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House panel advances bill allowing temporary supplemental door locks in emergencies
Summary
The House State Administration committee heard proponents for House Bill 651, which would add a narrow fire‑code exception to let schools and other public buildings use certain supplemental door‑lock devices during active‑shooter or other shelter‑in‑place emergencies, while preserving ways for first responders to gain entry.
Representative Amy Regier (R‑House District 6) introduced House Bill 651, saying the measure would create a limited exemption to Montana’s fire code to let schools and other public buildings use specified emergency supplemental door‑lock devices during shelter‑in‑place emergencies such as active‑shooter incidents.
Sponsor and proponents emphasized safety and local control. Shelby DeMars of Nightlock, the manufacturer that drafted the bill’s criteria, walked the committee through the bill’s requirements, noting the text requires local fire‑department, law‑enforcement or code‑official approval before a device can be used and that the device “can be…
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