Bill > HB549

This bill requires every school district in Missouri to implement enhanced safety and security standards for all school attendance centers by the 2026-27 school year. The bill mandates comprehensive security measures including specific door and window protections, such as installing riot-resistant or bullet-resistant security laminate on glass surfaces, ensuring exterior doors are automatically locked, and implementing visual identification methods for entry points. Schools must develop detailed site plans for door numbering, conduct weekly security inspections, perform twice-yearly maintenance checks on security components, and maintain communication systems for emergency responses. To help districts meet these requirements, the bill establishes a School Safety and Security Matching Grant Program, where the state will provide up to 50% matching funds for safety improvement projects. Districts that fail to comply by July 1, 2029, may be classified as provisionally accredited by the state board of education. The bill includes provisions for emergency access, visitor check-in processes, and allows for conditional extensions in cases of natural disasters or other significant challenges. The matching grant program is set to automatically sunset in six years unless reauthorized by the general assembly.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB549&year=2025&code=R