After months of dedication and hard work, DHI successfully contributed to amending an Indiana law that enhances life security and safety in schools.
HEA 1270 was signed into law by Governor Eric Holcomb on Thursday, April 29. It corrects Indiana State Code language that allowed for barricading in classrooms due to the activation of a fire alarm.
The amendment also improves fire alarm sequencing language, requiring schools to develop plans for unplanned fire alarms that don't include a three-minute lockdown, and clarifies outdated definitions by adding "electronic" to "special egress control device."
DHI received the support of several state groups to help advance HEA 1270, including the American Institute of Architects – Indiana, Indiana Sheriffs’ Association, and the Indiana Fire Chiefs’ Association.
The organization is now preparing for the next phase of its advocacy work, which is to build upon this legislative victory by educating policymakers, building new partners, and strengthening a bill for 2022.
