Committee advances bill authorizing temporary door-locking devices for active threats

The Public Safety Committee on Thursday advanced legislation to authorize limited use of temporary door-locking devices in public buildings during active-threat situations and drills, proponents said.

Senator Rick Williams, who presented the measure, told the committee the bill "authorizes the use of temporary door locking devices only during emergency active threat situations or drills," and requires that devices be integrated into building safety plans and emergency preparedness protocols. The bill says devices must not interfere with panic hardware, fire-exit hardware or door closers and must comply with National Fire Protection Association standards, the presenter said.

The bill would apply to K–12 schools, colleges and universities, childcare centers, medical facilities, state and local government buildings and religious institutions. It also specifies that devices must be removable from the egress side without a key and not be permanently mounted in a way that impairs normal door function; installation height is limited to 48 inches above the floor.

During committee questioning, Senator Bearden expressed concern that the device "could be used to keep someone inside a room or people inside a room," and asked whether an occupant intent on harm could misuse the device. The presenter described the device as an adjacent, floor-level barrier that jams a closed door and said fire responders could open such doors quickly; a fire official in the room said they could get the door open "in about 10 seconds."

With no public speakers signed up on the bill, Senator Wicks moved to pass the measure and Senator Robertson seconded. The committee chair called for the vote; Senator Bearden voiced opposition while other members responded 'aye.' The bill advances to the Senate Rules Committee.

Next steps: the bill will be scheduled for consideration by the Senate Rules Committee, per the committee clerk.