SB 368 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 occupants, one per floor/wing, and one in high-traffic areas like gymnasiums and cafeterias.

• Mandates that filling stations dispense cooled and filtered drinking water and be regularly cleaned and maintained, with the option to integrate stations into existing drinking fountains.

• Allows students, teachers, and staff to use water bottles in schools that are made of non-breakable material, have lids to prevent spills, and are used exclusively for water.

• Permits water bottles in classrooms but allows schools to exclude them from libraries, computer labs, science labs, and other areas deemed dangerous for water consumption.

• Applies to existing school buildings where plumbing changes are required under building codes, buildings undergoing renovation affecting plumbing fixtures, and buildings constructed on or after June 6, 2021, with an effective date three months after passage.