HB96 Summary

• Requires installation of water bottle filling stations in all newly constructed public K-12 school buildings and existing buildings undergoing renovations affecting plumbing fixtures or drinking fountains on or after June 6, 2022.

• Mandates a minimum of one filling station per 100 projected building occupants, one per floor and wing, and one in or near gymnasiums, cafeterias, and other high-traffic areas.

• Permits water bottle filling stations to be integrated into existing drinking fountains and requires regular cleaning and maintenance.

• Allows students, teachers, and staff to use water bottles meeting specified criteria (non-breakable material, lid, water-only use) in classrooms and common areas, with exclusions permitted in libraries, computer labs, and science labs.

• Requires a two-thirds legislative vote to take effect for local entities unless approved by the local entity or the Legislature appropriates funds, as the bill creates new local expenditure requirements under Alabama Constitution Amendment 621.