Senate Bill 132 amends the existing "Protect Our Children and Response Act" codified in Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:416.16.1 to establish a requirement that each traditional public school and public charter school install at least one exterior master key box on its campus. The bill defines an exterior master key box as a secure, wall-mounted, anti-theft resistant container installed outside a school building to provide first responders with immediate access during a school crisis. Each master key box must contain building keys or key cards providing entry to all doors on the school campus and printed maps with required school mapping data. The boxes must meet the basic commercial applications standard for anti-theft alarms and devices as prescribed under Underwriters Laboratories Standard 1037. The legislation also amends the requirements for submitting school crisis management and response plans to include information about the location of the exterior master key box when submitting blueprints and mapping data to law enforcement and emergency preparedness officials.
This bill directly affects city, parish, and other local public school boards, which bear the primary responsibility for installing the exterior master key boxes using funds appropriated by the legislature to the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. The deadline for installation is January 1, 2027. School boards must determine the precise location of each master key box in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies for the jurisdiction where the school building is located. First responders including local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and public safety and emergency preparedness officials will gain expedited access to school buildings during crises through these boxes, enhancing their ability to mount rapid response and rescue operations.
Senate Bill 132 operates within the framework of Louisiana's school safety laws, building upon the existing mapping and emergency response infrastructure established under R.S. 17:416.16 and 17:416.16.1. The legislation coordinates with the Louisiana Center for Safe Schools, which already gathers and stores mapping data for first responder use. The bill also establishes that blueprints and school mapping data shall not be subject to Louisiana Public Records Law, protecting sensitive school security information from public disclosure while ensuring first responders have access to necessary information during emergencies. The effective date is August 1, 2026.
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