Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Thursday requiring new schools to have water bottle filling stations. The law also requires filling stations for ongoing school additions and for any future renovations to existing schools.
The efforts for the new law were led in part by the American Heart Association (AHA) in providing clean drinking water for students who are in school.
The legislation was also supported by Healthy Active Arkansas, The Arkansas Coalition for Obesity Prevention and Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families.
“We know drinking enough water can improve a child’s performance in school, making it easier for them to learn,” said Dave Oberembt, government relations for the AHA in Arkansas. “Substituting water for sugary drinks can also help keep our kids at a healthy weight.”
New Arkansas law requires bottle filling stations be installed in all new schools and major renovations
Act 775 ensures students have access to proper hydration. Bottle filling stations are cleaner than water fountains and allow kids to take water to the classroom. Author: 5NEWS Web Staff Updated: 12:58 PM CDT April 22, 2021
ARKANSAS, USA Governor Asa Hutchinson has signed a new bill into law that provides kids in Arkansas access to proper, clean hydration during school hours.
Act 775 requires all new schools to have water bottle filling stations and for the stations to be installed in ongoing school additions and future renovations to existing schools.