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H 991

An Act ensuring safe drinking water in schools

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by James Arena-DeRosa and 21 co-sponsors

H 991 requires Massachusetts schools to test drinking water for safety hazards and establish remediation protocols, protecting student health from lead and chemical contamination.

Reporting date extended to Wednesday, March 18, 2026
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Bill Summary · H 991

Legislative bill overview

H 991 establishes mandatory standards and testing requirements for drinking water quality in Massachusetts schools. The bill aims to identify and remediate contamination issues, particularly related to lead and other harmful substances, ensuring safe water access for students and staff.

Why is this important

Lead and other contaminants in school drinking water pose documented health risks to children, affecting cognitive development and physical health. Schools across Massachusetts have reported water quality issues, making uniform safety standards and accountability mechanisms critical for protecting vulnerable populations.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Schools may face significant expenses for testing infrastructure, remediation, and ongoing compliance monitoring, raising questions about funding mechanisms and burden on school budgets
  • Testing frequency and standards: Disagreement may exist over how often testing occurs, which contaminants require monitoring, and what action thresholds trigger remediation requirements
  • Enforcement and penalties: Unclear consequences for non-compliance could affect how seriously districts prioritize the mandate and whether enforcement is uniform across well-funded and under-resourced districts

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

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