IL HB1349

Fire protection district boards may require installation of access or key boxes via ordinance for structures with automatic fire alarms, security systems, or difficult access when immediate access is needed for life-saving purposes.

Health care facilities (hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living, mental health facilities, and supportive living facilities) may provide a valid access code to the fire department instead of installing a key box if secured by a working electronic code system.

Access or key boxes must be approved devices meeting Underwriters Laboratories 1037 standards and operable only by fire department master keys, containing building entry keys as required by the fire chief.

Ordinances may target specific classes or types of structures but cannot apply to single-family residential structures or facilities owned or operated by public utilities.

The Act takes effect upon becoming law.