Utah school visitor management law

What does the Utah law require?

An LEA (a school district or charter school) "that establishes visitor management protocols shall ensure the protocols include" a set list of elements. Every school building must have universal access key boxes at its main entry points, holding master keys and access devices to all areas of the school. LEAs must inspect the key boxes every quarter, update their contents within 24 hours of any lock or access-control change, and keep current key and access-device lists. LEAs must make all security cameras in a school building accessible to local law enforcement and 911 call centers.

What must visitor protocols include?

Where an LEA sets up protocols, visitors must enter through a main entrance or other designated entry point during school hours. They must show valid government-issued ID, or other ID the LEA accepts by policy. A sign-in and sign-out record must capture at least the visitor's name, the date and time of entry and exit, the purpose, and the place or person being visited. Visitors get a visible badge or pass to wear on school grounds. School staff must accompany visitors in areas where students are present, unless LEA policy says otherwise for parents or authorized volunteers. Signs at every entrance must direct visitors to the controlled access point, and staff get yearly training on the protocols. An LEA may exempt volunteers or educational-foundation employees who have passed a background check and ongoing monitoring.

Are ID scans or sex offender registry checks required?

No. An LEA may use an electronic visitor management system, which can include automated ID checks and sex offender registry checks; these are optional. An LEA that uses one must protect personal information and use it only for school safety.

What about entrances, doors and building standards?

The state security chief must work with the State Board of Education to set minimum safety and security standards for all public and private school facilities, including limited entry points. Those standards include internal classroom door locks and video surveillance of entrances while school is in session. The state security chief must set a timeline for existing buildings to meet them. Schools in first- or second-class counties (Utah's most populous counties) must secure the exterior windows around immediate entryways by July 1, 2035. Where applicable, the school safety needs assessment must look at entry vestibules, secure reception areas and electronic access control. It is done at least once every three years for each school.

When did it take effect, and how is it funded?

2026 H.B. 44 created the visitor management section, which took effect May 6, 2026. School Safety and Support Grants may fund stronger physical security at a school once its needs assessment is done, with money going first to the greatest need. 2025 H.B. 40 appropriated $25,000,000 to the grant program for fiscal year 2026.