HB96 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jeremy GrayRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Education, public K-12 schools, requires installation of water bottle filling stations

Summary

HB96 would require water bottle filling stations in newly constructed public K-12 schools and in certain renovated buildings, with rules for bottle use and local funding considerations.

What This Bill Does

It would require water bottle filling stations in all newly constructed public K-12 school buildings and in existing buildings renovated in ways that affect drinking fountains after June 6, 2022. It would require schools to allow students, teachers, and staff to use the stations and would set minimum numbers and placement (at least one station per 100 occupants, on every floor and wing, and near high-traffic areas). It would allow water bottles that meet specified durability and spill-prevention rules and permit bottle use in classrooms and most common areas, with exceptions for certain rooms like libraries or labs. It would create funding constraints under Alabama's constitutional rules, meaning local expenditures would need a 2/3 vote or local entity approval unless the Legislature provides funds; the act would take effect on the first day of the third month after governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Students, teachers, and staff in public K-12 schools who would have access to filling stations and be subject to bottle-use rules.
• Local boards of education and local governments who would bear the cost of installation and ongoing maintenance under local funding requirements.

Key Provisions

• Requires water bottle filling stations in all newly constructed public K-12 school buildings.
• Requires filling stations in existing buildings undergoing renovations affecting plumbing or drinking fountains on or after June 6, 2022, and in new buildings built after that date.
• Sets minimum placement: at least one filling station per 100 occupants, on every floor and wing, and in or near gymnasiums, cafeterias, and other high-traffic areas; allows integration into drinking fountains; and requires regular cleaning and maintenance.
• Allows water bottles that meet durability and spill-prevention rules and permits bottle use in classrooms and most common areas; may exclude use in libraries, computer labs, science labs, and other locations where water use could be unsafe or inappropriate.
• Incorporates local funding considerations under Amendment 621/890, requiring either a local entity vote (2/3) or state funding/revenue to cover the new expenditure.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after it is passed and approved by the Governor.

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