A Delaware senator has introduced an amendment to a 2018 law that requires bullet-resistant glass in new or renovated schools. The amendment aims to minimize budget issues and improve the review process, which has been an ongoing issue as schools face funding constraints and complicated review procedures.
Sen. Jack Walsh is the primary sponsor of Senate Bill 279, which passed a General Assembly vote on June 26 and is now on the Governor’s desk for approval.
The proposed legislation seeks to amend a 2018 Delaware law that requires new schools and those undergoing a major renovation to install “ballistic-resistant glass or film or other ballistic-resistant materials in all vestibule, lobby and office areas used to screen visitors.”
The 2018 bill’s language led to budget issues due to complications with the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) review process. Senate Bill 279 ensures that DHS reviews the process earlier to understand better the funds needed for construction and that safety requirements are met. It also gives school districts a better idea of how much money is needed to complete the project without reallocating funds from another source later.
“Schools were finding that they would have to spend a lot of money, up to six figures, to rip out door frames, dry walls, things of that nature,” says Walsh. “It added a lot of expense but provided minimal if any, improved safety.”
Senate Bill 279 adds that ballistic-resistant film can be used in addition to ballistic-resistant glass. It removes “or other ballistic-resistant materials” because it was being interpreted to require ballistic-resistant desks and other features that may not improve safety outcomes.
Ballistic-resistant glass protects schools in several ways: It slows down the shooter, allows time for police to arrive and provides additional protection for children, teachers and administrators.
Bullet-resistant glass consists of several alternating polycarbonate layers that help absorb energy. The layers are bonded, typically using polyvinyl butyral or ethylene-vinyl acetate. The glass is then reinforced to ensure it is resistant to shattering. This involves treating the glass with chemicals to increase its strength. These layers and materials, as well as the glass’ thickness, allow it to flex and absorb the bullet’s energy. However, the thicker the glass, the more costly the units become.
Glass companies, such as Total Security Solutions (TSS), are looking for ways to remove the polycarbonate interlayer to thin out units. TSS CEO Jim Richards told USGlass magazine this would help lower freight costs and improve the installation process, increasing access and protection.
One of the nation’s most recent schooling shootings in March 2023 at Nashville’s Covenant School could have been deterred had the school’s entrances been protected by bullet-resistant glass. The shooter fired multiple shots that immediately shattered two sets of double glass entrance doors, denying faculty and students time to react.