Senate committee advances bill to allow temporary door‑locking devices in public buildings

The Georgia Senate Public Safety Committee on Tuesday advanced SB 454, a bill that would permit the limited use of temporary door‑locking devices in public buildings during active‑threat incidents and drills while requiring training and oversight.

Sponsor Rick Williams told the committee the bill "authorizes the limited use of temporary door locking devices in public buildings during emergency active threat situations or drills," and that it would "establish clear safety training and oversight requirements to ensure these devices do not interfere with fire safety, emergency egress, or first responder access." The sponsor said the measure applies to K–12 schools, colleges and universities, child care centers, medical facilities, state and local government buildings and religious institutions.

The bill sets technical conditions for devices, including that they be removable from the egress side without a key, not modify panic or exit hardware, maintain the door's fire rating and comply with National Fire Protection Association standards. Williams said devices must be incorporated into building safety plans and that safety plans and training materials be shared with first responders.

During questioning, Senator Bearden raised a practical safety concern in a classroom setting: "Could this — where's this device gonna be at in the classroom?" The sponsor responded that the device is placed adjacent to the door and is removable from the floor or egress side and that it is not permanently mounted to impair normal door functions.

With no public sign‑ups on the bill, Senator Wicks moved that the committee "do pass," a motion seconded by Senator Robertson. The committee approved the measure by voice vote; the chair recorded one no from Senator Bearden. The bill will advance to the Senate Rules Committee.

Next steps: SB 454 now goes to the Rules Committee for further consideration.