House Bill 964 amends Tennessee Code Annotated to enhance school safety measures for public school buildings, including charter schools. The bill mandates that any public school building constructed or remodeled between July 1, 2023, and July 1, 2025, must have a clear entry-resistant film installed on the glass panels of exterior entry points and basement level windows and doors. For buildings constructed or remodeled on or after July 1, 2025, the legislation requires the installation of clear window film or security glazing that meets nationally recognized standards for forced entry resistance, specifically referencing the ASTM F3561 test standard.

Additionally, the bill establishes a new subsection requiring the state-level safety team to develop and update compliance guidelines related to these safety measures, which will be transmitted to the state fire marshal for incorporation into existing rules. The state fire marshal is also authorized to create rules to implement the act, which will take effect immediately for the purpose of establishing guidelines and rules, while the broader provisions will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 49-6-818(a)(2), 49-6-818