SB367 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Linda Coleman-MadisonSenator

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Tom ButlerVivian Davis FiguresRodger Smitherman

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

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

Summary

The bill would require public K-12 schools to install drinking fountains, water coolers, or water bottle filling stations and regulate water bottle use, with provisions about local funding.

What This Bill Does

Public K-12 school buildings would be required to have at least one drinking fountain, water cooler, or water bottle filling station for every 100 people expected to occupy the building. The stations would be placed in common areas and accessible to everyone, and would dispense cooled, filtered water that is regularly cleaned and maintained. Water bottles would be allowed if they meet durability and lid requirements and are used only for water, and local boards may establish policies on water bottle use; schools must provide water and cups during meals. Because the bill creates a potential new local expenditure, its effect depends on a 2/3 vote under the Constitution; if not approved, it could take effect only if the local entity approves or the Legislature provides funding.

Who It Affects

• Students, teachers, and staff in public K-12 schools would gain access to drinking water through required stations and be subject to water bottle-use rules.
• Local boards of education and local governments would face new local expenditure requirements and must navigate the constitutional funding rules for local spending; implementation may depend on local approval or state funding.

Key Provisions

• Minimum one drinking fountain, water cooler, or water bottle filling station per 100 occupants in each public K-12 building.
• Stations placed in common areas and accessible to all individuals.
• Stations must dispense cooled, filtered water and be regularly cleaned and maintained.
• Water bottles allowed if non-breakable, with a lid, and used only for water.
• Water bottles may be used in classrooms but may be excluded from libraries, computer labs, science labs, and similar areas.
• Public K-12 schools must provide access to water and cups during meals.
• Local boards of education may establish policies governing water bottle use.
• The bill would be treated as a new or increased local expenditure under Amendment 621/890, requiring a 2/3 vote; if not enacted by 2/3, it cannot take effect for a local entity unless approved or funding is provided.
• Effective date: the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Public Schools