BILL NUMBER: S7999
SPONSOR: SCARCELLA-SPANTON
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to requiring the instal-
lation of a master key box at each school building for building access
by law enforcement and emergency responders
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. Amends Article 9 of the education law by adding title 409-0.
The newly added title establishes a date by which administrators and
staff alike are responsible for installing.a master key box outside
every public and private school, or educational institution. It grants
authorization for local law enforcement and emergency responders to have
access to the master key boxes. It also a list of required materials to
be in the master box.
§ 2. Relates to the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
In emergency scenarios, every second counts. Schools and other educa-
tional institutions often enter into lockdown and confinement as a safe-
ty measure until threats can be neutralized. However, this creates
obstacles for our first responders as they lose valuable time trying to
gain access to the emergency site. Every moment spent on entry is a
critical moment lost that could be used to save lives. Ensuring easy
accessibility to all public and private schools allows for faster and
safer emergency response. In addition to keys, access boxes should
contain maps that could make site navigation easier. Access to detailed
maps enables responders to work together, coordinate, and visualize
their plans and execute them efficiently.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
TBD.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.