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An Act To Prioritize the Renovation of Existing Underutilized Schools in Conjunction with the Closing of Nearby Schools Due to Declining Enrollment
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 30-A MRSA §6006-F, sub-§3, ¶A, as amended by PL 2011, c. 153, §1, is further amended to read:
 
A. To make loans to school administrative units for school repair and renovation.
 
(1) The following repair and renovation needs receive Priority 1 status:
 
(a) Repair or replacement of a roof on a school building;
 
(b) Bringing a school building into compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 United States Code, Section 12101 et seq.;
 
(c) Improving air quality in a school building;
 
(d) Removing or abating hazardous materials in a school building; and
 
(f) Undertaking other health, safety and compliance repairs.; and
 
(g) Renovation and repurposing of underutilized space when done in conjunction with closing a school.
 
(2) Repairs and improvements related to a school building structure, windows and doors and water or septic systems receive Priority 2 status.
 
(3) Repairs and improvements related to energy and water conservation receive Priority 3 status.
 
(4) Upgrades of learning spaces in school buildings receive Priority 4 status.
 
(5) The Commissioner of Education may approve other necessary repairs;
 
SUMMARY
This bill amends the laws governing the School Revolving Renovation Fund to add renovation and repurposing of underutilized space when done in conjunction with closing a school to the list of projects that qualify for Priority 1 status.