§ 53G-8-805 — Panic alert device -- Security cameras -- Key box.

Utah § 53G-8-805

• Jurisdiction: Utah
• Title 53G: Public Education System -- Local Administration
• Ch. 53G-8: Discipline and Safety
• Part 53G-8-8: State Safety and Support Program

Text

(1) As used in this section:
(1)(a) "Universal access key box" means a UL Standard 1037 compliant secure container designed to store and protect emergency access keys and devices.
(1)(b) "Emergency responder" means law enforcement, fire service, or emergency medical personnel authorized by local authorities to respond to school emergencies.
(2) In accordance with the results of the school safety needs assessment described in Section 53G-8-701.5, an LEA shall provide the lead teacher in each classroom with a wearable panic alert device that shall communicate directly with public safety answering points.
(3) An LEA shall ensure, before the school year begins, all school building personnel receive training on the protocol and appropriate use of the panic alert device described in Subsection (2).
(4) An LEA shall:
(4)(a) ensure all security cameras within a school building are accessible by:
(4)(a)(i) a local law enforcement agency; and
(4)(a)(ii) public safety answering points;
(4)(b) coordinate with a local law enforcement agency to establish appropriate access protocols; and
(4)(c) physically mark all hallways and doorways consistent with the incident response method or system the state security chief creates.
(5) A school building shall include universal access key boxes that:
(5)(a) are installed at main entry points;
(5)(b) contain master keys and access devices providing complete access to all areas of the school;
(5)(c) are accessible only to authorized emergency responders;
(5)(d) are electronically monitored for tampering; and
(5)(e) are weather-resistant and vandal-resistant.
(6) An LEA shall:
(6)(a) maintain universal access key boxes by:
(6)(a)(i) conducting quarterly inspections;
(6)(a)(ii) updating contents within 24 hours of any lock or access control changes;
(6)(a)(iii) maintaining current key and access device inventories;
(6)(a)(iv) documenting all inspections and updates; and
(6)(a)(v) immediately replacing any damaged or malfunctioning boxes;
(6)(b) coordinate with local emergency responders to:
(6)(b)(i) determine optimal box placement;
(6)(b)(ii) establish access protocols;
(6)(b)(iii) maintain current emergency contact information; and
(6)(b)(iv) conduct annual reviews of box usage and effectiveness;
(6)(c) include universal access key box locations and protocols in:
(6)(c)(i) school emergency response plans;
(6)(c)(ii) building schematic diagrams provided to emergency responders; and
(6)(c)(iii) school safety and security training materials.
(7) The state board shall:
(7)(a) establish standards for:
(7)(a)(i) box installation and placement;
(7)(a)(ii) access control and monitoring;
(7)(a)(iii) maintenance schedules; and
(7)(a)(iv) compliance verification;
(7)(b) in direct coordination with the state security chief, ensure new construction or major remodeling of a school building shall include the installation of automated external defibrillators in appropriate locations as the state board determines; and
(7)(c) provide technical assistance to LEAs implementing this section.
(8) Nothing in this section:
(8)(a) affects requirements for fire department key boxes under applicable building or fire codes; or
(8)(b) restricts additional security measures implemented by LEAs that exceed these requirements.
(9) This section is not subject to the restrictions in Section 41-6a-2003.

Legislative History

Amended by Chapter 388, 2025 General Session