HB 4981 Summary

• Authorizes the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to develop policies requiring all new and existing school buildings to meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards for lighting design to achieve maximum energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

• Requires new construction or major renovations (25% or more of structure modified) to meet LEED V4 BD+C standards for schools, including daylight, quality views, light pollution reduction, and interior lighting standards.

• Requires existing buildings not undergoing major renovation to meet LEED V4 O+M standards for schools, including daylight and quality views, light pollution reduction, and interior lighting standards.

• Allows public schools to comply with LEED standards by either providing verification from a licensed professional engineer with LEED credentials or by achieving LEED certification.

• Permits public schools to request exemptions by notifying the department of constraints limiting their ability to comply with the standards.

• Takes effect 90 days after enactment.