89R12231 GP-F
By: Cunningham H.B. No. 5110
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to safety standards for public school instructional
facility doors.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter D, Chapter 37, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 37.1191 to read as follows:
Sec. 37.1191. SAFETY STANDARDS FOR INSTRUCTIONAL FACILITY
DOORS. (a) The board of trustees of a school district shall adopt a
policy requiring each door of an instructional facility through
which a person may enter a classroom to:
(1) remain locked for any period during which a
student is present in the classroom; and
(2) be equipped with a locking mechanism that allows
for free and immediate egress without requiring an unlocking
action.
(b) Notwithstanding Subsection (a)(2), if a door described
by Subsection (a) requires an unlocking action for egress, the door
may not be locked while a student is present in the classroom.
(c) Notwithstanding Subsection (b), any exterior door to an
instructional facility, including a portable building, must remain
closed and locked at all times.
SECTION 2. This Act applies beginning with the 2025-2026
school year.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2025.