SB 1371

Abstract

Amends the School Code. Defines "temporary door locking device". Provides that, upon submitting an application to the regional superintendent of schools, a school district may obtain a temporary door locking device for use on a school building. Specifies application requirements. Provides that an approved temporary door locking device shall be used only (i) by a staff member of a school district trained under the provision, (ii) during an emergency situation that threatens the health and safety of students and staff members or during an active shooter drill, and (iii) when law enforcement officials and the local fire department have been notified prior to use of the device. Provides that the device shall be engaged for a finite period of time in accordance with the school district's school safety plan adopted under the School Safety Drill Act. Provides that a school district with an approved temporary door locking device shall conduct an in-service training program for staff members on the proper use of the device. Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Code. Provides that a school district may install a door security locking means on a door of a school building to prevent unwanted entry through the door if certain requirements are met; defines "door security locking means". Requires a school district to include the location of any door security locking means and to address the use of the locking and unlocking means from within and outside the room in its filed school safety plan under the School Safety Drill Act. Provides that a door security locking means may be used only (i) by a school district employee who has completed required training, (ii) during an emergency that threatens the health and safety of students and employees or during an active shooter drill, and (iii) when local law enforcement officials and the local fire department have been notified of its installation prior to its use. Requires a school district that has installed a door security locking means to conduct an in-service training program for school district employees on the proper use of the door security locking means. Provides that a door security locking means that requires 2 releasing operations must be discontinued from use when the door is replaced or is a part of new construction and replacement and new construction door hardware must include mortise locks, compliant with the applicable building code, and be lockable from the occupied side without opening the door. Effective July 1, 2019. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the engrossed bill with the following changes. Changes the definition of "door security locking means" to mean a door locking means intended for use by a trained school district employee in a school building for the purpose of preventing ingress (rather than both ingress and egress) through a door of the building. Adds to the requirements a school district must meet to install a door security locking means. Provides that a school district may install a door security locking means that does not comply with all applicable State and federal accessibility requirements or that is more than 48 inches above the finished floor if (i) the school district meets all other requirements for installing a door security locking means and (ii) prior to its installation, local law enforcement officials, the local fire department, and the school board agree, in writing, to the installation and use of the door security locking means. Provides that the school district must keep the agreement on file, must, upon request, provide the agreement to its regional office of education, and must include the agreement in its filed school safety plan under the School Safety Drill Act. Effective July 1, 2019.