Legislative Bill 35 requires all accredited schools in Nebraska to install secure master key boxes at their buildings to improve emergency access for law enforcement. The responsibility for installation falls on the school board or governing body, which must work with local law enforcement to determine the appropriate location for the boxes. The state school security director will oversee compliance and has expanded duties to include assessing school security and recommending minimum standards. Additionally, the bill establishes a grant program for security-related infrastructure projects, including funding for the master key boxes, with a proposed transfer of $10 million from the Cash Reserve Fund to the School Safety and Security Fund.

The bill also mandates the State Treasurer to transfer $1 million from the Cash Reserve Fund to the School Safety and Security Fund shortly after the bill's effective date, with specific amounts and dates determined by the budget administrator. It expresses the Legislature's intent to transfer $200 million from the Cash Reserve Fund to the General Fund between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027, contingent on maintaining a certain balance in the Cash Reserve Fund. Furthermore, the bill repeals original sections 79-2,144, 79-3108, 79-3109, and 84-612 of the Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska, reflecting a commitment to enhancing school safety funding while ensuring fiscal responsibility.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 79-3108, 79-3109, 84-612