Understanding Alyssa’s Law: School Safety Enhanced With Swift Emergency Response

In 2018, a young student named Alyssa Alhadeff lost her life when a gunman entered the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida. Following that tragedy, a law was enacted requiring schools to install silent panic alarms, which could improve school safety by getting faster emergency responses during a crisis. Named Alyssa’s Law, it is responsible for many schools having installed silent panic alarms that are directly connected to local law enforcement. Having these in place means first responders are notified faster, allowing them to carry out a swift and robust response designed to save the lives of both students and staff.

Introduction to School Safety

Safety is top priority for schools, and Alyssa’s Law has been instrumental in helping schools bolster their security infrastructure. The law requires silent panic alarms that are connected to local law enforcement agencies so school staff can hit the panic button in the event of a security emergency.

Silent panic alarms have a key advantage as they provide a mechanism for alerting authorities without panicking students and staff, or letting an intruder know first responders have been notified. This direct connection also allows for a much quicker response, which provides the best opportunity for positive outcomes with no lives lost.

Because of Alyssa’s Law, silent panic alarms have become a vital part of a school’s comprehensive safety plans. Developing and updating these plans regularly is critical for keeping students and staff safe. They should also include regular drills and training for staff and students, so everyone is well-trained on their emergency actions. By prioritizing school safety and implementing Alyssa’s Law, schools can create a safe and supportive learning environment.

Takeaways

• Alyssa’s Law requires silent panic alarms in schools that communicate directly with law enforcement during emergencies to speed up response times and ensure a higher level of safety.
• Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Washington have all passed Alyssa’s Law.
• With the gun violence only increasing, many states have invested in pending legislation, including Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.
• Silent panic alarms provide discreet notification, reduce panic among students and improve law enforcement response times.

Understanding Alyssa’s Law

Alyssa’s Law is a stark reminder of the horrific active shooter event that took place at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14, 2018, that left 17 people dead. It was a tragedy that not only rocked the nation, but also revealed major holes in school security, emergency strategies and preparedness. Following this fatal event, the mother of Alyssa Alhadeff, one of the students who lost their life, focused her grief on ways to make schools safer. With a commitment to advocacy and by working with other grieving parents, Lori Alhadeff was instrumental in the establishment of Alyssa’s Law.

Today, Alyssa’s Law has been passed in several states, and several others are waiting to have it enacted.

The goal of Alyssa’s Law is to mitigate response time lag for law enforcement during life-threatening emergencies such as active shooters. This is achieved by requiring schools to install silent panic alarms that are tied to local law enforcement agencies. The goal is straightforward – create a direct line between schools and police to allow help to be called immediately (and somewhat discreetly) when it is needed the most. These silent panic alert systems take immediate action when they are activated, engaging with first responders so they can handle the situation without causing more tension and unrest among teachers and students.

Understanding Alyssa’s Law Requirements

It is important for school districts to invest in everyday safety solutions that reduce response times during emergencies. This is exactly what Alyssa’s Law aims to achieve by empowering staff with a discreet way to get help fast.

The main requirement of Alyssa’s Law is the installation of silent panic alarms that connect directly to local law enforcement. These systems must be able to alert multiple first responder agencies in real-time, for a coordinated and quick response to any emergency. The integration of multiple emergency service technologies is key to crisis management and can be the difference between life and death.

School districts must conduct regular assessments of their emergency response plans and make updates as needed to be in compliance with Alyssa’s Law. This includes investing in safety solutions such as mobile panic alert systems that allow for quick communication during emergencies. By knowing the requirements of Alyssa’s Law and taking the necessary steps, schools can create a safer environment for students and staff.

States That Have Passed Alyssa’s Law

Alyssa’s Law is implemented differently in each state and according to each state’s specific laws. Some require immediate activation, while others give schools a phased implementation timeline. Regardless of the timeline or specific requirements in each state, the goal remains the same: to make schools safer with better communication systems that enable authorities to respond faster in an emergency.

Several states have passed Alyssa’s Law and are working to increase school safety by requiring silent panic alarms. As of 2025, that includes Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Washington. Each of these states requires the alarms to be directly connected to law enforcement for immediate action in an emergency, and here are the dates when they were enacted:

Florida

On June 30, 2020, Florida became an early adopter of Alyssa’s Law. This law requires all public schools in the state to have a mobile panic alert system called Alyssa’s Alert. It’s designed for immediate communication between school officials and first responders during emergencies. The Florida Legislature showed its commitment to school safety by allocating $6.4 million to help schools meet the requirements of Alyssa’s Law.

Schools in Florida were required to be in compliance with Alyssa’s Law by the start of the 2021-2022 school year. This provided schools with adequate time to purchase, install and test the new panic alarms.

Georgia

Georgia passed Alyssa’s Law on April 28, 2025, and is one of the latest states to pass legislation to enhance school safety through silent panic alarm systems. Dubbed “Ricky and Alyssa’s Law” (HB 268), this law requires schools to have accurate facility maps, panic button technology for teachers and administrators and an anonymous reporting program to further increase school safety.

Georgia’s law is unique in that it goes beyond just silent panic alarms and includes enhanced school safety planning and communication protocols. The law requires school districts, local law enforcement and school safety personnel to work together to ensure a coordinated response to emergencies.

Georgia’s law also requires training for school staff on panic alert systems and keeping facility information up to date. This comprehensive approach is designed to reduce law enforcement response time and improve overall school safety, creating safer learning environments for students and staff across the state.

This law in Georgia goes into effect on July 1, 2026, so schools have time to implement the requirements and get their safety plans in line with the new state standards.

Louisiana

Louisiana’s Governor John Bel Edwards signed Senate Bill 207 on August 1, 2023, known as the School Safety Act, into law. This legislation mandates that public schools implement panic emergency notification systems to swiftly alert law enforcement during emergencies. It also requires schools to develop crisis management plans, conduct safety drills and provide bleeding control kits.

New Jersey

Alyssa’s Law in New Jersey requires panic alarms to be installed with a direct connection to local law enforcement so help can arrive quickly in life-threatening situations. The alarms are silent inside the school, so students are not aware or scared when staff notifies law enforcement. Alyssa’s law compliance is key to school safety in New Jersey, and meeting the law’s requirements means schools can respond to emergencies by connecting school staff with first responders.

New York

On June 23, 2022, New York authorized 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). This law requires school districts to evaluate the implementation of silent panic alarms within their overall security measures to have a comprehensive and robust approach to protecting students and staff.

Alyssa’s Law requirements state that New York schools must have panic alarms directly connected to law enforcement to improve response times. Compliance is key, and there are grants available to help schools with compliance.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma passed Alyssa’s Law in July 2024 to increase school safety by requiring all public elementary and secondary schools to have mobile panic alert systems connected to local law enforcement. This law requires panic alert systems to send immediate, silent notifications during emergencies such as active shooter situations, lockdowns or other school security threats so law enforcement can respond quickly.

A unique part of Oklahoma’s law is the specificity around system capabilities. The law requires approved school security alert and response systems to notify designated school personnel when an emergency response is initiated through smartphone apps, phone calls, text messages, or other technology. These systems must also provide emergency responders with floor plans and caller location during 911 calls and real-time situational updates between school personnel and emergency responders.

Oklahoma’s law emphasizes integration with multiple emergency services technologies to coordinate in real-time with first responder agencies. The state encourages school districts, local law enforcement and public safety personnel to work together to streamline communication and improve emergency response.

To help with compliance, Oklahoma offers guidance and funding to help school districts install and maintain panic alert systems that meet Alyssa’s Law requirements. Training for school staff on how to use the systems and regular testing of emergency response plans are also part of the state’s school safety plan.

Oregon

Oregon passed legislation requiring silent panic alarms in public schools as part of its school safety efforts under Alyssa’s Law in May 2025. The law requires each school building to have at least one silent panic alarm device that is directly connected to local law enforcement.

To help schools meet this requirement, Oregon offers grant funding through programs such as the Wireless Panic Alarm Grant that reimburses schools for the cost of panic alarms. This helps take the burden off school districts and encourages timely compliance with Alyssa’s Law. Oregon’s approach goes beyond just installing panic alarms and integrates these systems into overall school safety plans. Schools are encouraged to work with local law enforcement and first responders to ensure communication and coordination during an emergency.

Regular testing and training on panic alarms are also part of Oregon’s strategy to improve response and protect students and staff. By doing this, Oregon aims to create safer schools where law enforcement can respond quickly to an emergency, save lives and make schools safer across the state.

Tennessee

Tennessee passed Alyssa’s Law on May 10, 2023, representing a significant step towards school safety in the state. Unlike some states that require immediate installation, Tennessee requires school safety teams to consider adding a mobile panic alert system that can connect to multiple emergency services technologies to ensure real-time coordination between multiple first responder agencies. This system must also connect to the local public safety answering point infrastructure to send 911 calls and mobile activations.

The law is part of a larger school safety bill and includes more than panic alarm installation. Tennessee allocated $40 million in grant funding for the 2023-2024 fiscal year under the Public School Security Grant program, which funds various school safety initiatives, including silent panic alarm systems. This funding flexibility allows districts to tailor their safety upgrades to their local needs.

Tennessee’s approach is about collaboration between districts, law enforcement and emergency responders to create coordinated and efficient emergency response plans. Regular training and testing of these systems is encouraged to ensure readiness and compliance with the law. By taking a measured but proactive approach, Tennessee hopes to reduce law enforcement response times and create safer learning environments for students and staff across the state.

Texas

May 5, 2023, was a big day for Texas in the quest for school safety as they passed a state version of Alyssa’s Law. This law requires silent panic alert technology to be installed in classrooms starting with the 2025-2026 school year. All public schools and open enrollment charter schools must comply, but the extended deadline gives schools time to get the technology and train their staff.

Each school district is responsible for implementing Alyssa’s Law to make sure safety measures, including mobile panic alert systems, are in place to communicate with emergency services.

The Texas law puts silent panic alerts at the forefront of creating safe learning environments in schools. With public and charter schools required to have these systems, Texas is proactively protecting its students and educators from harm and is committed to having robust school safety protocols.

Utah

Utah passed Alyssa’s Law in March of 2024. This law requires all public elementary and secondary schools, including charter schools, to install silent panic alarm systems that are directly connected to local law enforcement. Utah’s law applies not only to new school construction, but also to existing school buildings that must be brought into compliance by a state-developed timeline.

The law emphasizes real-time coordination among multiple first responder agencies by integrating different emergency services technologies. Utah’s strategy also includes strict enforcement, where the state security chief can recommend revocation of occupancy permits for school facilities that don’t meet the safety standards.

To help school districts meet these requirements, Utah has allocated a one-time $100 million and ongoing funding for school safety improvements. The state also provides training for school staff on how to use panic alarm systems and requires regular testing of emergency response plans to stay ready. With this level of commitment, Utah hopes to reduce law enforcement response times in emergencies, improve overall school safety and create safer learning environments for students and staff across the state.

Washington

Washington passed Alyssa’s Law on May 19, 2025. This law requires public elementary and secondary schools to have silent panic alarm systems directly connected to local law enforcement agencies. These panic alarms must provide immediate and discreet alerts during emergencies such as active shooter situations, lockdowns or other school security threats so law enforcement can respond quickly.

Washington’s approach is unique in that it emphasizes real-time coordination between multiple first responder agencies by integrating different emergency services technologies. The state encourages school districts, local law enforcement and public safety answering points to work together to streamline emergency communication and response.

To help with compliance, Washington provides guidance and resources to school districts to install and maintain panic alert systems that meet Alyssa’s Law requirements. Training for school staff on how to use the systems and regular testing of emergency response plans are also part of the state’s safety plan.

States with Alyssa’s Law Legislation Pending in 2025

As awareness around the importance of fast emergency response in schools grows, many states are currently working on legislation to pass Alyssa’s Law in 2025. With each state at a different stage of the process, some bills have just been introduced while others are in committee or waiting for a floor vote.

States with pending Alyssa’s law legislation include:

• Alabama (HB216, HB234)
• Arizona – Alyssa’s Law was introduced by Representatives Hernandez D. Chavez of Espinoza and Hernandez A. Payne of Sierra (HB2803, HB2638)
• Arkansas (HB1492)
• Connecticut (SB 846, SB 1216)
• Illinois (HB 5923, HB 1072)
• Kentucky (HB 14)
• Maine – Introduced on February 27, 2025, by Representative Anne-Marie Mastraccio (LD 808)
• Massachusetts (Bill H.3881)
• Michigan (AB 4241, AB 4242)
• Mississippi – Introduced in January 2025 by Senator Robin Robinson (SB2534)
• Missouri – Introduced in February 2024 by Senator Rusty Black and Representative Jim Kalberloh (SB781, HB2804)
• Montana – Introduced by Representative Braxton Mitchell on November 16, 2024, and is marked as “Ready for Delivery” (LC 1521, PDF)
• Nebraska – Introduced by Senator Tony Vargas of Omaha (LB1156)
• Ohio (SB313)
• Pennsylvania – Introduced by Senator Art Haywood and Senator Tracy Pennycuick
• South Carolina (HB 3258)
• Virginia – Alyssa’s Law was introduced by Representative Timothy V. Anderson (HB1125, HB1046)
• West Virginia – Introduced in February 2025 by Delegates Jonathan Pinson, Adam Burkhammer, Bryan Smith, and Senator Amy Grady (HB2394, SB434)

Each of these bills shine a spotlight on the national trend of expanding school safety by using silent panic alert technology. And this has been driven by the enactment of Alyssa’s Law. As these bills move forward, many include funding and training for school staff. There are also requirements to integrate panic alarm systems with existing emergency response plans already in place at schools.

By passing Alyssa’s Law, these states are trying to create safer schools where staff can discreetly and quickly alert law enforcement during emergencies. This will ultimately save lives and minimize harm in tragic events involving active shooters and other threats.

Key Features of Panic Alarm Systems

Silent panic alarms are the heart of Alyssa’s law because they are considered a quiet yet effective way to coordinate emergency response. By connecting directly to the communication channels used by emergency services, these systems allow school administrators and first responders to communicate without alerting the rest of the school. Law enforcement can be quickly notified of an emergency without causing chaos within the school, and ensuring that help is on the way as quickly as possible.

Emergency notification systems, such as panic buttons and mobile alert technology, are crucial to the future of school safety by enabling rapid response from law enforcement during an emergency. Some modern panic alarm systems even include wearable devices with discreet buttons that allow educators to send notifications quickly and discreetly, regardless of their location within the school. This is especially important in high-pressure situations, such as active shooter incidents, where every second counts.

A superior emergency communications solution will do more than just send out emergency text alerts. It will prepare administrators for every stage of a crisis while engineering as much human error out of the process as possible. Emergency notification systems that use automated technologies to their advantage are best positioned to accomplish this.

Pioneering Emergency Notification Systems (ENS) Since 2004

By far, the leading legacy provider of ENS capabilities is Omnilert. The company was founded in 2004 after the founders read about the tragedy of Jeanne Clery on her college campus, when no text communication was possible on campuses or through cell phones. Recognizing how those capabilities could have changed the outcome of that tragedy, Omnilert pioneered the first ENS capabilities. As a result of that innovation, ENS capabilities are now ubiquitous throughout the majority of educational campuses and have been the impetus for multiple life-saving applications such as amber alerts, weather alerts and more.

Omnilert’s advanced emergency communication solution can be adapted to suit any emergency notification system needs. The high-performance technology is comprised of software and infrastructure that ensures consistent, reliable performance, so emergency communications can be as fast, complete and as precise as possible. As stated by one of its founders, Nick Gustavsson, “When every second counts, you can’t leave any room for human error. That’s why we’ve engineered a solution with as few steps as possible to launch a response – even with a single touch.”

Omnilert’s life-saving ENS has the capacity to notify, mobilize and communicate throughout a crisis. First, clear and actionable content must be sent immediately, and in such a way that it can reach people anywhere. Omnilert technology can communicate through a variety of platforms such as emails, mobile phones and social media. Reaching people through their preferred (and various) lines of communication means they will receive an alert more immediately, keeping them safe and informed. It can also send mass notifications that are broadcast to a more public space, such as via website, social media, public address system, digital signage, televisions and LED boards.

The Power of ENS and Alyssa’s Law

Alyssa’s Law is an integral layer of a comprehensive school security plan designed to save lives and can be easily integrated with other actions and technologies, such as the Omnilert platform. The layering of silent button alerts with Omnilert technology enables a one-step activation of multiple layers that can include dialing 911, sending an email text notification to on-site personnel, starting a conference call bridge for instant collaboration, notifying other staff and teachers of the situation via text, digital signage and audible alarms. In addition to communicating an emergency, the Omnilert platform also stores emergency procedures, so referencing security plans is readily available during an emergency.

Going One Step Further Because School Safety is a Top Priority

With 20 years of ENS expertise, it was an obvious step for Omnilert to expand its capabilities to add even more life-saving technologies to its platform. The company’s platform now also includes AI technology that can visually detect a weapon the instant it is brandished. The Omnilert’s AI Gun Detection system can be integrated into any existing security camera, and once a threat is verified, it can instantly activate a response that includes dispatching police, locking doors, sounding alarms and automating other responses to notify those in harm’s way and save lives.

Benefits of Silent Panic Alarms in Schools

As a key layer of technology in a school’s overall security infrastructure, silent panic alarms are a vital tool to discreetly notify law enforcement during emergencies and reduce the panic among students and staff. During active shooter events, silently signaling for help without causing a panic among students can be life-saving. When used with other technologies such as comprehensive ENS systems, visual AI gun detection and even metal detectors or audio gun detection, schools have the power in their hands to be safer than ever before. In addition, the presence of all these technologies working together makes educators and school leaders feel more confident in their ability to keep both themselves and their students safe during a crisis.

Schools that have implemented silent panic alarms in their safety protocols have reported a significant reduction in response times for emergency services to arrive on the scene. Adding visual AI gun detection to these systems has proven to speed response times even more, which is critical to saving lives in active shooter incidents.

Multi-Layered Security Approach

Fortunately, there are multiple technologies available today for keeping schools safe from threats. Thanks to Alyssa’s Law, implementing silent panic alarms has become a key layer, and when combined with other technologies such as Omnilert Gun Detect, schools can benefit from a robust security infrastructure. The more robust this security plan is, the faster first responders can be engaged to not only save lives during a crisis, but also give educators, students and their families more peace of mind during the school day. Other strategies for enhancing school safety could include more on-site school resource officers, bulletproof windows, automatic door locks, perimeter fences and metal detectors in schools.

As with all technology, this multi-layered security approach requires ongoing training to make sure all those involved know how to react in an emergency. This includes working closely with local authorities, and even the FBI and SWAT teams, to test the technology, train staff to use it, and conduct training drills to make sure everyone is prepared in the event a real emergency occurs. It is also important for schools to include regular network equipment maintenance in their security plan to guarantee uninterrupted surveillance and reliability.

Public Safety and Emergency Services

Public safety and emergency services are key to responding to school emergencies. For example, Alyssa’s Law requires schools to have silent panic alarm systems that connect directly to school emergency services and local public safety answering points. This ensures that local law enforcement will respond quickly to emergencies. To ensure seamless operation, school districts should work with their public safety agencies to ensure their emergency response plans are effective and compliant with Alyssa’s Law.

School districts and public safety agencies must collaborate to develop and maintain effective emergency response plans. Schools should regularly review and update their plans in conjunction with local law enforcement and other emergency services. This partnership ensures that everyone is prepared to respond quickly and efficiently during a crisis, thereby keeping students and staff safe.

Emergency Management and Response

Emergency management and response are part of school safety, and schools need to have an emergency response plan in place. These systems help staff respond quickly in emergency situations and can reduce law enforcement response times.

A good emergency response plan should cover all scenarios from natural disasters to active shooter situations. Silent panic alarms, visual AI gun detection and ENS capabilities are key parts of these plans as they enable rapid notification to law enforcement and can automate critical steps during an emergency that are often too difficult for humans to handle during a high-stress situation.

Another key part of emergency management and response is to conduct onsite training sessions with both staff and students, so everyone knows what to do in an emergency. These drills help to reinforce the procedures in the emergency response plan and make sure the school community is prepared to act fast and effectively. By prioritizing emergency management and response, districts can do a much better job of protecting their school campuses.

Alyssa’s Law Compliance

According to Alyssa’s Law, public schools must have rapid response emergency protocols. This law requires silent panic alarms in every school building that directly connect to local law enforcement so they can be alerted in an emergency. Local education agencies can use grant funding to implement customized security solutions, such as panic alert systems and surveillance tools like visual AI gun detection, to meet the needs of their schools and budgets.

To comply with Alyssa’s Law and ensure rapid emergency response, schools must have safety solutions across their entire campus. This may include advanced technologies such as mapping systems, flashing strobes, intercoms, secure door locks and silent panic alarms – all of which are designed to increase public safety and speed up emergency response times.

Funding for School Security

Funding is key to implementing safety measures across all schools in every state in the country. The School Violence Prevention Program is a perfect example of a federal program that provides funding for initiatives that increase school safety. Schools can also tap the STOP School Violence Grant Program administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance to receive funding for technology and training to meet Alyssa’s Law requirements. These funding programs help schools meet Alyssa’s Law requirements for silent panic alarms as well as other related safety technology that helps speed up both notification and response during an emergency.

State grant programs are also beneficial for helping schools implement safety solutions for school districts. For example, in Ohio, schools can get funding through the Campus Safety Grant Program to improve security infrastructure. Likewise, the Oregon Department of Education’s Wireless Panic Alarm Grant is a funding opportunity for schools to receive up to $2,000 per building to install panic alarm systems.

Schools can use both state and local funding programs to pay for various improvements to campus safety, such as panic alarm systems, entry point controls or perimeter security. By taking advantage of these government funding opportunities at different levels, schools not only meet the requirements of Alyssa’s Law but also create a safe environment for both students and staff.

Real-Life Impact Stories of Silent Panic Alarms

Thanks to Alyssa’s Law, silent panic alarms have made a noticeable impact on school safety. Schools in New Jersey that have installed this technology have reported feeling more secure knowing they have a direct line to call for help in an emergency. Similarly, in Texas, the silent panic alert systems implemented in schools have been instrumental in decreasing response times for emergency personnel during an emergency.

According to news reports, it was the quick activation of an emergency alert system during a shooting at a Georgia high school in 2024 that may have saved lives. Local law enforcement was initially notified of a shooting through the activation of a panic button by a staff member. The buttons, which were worn by all staff members, immediately notified local police that a serious emergency was in progress and provided the precise location of the danger.

Partnering with Safety Solution Providers

To comply with Alyssa’s Law, schools should partner with safety solution providers. This includes working with companies such as Omnilert, which offers proven ENS capabilities and visual AI gun detection technology. And because Omnilert solutions are built on an open platform, they can support existing workflows and systems already installed in schools, such as VMS systems, access control platforms and other safety and security tools.

Partnering with multiple vendors that provide different pieces of security can ensure that schools have the multi-layered approach that is most effective at protecting students and staff from threats.

The Impact of Alyssa’s Law

Alyssa’s Law has become a vital way of protecting students and staff in schools. This law was born out of the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and has gone on to become a cornerstone of enhanced school safety across America.

The number of states passing Alyssa’s Law is a positive sign that state legislators are getting more serious about student safety across the country. Violence in schools is clearly a growing problem, but with state and federal legislation for more security protocols and funding to ensure they can be implemented, this alarming trend can be stopped and even reversed.

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