Classroom air filter study authorized

The state will install high-quality air filters in certain classrooms to study their effect on student test scores and behavior under a bill passed May 20.

LB630, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Eliot Bostar, requires the state Department of Education to develop and implement a two-year pilot program to study the efficacy of commercial air filters to remove air pollution from classrooms and their impact on academic performance and behavior.

The pilot program will include 50 schools, with six participating classrooms of students in Grades 3 through 8 in each school. Half of the classrooms will be assigned to the control group.

Participation is voluntary and no more than 50 percent of participating schools will be from the same school district. The department will submit the study results to the Legislature.

LB630 passed on a 44-2 vote.