HB526 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jeremy GrayRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Public K-12 schools, drinking water provided in schools, water bottle use to be regulated

Summary

HB526 would require water bottle filling stations in new and certain renovated public K-12 schools, allow their use, regulate water bottle use, and tie the cost to local funding approvals.

What This Bill Does

It would require installing water bottle filling stations in all newly constructed public K-12 school buildings and in certain renovated ones. There would be minimum numbers and maintenance rules, and stations must dispense cooled, filtered water. Water bottles would be allowed in classrooms and other areas under safety rules; districts could set related policies. Because the bill involves local expenditures, it would require a 2/3 vote to take effect unless a local entity approves it or the Legislature funds it.

Who It Affects

• Students, teachers, and staff at public K-12 schools would be able to use the filling stations and bring water bottles that meet safety rules.
• School districts and local governments would be responsible for installing, maintaining, and funding the stations, and would face voting or funding requirements before the bill could take effect.

Key Provisions

• Applies to new buildings and to existing buildings undergoing renovations after June 6, 2021, and to buildings constructed after that date.
• Requires at least one filling station per 100 occupants, at least one on every floor and wing, and at least one near high-traffic areas like gyms and cafeterias.
• Stations may be integrated with drinking fountains and must dispense cooled, filtered water and be regularly cleaned and maintained.
• Water bottles must be durable, have a lid, and be used only for water; bottles are allowed in classrooms but may be restricted in libraries, labs, or other sensitive areas.
• Local boards of education may establish policies governing the use of water bottles.
• The bill is considered a new or increased local expenditure under constitutional rules and would require a 2/3 vote to take effect unless local approval or state funding is provided.
• Effective date is the first day of the third month after the Governor signs, or when it otherwise becomes law.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Public Schools