Committee backs bill requiring exterior school doors be closed and locked during school hours

Sen. Jane English presented Senate Bill 4 to the Senate Education Committee, saying the measure ‘‘clarifies that, all public schools, charter schools, and private schools must have closed and locked doors exterior doors when students are present during the day.’’ The committee approved a do-pass recommendation by voice vote.

The bill is presented as a clarification of existing expectations for school doors during student hours. During committee discussion, a member identified as Senator Lehi asked whether the requirement meant doors would be locked from the outside while remaining operable from the inside for egress. Lehi asked, ‘‘Obviously, locked from the outside. Right? They would still be always unlocked.’’ The exchange indicates the committee sought assurance that the provision would not prevent safe exit from buildings.

There were no members of the public who opted to speak for or against SB4 during the hearing. Sen. English closed and moved a do-pass recommendation; a second was given and the committee approved the motion by voice vote. The transcript does not show a roll-call or numeric vote tally.

The committee advanced SB4 for further consideration, and the hearing record does not include amendments or details about implementation requirements such as funding for door hardware or timelines for compliance.