Ohio bill would require certain security measures in new schools

Nov. 10, 2014
Proposed legislation has received bipartisan support in the state

A bill before the Ohio General Assembly would require that specific security features be incorporated into the design plans of any new school buildings to be constructed throughout the state moving forward.

Introduced by State Rep. John Rogers, House Bill 446 is intended to increase both student and employee safety and has garnered bipartisan support from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle in the state.

“This is a sensible, proactive approach for new construction and is just one facet of helping to provide a safe learning environment for our children, teachers and staff,” Rep. Rogers said in a statement. “Requiring these features to be included during the initial design is also more cost effective than retrofitting at a later time.

HB 446 would require that at least two of the following safety features be included in new school design and construction:

  • Surveillance video and/or entryway metal detectors.
  • Direct entrance and exit routes located within a classroom.
  • Two-way communication systems between classroom and administrative offices.
  • Real-time notification devices accessible in classrooms, such as a “panic button,” to directly alert local law enforcement agencies.
  • Means of threat containment, which could include a barrier system to lock down portions of the building wherein a threat has been identified.