NJ S1518

New Jersey's Office of School Facilities must establish a program to inspect, evaluate, and repair or replace roofs and HVAC systems in school buildings that are 75 or more years old and used for instruction.

School districts may submit evaluations conducted by licensed professionals within the previous five years instead of undergoing new inspections by the office.

The Commissioner of Education, in consultation with the Schools Development Authority CEO, will prioritize repairs and replacements based on evaluations and long-range facilities plans, with student safety projects given priority.

All inspection, evaluation, and repair/replacement costs will be fully borne by the State, with work performed by DOE-employed or DOE-contracted licensed contractors.

The bill appropriates $500 million to a dedicated, nonlapsing "School District Roof and HVAC Project Fund" to finance the program.