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RI H8167

Bill

Status

Introduced

2/27/2026

Primary Sponsor

Terri-Denise Cortvriend

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Requires the Department of Education and Office of Energy Resources to adopt regulations by June 30, 2027, mandating all school buildings meet the Northeast Collaborative for High Performance Schools (NE-CHPS) "zero energy capable" standard by December 31, 2037.

  • Defines "zero energy capable" as buildings where annual energy delivered equals or is less than renewable energy generated onsite, or through a combination of onsite generation, offsite power purchase agreements, and purchased renewable energy certificates.

  • Increases the school housing aid ratio by 10% for new construction or renovation projects that include energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades meeting the zero energy capable standard.

  • Adds a 5% school housing aid increase for high-performance school design projects where at least 75% of project costs are directed to that purpose.

  • Directs the School Building Authority to hire a staff member to create and implement a plan for bringing all Rhode Island school buildings into compliance, and requires the authority's five-year needs survey (beginning 2026) to include progress and recommendations on energy efficiency upgrades.

Legislative Description

Directs the department of education to develop and adopt regulations for energy capable school buildings.

Education

Last Action

Introduced, referred to House Finance

2/27/2026

Committee Referrals

Finance2/27/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available