McLean County Times

Illinois school districts will now be able to use door-locking mechanisms that directly attach to the doors as part of classroom safety measures following the passage of Senate Bill 1371.

Sponsored by state Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet), the locking mechanisms are also required to be lockable and unlockable from the inside of the classroom. Doors must also be unlockable from the outside, with a key being given to local police and fire departments.

“This is a win-win, schools can safely secure classrooms against intruders in a much more cost-effective-manner, which in turn will allow them to be able to add more security enhancements to their buildings,” Rose said in a press release. “This is another example of local leaders working together for the betterment of their schools and the safety of their students.”

Gov. J.B. Pritzker officially signed off on the legislation in late August, and Rose has wasted little time expressing his gratitude to all those who had a hand in getting the bill over the finish line.

“I would like to thank our local leaders for their good ideas and hard work in getting this passed and signed into law,” Rose added.