Yesterday, Governor Jared Polis put pen to paper on a bill that promises to upgrade air quality in public K-12 schools by creating funding for energy-efficient HVAC systems and favoring local talent for installation and maintenance. The bill, known as HB25-1245, is focused on student and teacher health, with the added benefit of bolstering local skilled workers and smaller businesses.
Rep. Sheila Lieder stressed the importance of this move for local businesses, stating, "This law is good for workers and small businesses because it helps them secure HVAC maintenance contracts while creating safer air to breathe for Colorado students and educators," as detailed by the Colorado Senate Democrats. Sen. Cathy Kipp added that the bill directly responds to the challenge schools face in funding vital infrastructure. Kipp, bringing a personal angle from her seven-year tenure on a local school board, noted the difficulty in acquiring funds for essential HVAC improvements, which are now made more accessible through the law.
The legislation stipulates that schools utilizing federal or state funding for their HVAC systems will have to choose contractors from a state-certified list. Rep. Eliza Hamrick highlighted the efficiency and long-term financial benefits of hiring skilled labor by saying, "Our students and educators deserve heating and cooling that works – and this law helps ensure that HVAC maintenance is conducted by highly skilled workers, saving schools money in the long run," as per Colorado Senate Democrats. The bill aims to create more reliable and healthier learning environments, something Sen. Jessie Danielson underscored by connecting the provision of clean air and reliable climate control systems directly to the dignity and safety of those in the classroom.
Under the new law, a thorough HVAC verification report must be prepared by a certified contractor within a month after completing any work. To maintain transparency, schools are required to retain these reports for five years, and they must be made publicly available upon request. These reports serve not only as a record of work done but a measure to hold contractors accountable for their work.
