1. (1) A school building shall have universal access key boxes that:

   1. (a) are installed at main entry points;
   2. (b) contain master keys and access devices that provide complete access to all areas of the school's buildings;
   3. (c) are accessible only to authorized emergency responders;
   4. (d) are electronically monitored for tampering; and
   5. (e) are weather and vandal-resistant.

2. (2) An LEA shall maintain universal access key boxes by:

   1. (a) conducting quarterly inspections;
   2. (b) updating contents within 24 hours of any lock or access control changes;
   3. (c) maintaining current key and access device inventories;
   4. (d) documenting all inspections and updates; and
   5. (e) immediately replacing any damaged or malfunctioning boxes.

3. (3) Schools shall work with county security chief and local first responders to:

   1. (a) determine optimal box placement;
   2. (b) establish access protocols;
   3. (c) maintain current emergency contact information; and
   4. (d) conduct annual reviews of box usage and effectiveness.

4. (4) A school shall include universal access key box locations and protocols in:

   1. (a) school emergency response plans;
   2. (b) building schematic diagrams provided to emergency responders; and
   3. (c) school safety and security training manuals.

5. (5) Upon new construction or major remodeling of a school building, an LEA shall work in direct coordination with the state security chief, the county security chief and the school safety and security director to ensure accessible and strategically placed installation of Automated External Defibrillators (AED).

   1. (a) One AED shall be located at or near the main office, and additional AEDs shall be within 500 feet of the following areas:

      1. (i) gymnasiums;
      2. (ii) auditoriums;
      3. (iii) any portable or temporary outbuilding; and
      4. (iv) centralized locations of buildings.

KEY: educational facilities

Date of Last Change: October 8, 2025

Notice of Continuation: February 5, 2024

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: Art X Sec 3; 53E-3-401(3); 53E-3-706; 53E-3-707; 10-9a-305; 53F-2-202(4)(d)