LEGISLATIVE SERVICES AGENCY
OFFICE OF FISCAL AND MANAGEMENT ANALYSIS
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
LS 7423 NOTE PREPARED: Jan 8, 2025
BILL NUMBER: HB 1388 BILL AMENDED:
SUBJECT: School Protective Door Assemblies.
FIRST AUTHOR: Rep. Pressel BILL STATUS: As Introduced
FIRST SPONSOR:
FUNDS AFFECTED:XGENERAL IMPACT: State & Local
DEDICATED
FEDERAL
Summary of Legislation: This bill requires, not later than July 1, 2026, the Fire Prevention and Building
Commission to adopt rules to adopt the:
(1) Standard for Life Safety Code (NFPA 101) published by the National Fire Protection
Association; and
(2) Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives (NFPA 80) published by the National
Fire Protection Association for the purpose of regulating protective door assemblies for schools.
The bill also requires each school corporation, charter school, or state accredited nonpublic school (school)
to annually inspect each protective door assembly in each school building that is being used to provide
instruction to students. It provides that the inspection must:
(1) be performed by a qualified inspector;
(2) verify whether each particular protective door assembly meets certain standards; and
(3) include a report to the school with the results of the inspection.
The bill provides that if a protective door assembly is determined to not be in compliance with standards and
there is a serious risk for a fire or life safety hazard, the school shall remedy the noncompliant protective door
assembly not later than 180 days after the date of the inspection. It provides that if a protective door assembly
is determined to not be in compliance with standards, but there is not a serious risk for a fire or life safety
hazard, the school shall remedy the noncompliant protective door assembly not later than 18 months after
the date of the inspection.
The bill provides that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or the DHS's designee shall annually
review a school's inspection records. It also provides that the DHS or the DHS's designee shall issue an order
to the school if the protective door assembly is not brought into compliance within the designated period to
remedy. The bill requires a school that receives an order to post the citation on the school's website until the
noncompliant protective door assembly is made compliant with certain standards.
It requires the Fire Prevention and Building Commission to adopt administrative rules.
HB 1388 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2025.
Explanation of State Expenditures: Department of Homeland Security (DHS): The bill impacts workload
at the DHS and is anticipated to require dedicated staff. If existing staffing and resource levels are currently
being used to capacity, the costs for a new full time position may be estimated between $87,000 and
$100,000 annually for salary and benefits. Ultimately, the source of funds and resources required to satisfy
the requirements of this bill will depend on legislative and administrative actions.
Fire Prevention and Building Commission: The requirements for the commission to adopt rules to be
included within the statewide code of fire safety laws are within the agency’s routine administrative
functions and should be able to be implemented current resources.
Additional Information – This bill is estimated to require a full-time equivalent position once fully
implemented in order to annually review school inspection records. It also provides that the DHS or the
DHS's designee shall issue an order to the school if the protective door assembly is not brought into
compliance within the designated period to remedy. The DHS will also need to develop and administer a
waiver process for schools that are unable to repair or replace deficient doors within 180 days, and to assess
noncompliance fees if applicable.
Explanation of State Revenues:
Explanation of Local Expenditures: This bill requires schools to conduct annual inspections of the
protective door assemblies installed in their buildings. These inspections will include updated requirements
beginning in FY2027. Costs associated with the inspections will range from a minimum of $200 for small
buildings to over $1,500 for large buildings, and deficiencies will require subsequent reinspection. The cost
of repairing or replacing doors as necessary will depend on the nature of the deficiencies identified. The costs
for inspections will be new but costs for repairs and replacement should be at least partially covered by
established facilities maintenance budgets.
Additional Information – There are approximately 2,000 public school buildings in Indiana. Most buildings
would be considered large and inspections are likely to cost a minimum of $60-$70 per door. Costs to replace
existing doors are likely to be between $800 and $5,000 depending on size and features. Repairs or
modifications to update an assembly to the applicable standard could range from $400 to $1,000 per
assembly, depending on the technology used to make the door compliant. Due to the bill’s requirements that
inspectors demonstrate expertise in the repair, installation and replacement of these door assemblies, it is
likely that most schools will have to pay for third-party commercial inspectors. Fire door inspection training
that meets the specified National Fire Protection Association standards is available through commercial
training facilities and costs, and it is possible that large school districts could hire and/or train personnel to
conduct the inspections.
Explanation of Local Revenues:
State Agencies Affected: Department of Homeland Security, Fire Prevention and Building Commission.
Local Agencies Affected: Public schools.
Information Sources: Department of Homeland Security
https://www.safenetix.com/online-training/fire-door-inspection-training-curriculum/
HB 1388 2 https://diamondbacklockandkey.com/how-much-do-fire-exit-doors-cost/
https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/download?key=23358
Fiscal Analyst: Alexander Raggio, 317-234-9485; Allison Leeuw, 317-234-9465.
HB 1388 3