HB527 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jeremy GrayRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Public K-12 schools, drinking water use in schools, water bottle filling stations, water coolers, and drinking fountains

Summary

HB527 would require public K-12 schools to install and maintain drinking fountains, water coolers, or water bottle filling stations, allow water bottle use, and link funding to a constitutional local-expenditure rule.

What This Bill Does

The bill would require public K-12 school buildings to have at least one drinking fountain, water cooler, or water bottle filling station for every 100 occupants, placed in common areas and accessible to all. These facilities must dispense cooled, filtered water and be regularly cleaned and maintained. Water bottles would be allowed in classrooms if they meet certain criteria (non-breakable, with a lid, used only for water) and may be restricted in some areas like libraries or labs. Local boards of education could establish policies on water bottle use, and the bill ties implementation to local funding rules under Amendments 621/890, meaning it requires a 2/3 vote or approved funding to take effect at the local level.

Who It Affects

• Public K-12 students, teachers, and staff who would use the new water facilities and follow the bottle-use rules.
• Local boards of education/school districts that must install, maintain, regulate usage, and potentially fund these facilities and related policies.

Key Provisions

• Minimum of one drinking fountain, water cooler, or water bottle filling station per 100 occupants in public K-12 buildings.
• Facilities must be located in common areas (e.g., hallways, cafeterias, gymnasiums, outdoor spaces, faculty areas) and be accessible to all individuals.
• Facilities must dispense cooled and filtered water and be regularly cleaned and maintained.
• Water bottles may be used if they are non-breakable, have a lid, and are used only for water; bottles may be allowed in classrooms but not in certain areas like libraries or labs.
• Public K-12 schools must provide access to drinking water and cups during meals.
• Local boards may establish policies governing water bottle use.
• The bill designates that implementing these requirements would count as a new or increased local expenditure, subject to Amendment 621/890 (2/3 vote or local approval or Legislature funding).
• Effective date: the act would become law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

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