Alyssa’s Law
School safety is more important than ever, and Alyssa’s Law is a vital step toward protecting students and staff. Named after Alyssa Alhadeff, a victim of the Parkland school shooting, this law requires life-saving measures to prevent future tragedies.
What is Alyssa’s Law?
Alyssa’s Law requires public schools to have silent panic alarms connected to local police. These alarms will enable swift responses to critical incidents, ensuring that help arrives as quickly as possible.
The law bridges a critical gap in emergency response systems.
Traditional 911 calls can face delays, but Alyssa’s Law will allow schools to report emergencies quickly and directly. By using silent panic buttons, the law aims to improve safety and save lives in emergancies.
Alyssa’s Law Story
Alyssa’s Law was created after 14-year-old Alyssa Alhadeff was one of 17 killed in the 2018 Parkland school shooting. Her mother, Lori Alhadeff, turned her grief into advocacy, pushing for this law to honor Alyssa and protect other students.
Lori’s work underscores the deep emotional and social necessity of Alyssa’s Law. She created the nonprofit organization, Make Our Schools Safe, to provide safety features tailored to schools. Through her advocacy, parents, educators, and lawmakers alike have rallied behind this movement to prioritize school safety.
Alyssa’s Law Requirements
K12itc can guide schools in meeting these legal and technical requirements efficiently. From system design to implementation, adhering to Alyssa’s Law must be manageable. School districts seeking to comply with Alyssa’s Law must adhere to specific guidelines, including:
Installation of Silent Panic Alarms
Alarms must directly alert local law enforcement of emergencies.
Integration with Existing Systems
Solutions must work seamlessly with existing communication technologies.
Routine Testing
Schools must regularly test and maintain their systems to ensure they work properly.
Where is Alyssa’s Law Being Implemented?
The law is quickly spreading nationwide, with states like Florida, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, and Texas already adopting it. Lawmakers in other states and at the federal level have introduced similar legislation for consideration.
Passed
New Jersey
Passed: February 6, 2019
Alyssa’s Law (A764)
All New Jersey public schools are required to install silent panic alarms that will alert law enforcement during emergencies.
Florida
Passed: June 30, 2020
Alyssa’s Alert
Section (s.) 1006.07(4)
All Florida public schools, including charters, must use a mobile panic alert system that connects emergency services for real-time coordination with first responders.
New York
Passed: June 23, 2022
Schools are required to consider the use of silent panic alarm systems.
Texas
Tennessee
Utah
Passed: May 2024
HB 0084, HB HB0084S05, HB-84-SUB-5 SUMMARY, Line 1982, Section 53G-805
In Progress
Alabama
It is currently in progress.
Georgia
O.C.G.A. (HB3101)
Connecticut
Currently in progress.
Ohio
Currently in progress.
Pennsylvania
Currently in progress.
South Carolina
Currently in progress.
Washington
Currently in progress.
Massachusetts
Bill is scheduled for joint hearing on September 18th.
Oregon
School safety: declaring an emergency (HB3101)
Virginia
School boards: Alyssa’s law silent panic alarms (HB1125)
Other
Nebraska
Statewide school panic button program (LB1156)
Alyssa’s Law Funding
Implementing Alyssa’s Law often requires significant investment. Thankfully, schools can leverage various funding options:
Federal Grants
Programs like the School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) can help cover costs.
State Allocations
Some states offer direct funding for schools complying with safety mandates.
Private Partnerships
Companies like Wahsega and Atlas provide affordable compliance solutions.
How Do I Comply with Alyssa’s Law?
Complying with Alyssa’s Law involves strategic planning and investment in the right technologies. Here’s how schools can prepare:
Assess Current Security Systems
Identify gaps in existing emergency protocols.
Consult Vendors
Work with trusted providers like K12itc to design customized solutions.
Train Staff Members
Conduct comprehensive training sessions to familiarize school staff with the panic alarm systems.
Solutions for Alyssa’s Law
Innovative technologies are at the forefront of Alyssa’s Law compliance. Silent panic alarm systems from providers like Wahsega and AtlasIED integrate seamlessly into existing systems. In addition, Cisco 9800 series phones have a built-in, customizable action button. K12itc can work with you to design and implement a reliable solution.
Fast & Reliable
Immediate alerts to local law enforcement.
Customizable
Scalable to suit schools of different sizes.
Affordable
Tailored pricing for budget-conscious districts.
Leading the Future of K-12 Technology
At K12itc, we’re more than just a managed service provider; we’re your dedicated partner in delivering exceptional technology experiences for schools. We specialize in transforming complex IT challenges into seamless, white-glove service solutions tailored specifically for K-12 schools, including:
- Cutting-Edge Cybersecurity Measures
- Network Cabling
- Cloud-Managed Networks
- Advanced Security Systems (including Security Cameras, Mass Notification Systems, IP Displays, etc.)
Our commitment extends beyond traditional IT support. We proactively manage your infrastructure with a focus on the needs of your educators, students, and staff. Choosing K12itc, prioritizes a safe and innovative learning environment, by allowing for exceptional service to meet unparalleled innovation.
Contact Us
Take the first step toward being compliant with Alyssa’s Law. Complete the form and one of our representatives will get right back to you.