H.B. 446 Summary

• State Board of Education must adopt safety standards for new school facility construction within 90 days, applicable to public schools and chartered and nonchartered nonpublic schools.

• Safety standards must include at least six design provisions: surveillance video, entryway metal detectors, direct classroom exits, classroom-to-office communication systems, panic buttons for staff, and threat containment barriers.

• New schools must include at least two of the six safety enhancements listed, with standards expressly permitting schools to include more than two.

• Ohio School Facilities Commission must amend its construction and design standards within 180 days to comply with the State Board's adopted safety standards for new classroom facilities.

• Commission shall continue considering student and staff safety when reviewing facility design plans and may require design changes to advance safety and health in proposed classroom facilities.