Subcommittee advances bill to require schools to record accessibility problems during emergencies

The Early Child and Special Education Subcommittee voted to advance House Bill 311 on a favorable report after approving an amendment that preserves public access to reports on school accessibility failures.

Alastair, identified in the transcript as counsel for the panel, told members the bill would add requirements under the Safe to Learn Act for local school systems to “each year look for issues with physical building security associated with accessibility for individuals with disabilities” and to record instances in which a public school facility was inaccessible in ways that "could impede evacuation." He said the amendment "strikes that last condition," restoring the bill to the same posture the House considered last year and removing language that would have restricted access to those reports under the Public Information Act.

The chair opened the session as a quick voting meeting and noted that two bills were scheduled but that time constraints meant the panel would focus on House Bill 311. Following presentation and a brief exchange clarifying scope, a committee member moved to recommend the amendment favorably; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.

The committee then moved on the bill as amended. A roll-call vote was recorded: Delegate Ebersole — Aye; Delegate Long — Aye; Delegate Mercut North — Yes; the chair — Yes; and Delia — Yes. Delegate Griffith was excused; Delegate Pasteur was noted as not yet present for the vote. The chair announced that the 'ayes have it' and said the bill would be forwarded to the full committee with a favorable report.

Supporters said the change requires school systems to document accessibility problems discovered during lockdowns, fire drills or other emergency-related actions and to include those items in the annual reports submitted to the Center for School Safety. The amendment removes language that would have limited access to those reports under the Public Information Act.

The subcommittee did not record extended debate or opposition in the transcript. The next procedural step is consideration by the committee referenced by the subcommittee; the transcript does not specify a date for that hearing.

The chair closed the short session after announcing the favorable report and thanking members for their flexibility.