Topeka ? House debate screeched to a halt when the fire alarm started sounding throughout the Kansas Statehouse.

Legislators on Friday were in the middle of debating a bill strengthening the state’s seat belt law when the alarm sounded, with repeated announcements to exit the building immediately.

Lawmakers had to wait outside for about a half hour until Topeka firefighters gave the all clear.

Firefighters said it was a false alarm likely caused by construction work.

House members returned to the chamber to pick up where they left off, and eventually defeated the bill.

The Senate was in recess at the time.