HB299 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Proncey Robertson

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Education, public and private schools, to delay fire alarm evacuation for three minutes to check for active shooter

Summary

HB299 would require delaying fire alarm evacuations for up to three minutes to check for an active shooter at public and private K-12 schools, with possible extension if a shooter is on site.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, a school with at least one employee may barricade or block a door for up to three minutes after an unplanned fire alarm to allow an official to investigate. After this initial period, evacuation and safety procedures must begin unless an active shooter is verified on campus, in which case the delay can be extended beyond three minutes. The bill applies to public and private K-12 schools (not home-schooled residences) and requires the State Board of Education to set rules and local boards to update emergency plans accordingly. The law would take effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Students and school staff (teachers, administrators, and other employees) at public and private K-12 schools who would experience a brief evacuation delay and potential door barricading to check for an active shooter.
• School administrators, local boards of education, and the State Board of Education responsible for implementing the policy, updating emergency plans, and issuing rules.

Key Provisions

• Defines school as public and private K-12 schools (excluding private residences used for homeschooling).
• Allows barricading or blocking a door for up to three minutes after an unplanned fire alarm to investigate the alarm.
• If an active shooter is verified on school property, permits extending the initial three-minute delay.
• Requires evacuation and safety procedures to start after the delay unless extended by an active shooter finding.
• States that the State Board of Education must adopt related rules and local boards must amend emergency operation plans accordingly.
• Effective date: first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Education