School facilities: drinking water: water bottle filling stations.

(1) Existing law requires a school district to provide access to free, fresh drinking ​water during meal times in school food service areas by July 1, 2011, unless the​ governing board of a school district adopts a resolution stating that it is unable to​ comply with this requirement and demonstrating the reasons why it is unable to comply ​due to fiscal constraints or health and safety concerns. This bill would require a new construction or modernization project submitted to the Division of the State Architect by a school district or the governing body of a charter school to include water bottle filling stations, as specified. The bill would require, for modernization projects, a minimum of one water bottle filling station for each school undergoing modernization, and for new construction projects, a minimum of one water bottle filling station per 350 people at each school being constructed. The bill would require water bottle filling stations to be placed in or near high traffic and common areas and to meet specified requirements, including dispensing drinking water that meets primary drinking water standards and secondary drinking water standards, as defined. The bill would provide that these requirements only apply to new construction and modernization projects submitted to the Division of the State Architect 3 months after voters approve a statewide general obligation bond that provides funds for school facilities for kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, at a statewide election occurring on or after November 1, 2022. This bill would require a school district or the governing body of a charter school to allow pupils, teachers, and staff to bring and carry water bottles, as specified. The bill would require administrators of a school district or the governing body of a charter school to inform teachers, staff, parents, and pupils of their rights under these provisions and to encourage water consumption through promotional and educational activities and signage, as specified. By imposing new duties on local educational agencies, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. (2) The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.