Bill regulating temperature in classrooms sent to governor

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)–Senator Shelley Mayer is a co-sponsor of a bill that establishes a maximum temperature in school buildings and indoor facilities.

If rooms reach 82 degrees or higher, cooling measures such as turning on fans, lowering blinds, turning off lights, and opening windows would be required. However, if the temperature reaches 88 degrees, classrooms would have to be evacuated and parents notified.

The New York State School Boards Association opposes the bill in its current form, with cost being one of its concerns.

“Interestingly the bill, I think, attempts to suggest that more school districts should have air conditioning,” said Brian Fessler, Director of Governmental Relations for NYSSBA. “Certainly, a number of school buildings and classroom spaces do have air conditioning, but it’s not inexpensive and depending on the resources of individual districts and needs and priorities of individual districts, they may not have air conditioning.”

This bill does not include funding for districts that don’t have it. According to Fessler, schools already have the ability to close for many reasons, including heat.

David Little, Executive Director of the Rural Schools Association of New York State, was asked if he would like the governor to veto the bill.

“No. I’m hoping the governor funds the bill,” explained Little. “I mean, optimally, I would want to have a safe and comfortable learning environment for students. Certainly don’t want a learning environment that will be harmful to their health.”

The legislation passed the state legislature in June and was delivered to Governor Hochul on Monday.

“I’ve been in schools that have been too hot,” said Senator Mayer. “I’m hopeful the governor signs that as well. It is a very high priority not only for teachers, but I think for many parents as well.”

The governor has until December 13th to act on the legislation. If she signs it, the law would go into effect September 1st, 2025.