Bill

HF 4748

School security systems rulemaking required in State Fire Code.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ben Bakeberg and 3 co-sponsors

Requires rulemaking to add comprehensive school security standards to the State Fire Code, including multilayered measures and integrated emergency systems.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Education Policy

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Bill Summary · HF 4748

Bill Summary: HF 4748 (Minnesota 2025-2026)

Title

School security systems rulemaking required in State Fire Code

Purpose and Intent

HF 4748 would require the Commissioner to initiate rulemaking to amend the State Fire Code so that schools are protected from armed attack through a comprehensive, multilayered, integrated security system. The bill directs the creation of specific security requirements to be established through rulemaking, rather than by statute alone.

Key Provisions

New rulemaking mandate: Adds a subdivision to Minnesota Statutes § 299F.011 (State Fire Code) requiring the State Fire Code to include school safety/security standards.
Scope of security measures (illustrative list): The rulemaking process may establish, among other items, the following components for school security:
1. Bullet-resistant interior doors and windows
2. Ballistic wall panels
3. Magnetic door-locking systems
4. Remote lock-down activation systems
5. Mass notification system integrated with an emergency communication system
6. Emergency building access system for first responders (fire, EMS, law enforcement)
7. Access control system with remote door-release capabilities
8. Electronic access controls for main distribution frame (MDF) and independent distribution frame (IDF) rooms with a key override
9. Classroom duress alarms linked to law enforcement and administration notification systems
10. Security system training for staff to initiate emergency protocols
11. Ballistic security glass for interior door vision panels and sidelites
12. Electronic access control systems for primary building entrances
13. Classroom door installations that optimize safety and security
Rulemaking outcome: The exact specifications, standards, and implementation timelines would be determined during the rulemaking process by the Commissioner, within the framework of the State Fire Code.

Who Would Be Affected

Educational facilities in Minnesota: All schools subject to the State Fire Code would be required to comply with the new security standards once adopted.
School administrators and staff: Training and operational changes would be necessary to implement and maintain the security measures.
First responders: Emergency access and integrated alert systems would be designed to facilitate rapid response.
State Fire Code regulatory framework: The Commissioner would lead the rulemaking to incorporate these school security requirements.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Legislative action: HF 4748 was introduced and read for the first time on March 26, 2026, and referred to the Education Policy committee.
Rulemaking process: The bill mandates rulemaking to incorporate school security requirements into the State Fire Code, but it does not specify exact deadlines or implementation dates. The detailed requirements, standards, cost considerations, and phased timelines would be determined during the rulemaking process by the Commissioner.
Future updates: Once rules are adopted, compliance deadlines and enforcement mechanisms would follow Minnesota’s process for State Fire Code amendments.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

Safety outcomes: If enacted and properly implemented, the measures could enhance protection against armed attacks by providing multiple layers of security and rapid emergency communication.
Cost and feasibility: The bill enables a comprehensive set of security features that may require substantial capital investment, ongoing maintenance, and staff training. Costs would be determined during rulemaking, potentially with phased implementation.
Operational implications: Schools would need to coordinate with local law enforcement and emergency services to align access control, lockdown procedures, and duress-alert systems with existing protocols.
Equity and accessibility: Policymakers and districts may consider cost-sharing, grants, or state funding to support districts with limited resources to implement the security upgrades.