Office of Grants Administration

Legislative Update
August 2024

Dear Superintendents,

As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of education and school construction, it is crucial to understand the legislative changes that impact our schools and communities.  Staying informed of these changes will enable us to continue providing the highest quality learning environments for students and staff in Connecticut.  Please read on for highlights from both the 2024 legislative session and June special session and links to relevant public acts passed during these sessions that impact school construction and indoor air quality testing and grants. Note that some provisions are not immediately effective but may impact future planning for your district.

In collaboration,

Ella Sun

DAS Director of Grants Administration

Legislative Update

Key Legislative Changes Related to School Construction

Relevant Public Acts

PA 24-151  An Act Authorizing and Adjusting Bonds of the State and Concerning Provisions Related to State and Municipal Tax Administration, General Government and School Building Projects (see Sections 151-172 and 176-210 for various provisions related to school construction)

PA 24-74  An Act Concerning School Resources (see Sections 6-8 regarding indoor air quality)

PA 24-93  An Act Concerning Various and Assorted Revisions to the Education Statutes (see Section 18 regarding playgrounds)

PA 24-1 (June Sp. Sess.)  An Act Concerning Motor Vehicle Assessments for Property Taxation, Innovation Banks, the Interest on Certain Tax Underpayments, the Assessment on Insurers, School Building Projects, the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority Charter and Certain State Historic Preservation Officer Procedures (see Section 32-33 regarding school construction contracting)

Highlights

Indoor Air Quality 5 Year Inspections – Deadline extended for Boards of Education to complete the 5-year inspection required by § 10-220(d)(3) for all schools within their districts. Inspections can now be completed over a 5-year period, starting July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031. See PA 24-74, Section 7 for more details.

HVAC Indoor Air Quality Grant Program – Endowed academies and state charter schools are now eligible for HVAC grants.

Playgrounds – Boards of Education must conform the design of any school playground designed on or after July 1, 2025, to the principals of universal design.

Enrollment Projections – Enrollment projections submitted with Priority List applications must include who conducted the projection and the cost of the projection.

 Solar Feasibility Assessments – Prior to submitting a Priority List application for the 2026 Priority List and any future Priority List (applications submitted on and after July 1, 2025), Boards of Education must have a solar feasibility assessment performed on the school building for which application is made unless the building already utilizes solar energy.  See PA 24-151, Section 176 for more details.

Energy Incentives – For projects authorized after July 1, 2024, certain energy-related funds, such as incentives under the EnergizeCT program, will not be deducted from project costs prior to computation of the grant.

Local Share Increase – The local share for Priority List applications submitted on and after July 1, 2026, must include an additional 10% contingency.

Single-User Toilets – All plans submitted to DAS Plan Review on and after July 1, 2025, for new construction school building projects must provide for single-user toilet and bathing rooms that are identified as being available for use by all students and school personnel.

School Building Committees – Building committees established on and after July 1, 2024, must include the chairperson of the local or regional Board of Education or the chairperson’s designee (in addition to at least one member with experience in the construction industry).

Reimbursement Rate Increase for Certain Early Childhood and Full Day Kindergarten Programs – Certain school building projects that include space for early childhood or full day kindergarten programs may qualify for a 15% increase in the applicable reimbursement rate. See PA 24-151, Sections 155 (early childhood) and 156 (full day kindergarten) for details.

Contracting – Various changes were made to § 10-287 regarding contracting requirements, including the number of qualified proposers required, ability of a cooperative purchasing contract to qualify as a qualified bidder, removal of exception for certain early work prior to GMP determination, and contract and reporting requirements for construction managers. See PA 24-1, June Special Session, Section 32, for the new requirements.

Local Attestations of Project Plans – Requires an attestation from (1) the local fire marshal that the school building project plans comply with requirements of the State Fire Marshal, and (2) the local or district health department that the school building project plans comply with the requirements of the State Department of Public Health.

Notice of Project Completion – Towns or districts must file a notice of project completion for each school building project no later than 1 year from the date a certificate of occupancy is issued for the project. Previous law allowed towns and districts up to 3 years to file the notice.