Status
Alyssa’s Law
Alyssa’s Law is legislation to improve the response time of law enforcement during emergencies in public schools. It mandates that all public elementary and secondary school buildings be equipped with silent panic alarms that directly notify law enforcement.
Why is it Called Alyssa’s Law?
Alyssa Alhadeff was a 14-year-old student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High school in Parkland Florida. She was a victim on February 14, 2018, when a former student killed 17 people in a mass school shooting.
Alyssa’s mother, Lori Alhadeff founded a nonprofit organization, Make Our Schools Safe, which is aimed at providing safety features tailored to the specific needs of schools. With her help, the legislation was expedited in the wake of the tragedy and the final version of the law was named in Alyssa’s memory.
Alyssa’s Law Requirements
While the exact wording can vary from state to state, the foundation of Alyssa’s law requires all public elementary and secondary school buildings to be equipped with a silent panic alarm connected to local law enforcement.
Which States Have Adopted Alyssa’s Law?
Passed in the Following States:
New Jersey (February 6, 2019)
Governor Phil Murphy signed Assembly Bill A764 (Alyssa’s Law) into law in February 2019. New Jersey schools can use the Securing Our Children’s Future Bond to purchase mobile panic buttons that comply with the law.
Florida (June 30, 2020)
In July 2020, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed Alyssa’s Law (SB-70) into law, requiring public and charter schools to have mobile panic buttons installed that directly link to law enforcement and first responder agencies.
Pending in the Following States:
New York
In New York, bills for Alyssa’s Law have been submitted by State Senator David Carlucci (S03620) and Assemblywomen Ellen Jaffee (A06234).
Nebraska
In Nebraska, Alyssa’s Law was introduced by Senator Tony Vargas of Omaha (LB1156).
Arizona
For the state of Arizona, Alyssa’s Law was introduced by Representatives Hernandez D. Chavez of Espinoza and Hernandez A. Payne of Sierra.
Texas
For the state of Texas, Alyssa’s Law was introduced by Representative Shawn Thierry.
Introduced at the Federal Level
Alyssa’s Law was introduced at the federal level in the following bills by Representative Roger Williams, District 25 TX (R-TX-25).
HR4606 | HR3665 | HR2717 | HR3661
