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Senate approves 'Alyssa's Law' to let schools use wearable panic‑alert devices; program sunsets in 2029
Summary
House Bill 47 98 (Alyssa's Law) passed the Senate unanimously. The bill directs a state board to promulgate rules permitting a wearable panic alert for school staff, creates a fund for implementation, requires local law‑enforcement access protocols and includes a sunset date of Dec. 31, 2029.
House Bill 47 98, described on the floor as "Alyssa's Law," passed the West Virginia Senate on third reading by a unanimous vote. The sponsor told senators the measure directs the state board, in conjunction with the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, to promulgate a legislative rule permitting the use of a wearable panic alert device in public schools contingent on available funding.
"The device is very similar to this," the senator for Mason said, demonstrating and describing a lanyard‑style device he said could be worn around the neck. "There's a little button on the back where the teacher can, one time, if there is an issue in the classroom... If it's pressed multiple times then it would alert law enforcement. So it's not something that can be activated and used wrongly. It is a multiple press button."
The bill authorizes county boards to apply for funding from a school safety fund created by the bill, requires administrators to coordinate access protocols with local law enforcement, and allows the devices to be used for visitors with restricted access to portions of a facility. The measure also includes a sunset provision that ends the program on Dec. 31, 2029.
The clerk announced 34 yeas, 0 nays; the presiding officer declared the bill passed and the Senate adopted a title amendment before sending the action to the House.
