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Bill

S 7999

Requires the installation of a master key box at each school building for building access by law enforcement and emergency responders

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jessica Scarcella-Spanton

Requires a master key box at every school building to give authorized police and emergency responders rapid access during emergencies, speeding response and safety.

REFERRED TO EDUCATION
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 7999

Legislative Summary: S 7999 – Master Key Box Installation at School Buildings

Overview

  • Bill Number: S 7999
  • Title: Requires the installation of a master key box at each school building for building access by law enforcement and emergency responders
  • Sponsor: Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (primary)
  • Status: REFERRED TO EDUCATION
  • Introduced: May 15, 2025
  • Related/Companion: A 9250 (Assembly) — companion bill

Purpose and Intent

S 7999 seeks to improve emergency response by ensuring that law enforcement and emergency responders can access school buildings quickly during emergencies. By mandating a master key box at each school building, the bill aims to reduce delays caused by access barriers when responding to incidents on school grounds or inside school facilities.

Key Provisions (as introduced)

  • Mandate installation of a master key box at every school building covered by the bill.
  • The box is intended to provide building access to authorized law enforcement and emergency responders during emergencies.
  • The text provided does not specify placement locations, contents, or standards for the boxes, nor does it outline funding mechanisms or timelines.

Scope and Affected Parties

  • Affected Entities: All school buildings within the bill’s jurisdiction (likely public schools within the relevant state's scope) and the school districts or authorities that operate them.
  • Beneficiaries: Law enforcement agencies and emergency responders who would have rapid access to the building during emergencies.
  • Potentially affected stakeholders: School administrators and district facilities staff responsible for installation, maintenance, and compliance, as well as taxpayers who may bear installation and ongoing costs.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced and referred to the Education Committee on May 15, 2025.
  • Legislative actions listed show two identical entries for the referral to Education, indicating initial committee-stage consideration.
  • Companion bill: A 9250 in the Assembly (listed as a companion).

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Public Safety Benefits: Faster access for responders could reduce response times and potentially improve safety outcomes during emergencies.
  • Security and Privacy Concerns: Risk that master keys or access data could be compromised; considerations may be needed for secure handling, audits, and access logging.
  • Costs and Funding: Installation and ongoing maintenance costs for all school buildings; funding sources and fiscal impact are not detailed in the provided text.
  • Standards and Oversight: The bill as introduced does not specify technical standards, placement requirements, or oversight mechanisms; these may be addressed in later amendments or implementing regulations.
  • Implementation Timeline: No explicit timeline is provided in the summary; details would likely be established in committee discussions or subsequent amendments.

Next Steps

  • Committee hearings and amendments in the Education Committee.
  • Consideration of funding, standards, and security protocols.
  • If advanced, passage by the Senate and Assembly, followed by potential gubernatorial action.
  • Coordination with companion Assembly bill A 9250 for alignment of provisions.

This summary reflects the scope and details available from the provided bill text and related materials.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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