Panel advances bill to give first responders exterior access boxes for school emergencies

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted unanimously to advance SB104 after sponsors and safety experts described exterior secure key boxes as a low-cost, practical measure to enable faster emergency access to school interiors.

Senator Liston (speaker 33), a sponsor, said seconds matter in active‑shooter and hostile‑event responses and pointed to the Department of Justice review of Uvalde that criticized access delays. Industry witnesses described UL‑tested key-box systems that hold master keys, access cards and building layouts; Neil Zipzer (speaker 35) said such systems "speed up response time and reduce property loss" and noted complementary use by fire departments for years.

Sponsors emphasized amendments that preserve flexibility: compliant existing systems remain acceptable, districts may adopt alternate emergency-access plans, schools that apply for but do not receive grant funding are not forced to install boxes, and the deadline for implementation was extended to 2030. The committee approved the measure 7–0 and sent it to the Committee of the Whole; sponsors said a technical amendment is likely on second reading.

Supporters said the boxes can also reduce property damage from forced entry and help manage swatting incidents; opponents did not appear in committee testimony.