A bill for an act relating to the development of a policy governing responses to a fire alarm activated on school grounds outside of a scheduled fire drill by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, and including effective date provisions.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Vondran

Bill HF 586 mandates schools to develop emergency plans for fire alarms outside drills, enhancing safety for students, staff, and visitors during emergencies.

Introduced, referred to Education.

#charterschools #firesandfireprotection #innovationzoneschools #privateeducation #safety #schooldistricts #schools

Purpose and Intent

Bill HF 586 aims to enhance safety protocols in educational institutions by establishing a policy for responding to fire alarms activated outside of scheduled fire drills. The bill is designed to ensure that students, school employees, and other individuals present in school buildings are adequately protected in the event of a fire alarm, particularly in scenarios where the alarm may be triggered by an active shooter situation.

Key Provisions

Emergency Operations Plan Requirement:

School districts and accredited nonpublic schools must include a specific policy in their high-quality school building emergency operations plans. This policy will outline the procedures for responding to fire alarms that occur outside of scheduled drills.

Scope of the Policy:

The policy must address the actions that should be taken by:
Students
School employees
Individuals who are not school employees but are required to be present in the school building as part of their employment.

Inclusion of Charter and Innovation Zone Schools:

Charter schools and innovation zone schools are also mandated to adopt similar policies to ensure comprehensive safety measures across all types of educational institutions.

Affected Parties

Educational Institutions:

The bill directly impacts school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools by requiring them to develop and implement new safety policies.

Students and Staff:

The safety of students and staff members is a primary focus, as the bill aims to provide clear guidelines on how to respond in emergency situations.

Other Individuals:

The bill also considers the safety of individuals who are present in schools for employment purposes, ensuring they are included in the emergency response planning.

Procedural Aspects

Introduced Date:

The bill was introduced on February 25, 2025, and has been referred to the Education committee for further consideration.

Effective Date:

The provisions of the bill will take effect immediately upon enactment, allowing for prompt implementation of the required safety policies.

Conclusion

HF 586 represents a proactive approach to school safety by mandating clear response protocols for fire alarms triggered outside of scheduled drills. By requiring all types of schools to adopt these policies, the bill aims to create a safer environment for students, staff, and visitors in educational settings.

Bill