Colorado school mapping law

Does Colorado require school maps?

Yes, for public, charter and private K-12 schools, by July 1, 2030, inside an exterior key box. On or before July 1, 2030, each local education provider must install at least one exterior key box meeting UL Standard 1037 at each of its schools. Each required key box must contain accurate maps of the entire school grounds that identify and label set features, along with the keys and access devices for every building and room. There are exemptions, including for a provider that applied for a state security grant and did not get one (see below).

Which schools are covered?

The duty covers public K-12 schools, including district charter schools and institute charter schools, and also nonpublic (private) schools. Home schools are excluded. A school that already has a key box meeting the section's requirements does not need a new one.

What must the maps show?

Who gets access to the maps?

The local education provider must give each local law enforcement agency where the school sits a key or access code to the key box. A local law enforcement agency is a sheriff's office, police department or town marshal's office. The provider decides exactly where each key box goes, after consulting local law enforcement agencies.

Are there exemptions?

A provider does not have to install an exterior key box at a school that has a key box not meeting the standard but also has an alternative plan and procedures giving local law enforcement emergency access to every building and room. A provider that applied for a School Security Disbursement Program grant usable for the key box, and did not receive one, is not required to install it.

Are the maps confidential?

The contents of a school key box, maps included, are not a public record under the Colorado Open Records Act. SB 26-104 also changes the open-records definitions so that "public records" does not include the contents of a school key box.

How do schools pay for it?

Installing the key box is a permitted use of a School Security Disbursement Program grant. The final fiscal note says no appropriation is required and shows no state spending; it estimates installation at $500 to $1,000 per school, paid by schools and possibly offset by that grant.

When did the law pass?

SB 26-104 (Require Key Boxes at Schools) became law: Governor Polis signed it on May 4, 2026, and it is published as 2026 Session Laws chapter 82. It took effect August 12, 2026, according to the final fiscal note from Legislative Council Staff. A separate 2026 bill, HB 26-1321 (Modify School Security Grant Program), did not pass: the Senate Education Committee postponed it indefinitely on April 29, 2026.