H259 - 2023 Appropriations Act. (SL 2023-134)

Overview: Section 7.78 of S.L. 2023-134 requires the State Board of Education (SBE) to survey all identified public schools to determine the number of existing school buildings that meet the following criteria:

• Are not currently equipped with carbon monoxide alarm and detection systems.
• If required to be in compliance with Fire Prevention Code requirements for new buildings, would be required to install carbon monoxide alarm and detection systems.

Additionally, the SBE must survey all identified public schools to determine the need and implementation of radon gas testing.

The SBE must report to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee on the following by December 15, 2023:

• The number of non-equipped buildings statewide, and by identified public school.
• The estimated cost statewide, and by the identified public school, to permit, install, and inspect all non-equipped buildings with carbon monoxide alarm and detection systems and radon gas testing.

"Identified public schools" means (i) schools in a public school unit, except for charter schools; (ii) the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics; (iii) the University of North Carolina School of the Arts; (iv) schools operated by the Department of Health and Human Services; and (v) schools operated by the Division of Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety.

This section became effective July 1, 2023.