to criminal history record information and certain registry information accessible to certain educational and child-care entities and information required for employment in certain child-care facilities.

TX SB1473

Relating to criminal history record information and certain registry information accessible to certain educational and child-care entities and information required for employment in certain child-care facilities.

TX HB86

Relating to required maintenance on heating and air conditioning systems at public school instructional facilities and to the liability of certain facilities handling hazardous substances for damages caused to public schools.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX SB1828

Relating to the procurement by local governments of energy savings performance contracts for certain conservation measures; creating criminal offenses; authorizing a fee.

TX HB211

Relating to the regulation of child-care facilities and registered family homes, including the provision of services to children with disabilities or special needs.

TX SB1849

Relating to an interagency reportable conduct search engine, standards for a person's removal from the employee misconduct registry and eligibility for certification as certain Texas Juvenile Justice Department officers and employees, and the use of certain information by certain state agencies to conduct background checks.

TX SB1554

Relating to the location qualifications for a standard permit for certain concrete plants and a prohibition on the operation of concrete plants and crushing facilities at certain locations.

TX SB330

Relating to the resilience of the electric grid and certain municipalities.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.