Michigan schools could see cost savings under a plan authored by state Rep. Bronna Kahle exempting outside viewing areas, such as athletic field press boxes, from unnecessary heating requirements.

Kahle, of Adrian, today testified before the House Regulatory Reform Committee in support of her legislation removing the state construction code requirement that outdoor sporting event viewing areas include heating systems.

Press boxes are becoming more popular at school sporting events across Michigan, helping shelter media equipment from unpredictable weather and giving coaches an additional viewing angle. Press boxes are currently classified as “A-5 structures,” requiring them to have heating structures capable of keeping the interior temperature at 68 degrees.

Kahle said this burdensome regulation creates cost-prohibitive problems for many schools across the state, including Madison School District in Adrian.

“The state’s requirement to put a heating system into a seasonal press box for schools is an overreach and adds unnecessary construction costs to these types of projects”, Kahle said. “This bill is a common-sense solution that clarifies the building code and helps our schools and local communities save money by eliminating needless regulations.”

Kahle invited Madison School District Superintendent Ryan Rowe to testify about the district’s current football stadium renovation, and how they are running into hurdles regarding the installation of a heating system.

Rowe said the project to install a heating system in the stadium’s press box would cost the district an estimated $250,000.

House Bill 4548 remains under consideration in the House Regulatory Reform Committee.

PHOTO INFORMATION: State Rep. Bronna Kahle and Madison School District Superintendent Ryan Rowe testify before the House Regulatory Reform Committee about the district’s current football stadium renovation.