In today’s educational landscape, ensuring the safety and security of students and staff is a paramount concern for school administrators. One critical piece of legislation that addresses this need is Alyssa’s Law. 

Named in honor of Alyssa Alhadeff, a victim of the tragic Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida, this law aims to enhance the safety protocols within schools by ensuring swift emergency responses. Here’s what school administrators need to know about Alyssa’s Law and how to implement its requirements effectively.

What is Alyssa’s Law?

Alyssa’s Law mandates that all public schools install silent panic alarms directly linked to local law enforcement agencies. The primary objective is to reduce the time it takes for law enforcement to respond to emergencies, thereby improving the overall safety and security of school environments.

Where Has Alyssa’s Law Been Adopted?

As of May 30, 2024

Alyssa’s Law has been passed in the following states:

• New Jersey (February 6, 2019)
  • Governor Murphy Signs “Alyssa’s Law” (A764)
• Florida (June 30, 2020)
  • Alert Systems in Public Schools (CS/CS/SB 70)
• New York (June 23, 2022)
  • Authorizes school boards to include information regarding the installation of a panic alarm system in any school in the district in the district-wide safety plan (Senate Bill S7132A)
• Texas (May 5, 2023)
  • A Bill to be Entitled an Act (HB204, HB669, SB838)
• Tennessee (May 10, 2023)
  • Education – As enacted, various provisions of the present Law relative to safety in elementary and secondary education and the Schools Against Violence in Education Act have been revised. (HB0322, SB0274)
• Utah (April 10, 2024)
  • Governor Cox signed school panic alarm legislation, and Utah became the sixth state to pass the Law. (H.B. 84, HB HB0084S05, HB-SUB-5 Summary)

Where is Alyssa’s Law Pending?

As of May 30, 2024

Alyssa’s Law is pending in the following states:

• Nebraska
  • Alyssa’s Law was introduced by Senator Tony Vargas of Omaha (LB1156).
• Arizona
  • Alyssa’s Law was introduced by Representatives Hernandez D. Chavez of Espinoza and Hernandez A. Payne of Sierra. (HB2803), (HB2638)
• Virginia
  • Representative Timothy V. Anderson introduced Alyssa’s Law. (HB1125), (HB1046)
• Oregon
  • Representative Emerson Levy introduced Alyssa’s Law. (HB3101)
• Georgia
  • In progress in the state of Georgia. (SB32)
• Michigan
  • In progress in the state of Michigan. (AB 4241), (AB 4242)
• Massachusetts
  • A bill was scheduled for a joint hearing in September 2023. (Bill H.3881)
• Pennsylvania
  • Being introduced by Senator Art Haywood and Sen. Tracy Pennycuick 2023-2024. (Details)
• Oklahoma
  • In progress in the state of Oklahoma. (SB 1357)
• Alabama
  • In progress in the state of Alabama. (Learn More)

Key Provisions of Alyssa’s Law

1. Silent Panic Alarms: These are discreet alarm systems that can be activated during emergencies, ensuring a swift law enforcement response without causing panic among students and staff.

2. Direct Communication: The alarm systems must be directly connected to local law enforcement agencies, facilitating immediate notification and response.

3. Integration with Existing Security Systems: Schools are encouraged to integrate these panic alarms with their security infrastructures, such as surveillance cameras and public address systems, for a comprehensive approach to safety.

Implementation Steps for School Administrators

1. Assess Current Security Measures: Review your school’s safety protocols and infrastructure. Identify gaps that Alyssa’s Law can address and ensure you understand the specific requirements as they apply to your state.

2. Budget Planning and Funding: Determine the costs of installing silent panic alarms and seek funding opportunities. Many states offer grants and financial assistance to help schools comply with Alyssa’s Law. Did you know? Digital Panic Buttons are more cost-effective than a hardware solution, and they meet the provisions of Alyssa’s Law.

3. Vendor Selection: Choose a reputable vendor specializing in school security systems. Ensure the vendor’s products meet the specifications mandated by Alyssa’s Law and can be seamlessly integrated with your current systems.

4. Staff Training: Conduct thorough training sessions for all school staff on using the new panic alarm systems. Emphasize the importance of understanding when and how to activate the alarms to avoid false alerts while ensuring readiness for real emergencies.

5. Regular Drills and Maintenance: Implement regular drills to ensure everyone knows the emergency protocols. Additionally, routine maintenance checks for the alarm systems should be scheduled to guarantee they are always in working order.

6. Collaboration with Law Enforcement: Foster a strong partnership with local law enforcement agencies. Regular meetings and joint drills can ensure a coordinated response during emergencies.

7. Community Communication: Keep the school community informed about the new safety measures. Transparency can help alleviate concerns and promote security among students, parents, and staff.

Benefits of Alyssa’s Law

• Enhanced Safety: Alyssa’s Law significantly improves the safety of students and staff during emergencies by ensuring quick law enforcement response times.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing that adequate measures are in place can provide peace of mind to parents, students, and school personnel.
• Preparedness: Regular training and drills ensure that everyone in the school community can handle emergencies efficiently and effectively.

Alyssa’s Law represents a crucial step forward in safeguarding our schools. For school administrators, understanding and implementing this Law is not just about compliance; it’s about creating a secure learning environment where students and staff can thrive without fear.

Active Defender’s Digital Silent Panic Buttons

Active Defender offers Alyssa’s Law-compliant digital silent panic buttons that can be installed on computers in classrooms, front offices, library desks, or any desired area. The silent panic buttons provide real-time notifications without alarming the perpetrator. View the options below.

Who is Active Defender?

Active Defender’s School Safety Platform revolutionizes emergency alerting and communication and provides the most comprehensive situational awareness available during a crisis. With Active Defender, ALL staff can immediately know WHAT the threat is, WHERE it is, understand WHAT TO DO, and REPORT their STATUS on a custom, dynamic campus map on their mobile device.

To learn more, visit Active Defender or take the first step in enhancing your school’s safety today by booking an interactive demo!