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SB 759

An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in grounds and buildings, providing for certified point-of-use filter required; establishing the Safe Schools Drinking Water Fund; and imposing duties on the Department of Environmental Protection.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Baker and 20 co-sponsors

Requires Pennsylvania schools to install certified point-of-use water filters and establishes a state fund with DEP oversight to improve student drinking water safety.

Referred to Institutional Sustainability & Innovation
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Bill Summary · SB 759

Legislative bill overview

SB 759 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to mandate certified point-of-use water filters in schools, establish a dedicated Safe Schools Drinking Water Fund, and assign regulatory oversight duties to the Department of Environmental Protection. The bill addresses water quality concerns in school drinking water systems across the state.

Why is this important

School drinking water contamination—whether from lead, PFOA/PFAS chemicals, or microbial contaminants—poses direct health risks to children during critical developmental years. This bill creates both infrastructure requirements and dedicated funding to remediate water quality issues that many school districts have struggled to address independently due to cost constraints.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding mechanism unclear: The bill establishes a fund but doesn't specify revenue sources (state budget allocation, fees, bonds), raising questions about whether sufficient resources will actually materialize
  • Compliance burden on districts: Mandating certified filters may create unfunded mandates for school districts already facing budget constraints, particularly in under-resourced areas that may lack capital reserves
  • Point-of-use vs. source treatment: Critics may argue that filters treat symptoms rather than root causes; comprehensive pipe remediation or source water treatment might be more effective long-term solutions
  • Certification standards ambiguous: The bill references "certified" filters but doesn't specify which certifications qualify, potentially creating implementation confusion and disputes over compliance

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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