HB526 Summary

• Requires installation of water bottle filling stations in all newly constructed public K-12 school buildings and certain renovated buildings, with a minimum of one station per 100 projected building occupants.

• Mandates at least one water bottle filling station on each floor and wing, and in or near gymnasiums, cafeterias, and other high-traffic areas.

• Requires filling stations to dispense cooled and filtered drinking water that is regularly cleaned and maintained; allows integration into existing drinking fountains.

• Permits students, teachers, and staff to use reusable water bottles that are non-breakable, have lids, and are used exclusively for water; allows schools to exclude bottles from libraries, computer labs, science labs, and similar areas.

• Requires 2/3 legislative vote to become effective for local school entities unless the Legislature appropriates funds or provides local revenue sources, per Alabama Constitutional Amendment 621.