SB4

Senate Bill 4 of the 2023 First Extraordinary Session aims to resolve a legal conflict between fire safety regulations and school security protocols in Arkansas. Current law requires that all school doors and exits remain unlocked during school hours for fire safety purposes. However, other state laws mandate that exterior school doors be kept closed and locked to enhance building security. This bill amends Arkansas Code § 20-22-1011(a) by removing the requirement that all doors and exits must remain unlocked during school hours. By doing so, the legislation clarifies that keeping exterior school doors locked for safety and security purposes is the prioritized mandate. The bill also includes an emergency clause, allowing these provisions to take effect immediately upon approval, citing the necessity of protecting students and teachers from unauthorized entry.