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Bill > S1953
NJ S1953
NJ S1953Requires exterior exit doors in school buildings to remain unlocked from egress side and locked from access side at all times.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires exterior doors in school buildings to remain locked from the access side at all times. The bill provides that exterior doors will remain unlocked from the egress side to allow for safe exit at all times. In the event that a fire alarm or any other security alarm is triggered, the bill provides that a school employee will ensure that the access side of all exterior doors is unlocked, or an access-controlled locking system may be used to unlock the doors automatically.
AI Summary
This bill amends existing law to require that exterior doors of school buildings be kept locked from the side where people enter (the "access side") but unlocked from the side where people exit (the "egress side") at all times. This ensures that students and staff can easily leave the building in an emergency. In the event of a fire alarm or any other security alarm, a school employee must manually unlock the access side of these doors, or an automated system that controls access can unlock them. This change aims to enhance school safety by balancing the need for security with the critical requirement for quick and unobstructed exits.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S1953 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S2000/1953_I1.HTM |
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