Illinois House passes bill requiring air quality monitors in classrooms

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois House passed a plan last week to improve the indoor air quality for schools.

This plan states school districts should ensure all active classrooms are equipped with air quality monitors. Advocates expect the state to spend roughly $10 million to buy monitors for classrooms statewide.

House Bill 4739 would also require the Illinois State Board of Education to work with the Illinois Department of Public Health to create a document explaining the values of good indoor air quality for districts.

"This is the monitor that would be in the classroom for the teacher to monitor the air quality and be concerned if there is a concern to be addressed," said Rep. Camille Lilly (D-Oak Park).

However, Republicans are concerned about whether the monitors will be purchased with federal or state funds.

This proposal passed out of the House on a 65-32 vote Friday. It now heads to the Senate for further consideration.