AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL FUNDS AND PROPERTY

Senate Bill 35 directs the Department of Education and the Office of Energy Resources to develop and adopt regulations for school buildings. By June 30, 2026, these regulations must require all new school construction and renovations to be "zero energy capable" by December 31, 2037, adhering to the latest Northeast Collaborative for High Performance Schools (NE-CHPS) standard. The bill mandates that these regulations allow flexibility for local education agencies to pursue state and federal funding for energy projects without reducing their state housing aid. Additionally, it requires guidance for local agencies to build, own, and operate solar panels.