Exploring Current and Proposed K-12 School Safety Legislation

Across the nation, states are actively introducing and enacting laws aimed at addressing the multifaceted challenges of school safety. These legislative measures encompass vital components such as safety drills, family reunification strategies, and emergency response protocols. Discover more about these important laws below.

Achieve and Surpass Alyssa’s Law Compliance

Alyssa’s Law honors the memory of Alyssa Alhadeff, a victim of the tragic events at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018. This important legislation mandates that public and charter schools implement silent panic alert systems that connect directly to first responders and law enforcement agencies. Having already been enacted in states like Texas, New York, New Jersey, Florida, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Utah, Alyssa’s Law is rapidly gaining momentum nationwide. The Raptor Alert silent panic alert system stands out as fully compliant, allowing users to trigger alerts directly through 911 while relaying essential information to first responders, law enforcement, and school personnel. Users can send alerts and critical details to 911 from any device—be it hard-wired, cellular, or wireless, including desktop computers. Notifications tailored to specific situations are dispatched via text, phone, email, desktop alerts, and push notifications to school and district staff. For districts seeking a wearable solution, the Alertus Wearable Panic Button integrates effortlessly with Raptor Alert, offering staff a discreet, one-click method for requesting emergency assistance.

Boosting Emergency Preparedness

In our current climate, being ready for emergencies is not just essential; it is a fundamental duty. Schools must establish thorough training programs that empower both staff and students with the skills and knowledge necessary to respond effectively during crises. Regular drills, workshops, and simulations can cultivate a culture of preparedness, ensuring that everyone understands their role when it counts the most. By emphasizing emergency readiness, educational institutions can foster a safer environment where learning can flourish without fear.

Engaging the Community in School Safety

Involving parents, students, and local organizations in school safety efforts is vital for constructing a strong safety framework. Collaborative initiatives can lead to the creation of customized safety plans that cater to the specific needs of each school community. By promoting open dialogue and encouraging active involvement, schools can establish a united front against potential threats, ensuring that safety is a collective commitment shared by all stakeholders.

Texas HB3

Texas HB3 is designed to bolster safety and security measures in schools across the state, set to take effect on September 1, 2023. This legislation allocates $15,000 for each campus to enhance safety and security features, including panic alert technologies. The bill’s language is purposefully technology-neutral, meaning that eligible funding can support a variety of solutions such as silent panic alert systems, two-way communication devices, or wireless internet boosters. This also encompasses software-based panic alert solutions, as confirmed by the TEA. Discover more about Texas HB3.

Alyssa’s Law in New York

Alyssa’s Law was approved by the New York Assembly on June 4, 2022, and was signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul on June 23, 2022.

Senate Bill S.7132B, commonly referred to as Alyssa’s Law, mandates that schools throughout New York State must evaluate the incorporation of silent panic alarm systems during their safety plan reviews and development. The introduction of these systems, designed to swiftly notify law enforcement and first responders, can be crucial in saving vital time during an active shooter incident. Research shows that these silent alarms can be effective, particularly in situations involving mass shooters, where every second counts. 

Alyssa’s Law in Florida

All public and charter schools in Florida are required to implement a mobile panic alert system. The Florida Department of Education has recognized Raptor Technologies as an approved partner to ensure compliance with Alyssa’s Law.

Alyssa’s Law in New Jersey

In February 2019, New Jersey introduced Alyssa’s Law, which requires that every public K-12 school in the state is equipped with a panic alarm system that is directly linked to local law enforcement.

Washington Law HB 1941

Signed into law on March 17, 2022, the bill states, “Lockdown drills may not include live simulations of or reenactments of active shooter scenarios that are not trauma-informed and age and developmentally appropriate.” Schools must also give participants advance warning of drills and have a family reunification plan.

Clery Act

The Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (formerly the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act), signed in 1990, is a federal statute codified at 20 U.S.C.  § 1092(f), with implementing regulations in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations at 34 CFR 668.46. 

The Clery Act requires all colleges and universities that participate in federal financial aid programs to keep and disclose information about crime on and near their respective campuses. Compliance is monitored by the United States Department of Education, which can impose civil penalties, up to $69,733.oo per violation, against institutions for each infraction and can suspend institutions from participating in federal student financial aid programs

The Clery Act requires colleges and universities to maintain and disclose campus crime statistics and security information. A 911 report can help institutions comply with the Clery Act by providing accurate and timely documentation of incidents that occur on campus2.

When a 911 call is made, the report generated can include details such as the nature of the incident, the location, and the response taken. This information can be used to create an Annual Security Report (ASR), which is a key component of Clery Act compliance1. The ASR must include crime statistics for the past three years, as well as policies and procedures related to campus safety.

Additionally, the 911 report can be used to issue timely warnings and emergency notifications to the campus community, as required by the Clery Act. These notifications help ensure that students and staff are informed of any ongoing threats and can take appropriate action to stay safe2.

By maintaining detailed and accurate 911 reports, institutions can demonstrate their commitment to transparency and campus safety, thereby complying with the Clery Act’s requirements.

85% of parents express concern over school safety, emphasizing the demand for robust safety measures.