WHAT IS ALYSSA’S LAW
Time Saved = Lives Saved
Alyssa’s Law is a landmark piece of legislation designed to revolutionize school safety measures and response time in the face of a life-threatening emergency. The law requires schools to be equipped with silent panic alarms that are directly linked to law enforcement to aid in response time and communication.
Named in honor of Alyssa Alhadeff, a victim of the tragic school shooting in Parkland, Florida in 2018, the law stands as a testament to the ongoing commitment to preventing such incidents and ensuring the safety of students and staff nationwide.
How Do I Comply with Alyssa’s Law?
To align with Alyssa’s Law requirements, schools need to implement the following key measures that will improve response times in a threatening or emergency situation:
Panic Alarms:
• Install panic alarms that can immediately alert law enforcement in case of an emergency.
• Ensure that panic alarms are strategically placed throughout the school premises.
Integration with Emergency Plans:
• Integrate panic alarms with comprehensive emergency response plans.
• Conduct regular drills and training exercises to familiarize staff and students with emergency procedures.
Communication Systems:
• Establish robust communication systems to facilitate coordination between school officials and law enforcement during emergencies.
Regular Assessments and Updates:
• Conduct periodic assessments of emergency preparedness measures.
• Update and adapt safety protocols based on lessons learned from drills or real-life incidents.
• By adhering to these requirements, schools can contribute to a safer and more secure learning environment for everyone.
Where is Alyssa’s Law being put into action?
The law is gaining widespread support across the United States. Florida, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, and Texas have signed it into law. Lawmakers in other states, and on the federal level, have introduced the legislation for consideration.
Florida
Passed
The bill was signed by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2020 and is already in effect.
New Jersey
Passed
The bill was signed by Governor Phil Murphy in 2019 and is already in effect.
New York
Passed
The bill was signed by Governor Hochul in June 2022 and requires all schools to consider installing silent panic alarms.
Tennessee
Passed
The bill was signed by Governor Bill Lee in May 2023 and requires that as part of their security planning, schools consider including silent panic buttons.
Texas
Passed
The bill was signed by Governor Abbott in June 2023 and requires public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to put silent panic alert buttons in each classroom.
Arizona
In Process
Bi-partisan legislation was introduced in the House in 2021 and is currently stalled in committee.
Georgia
In Process
The bill was passed by the Georgia state Senate in March 2023 and is currently with the House.
Massachusetts
In Process
The bill was introduced by Representative Marcus Vaughn in 2023 and is currently in the Joint Committee on Education.
Michigan
In Process
The bill was introduced by Representative Brenda Carter in 2023 and is currently in the Education Committee.
Nebraska
In Process
Legislation was introduced by Senator Tony Vargas in 2020. The bill is currently awaiting approval by the Education Committee.
Oregon
In Process
The bill was introduced by Representatives Levy, Bowman, and Neron in 2023 and is currently in committee.
Pennsylvania
In Process
Senators Art Haywood and Tracy Pennycuick plan to introduce the legislation in 2024.
Virginia
In Process
Legislation was introduced by Representative Timothy Anderson in 2022 and is currently awaiting passage in the House.
Proposed Federal Law:
The ALYSSA Act and the Safer Schools Act of 2021
Both the ALYSSA Act and the Safer Schools Act of 2021 are currently in committee in Congress. Introduced by Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Rep. Roger Williams (R-TX-25), respectively, the bills would require schools to install silent panic buttons as well as conduct robust security and risk assessments to identify gaps in hard security and make necessary changes.
How Navigate360 Can Help You Comply with Alyssa’s Law
Navigate360 has the safety solutions you need to comply with Alyssa’s Law requirements. Our Emergency Management Solution (EMS) includes the optional add-on of 911Cellular’s silent panic alert that connects directly to law enforcement.
In some states, Alyssa’s Law requires school districts to improve school safety plans by conducting safety risk assessments and making any physical security measures recommended in school buildings. Navigate360’s Risk Assessment and Security Audit services send ASIS-certified PSP security professionals to your facilities to conduct a thorough review of your campus and any potential safety concerns.
Speak to one of our safety experts today to learn more about how we can help your school comply with Alyssa’s Law.
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Request a Demo of Our Emergency Management Suite
Discover how you can use Navigate360’s Emergency Management Suite to improve law enforcement response time and compliance of Alyssa’s Law. Speak with one of our Safety Specialists today.