HB527 Summary

• Requires public K-12 school buildings to contain a minimum of one drinking fountain, water cooler, or water bottle filling station per 100 individuals projected to occupy the building.

• Mandates placement of water fixtures in common areas including hallways, cafeterias, gymnasiums, outdoor physical activity spaces, and faculty lounges, with accessibility for all individuals regardless of age or ability.

• Allows students, teachers, and staff to use reusable water bottles in classrooms if they are non-breakable, have lids, and contain only water; permits exclusion from libraries, computer labs, science labs, and other areas where water consumption poses dangers.

• Requires schools to provide access to drinking water and cups or containers during mealtimes, and establishes that water fixtures must dispense cooled, filtered drinking water and be regularly cleaned and maintained.

• Requires a 2/3 legislative vote or local entity approval to become effective, as the bill's implementation would require new or increased local expenditures under Alabama's constitutional amendment 621.