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House panel advances Alyssa’s Law panic‑alert requirement for schools
Summary
Representative Kevin Jackson presented House Bill 643 (Alyssa’s Law), proposing a panic‑alert system in schools with a 50/50 state match from the Center for School Safety as funds permit; supporters said the technology complements school resource officers and that about 14–15 public school systems already use the technology.
Representative Kevin Jackson told the committee House Bill 643, known as Alyssa’s Law, would require a panic‑alert system deployable by school staff to notify law enforcement and administration during an active threat. Jackson framed the bill as a school safety measure in the wake of mass‑shooting events that led other states to adopt similar systems.
Lawmakers discussed the proposed funding model, which authorizes a 50/50 state match from the Center for School Safety as funds become available. Representative Bratcher asked whether the center currently has matching funds in its budget; sponsors said no state funds have been set aside and the match would be provided as funds are allocated, with districts eligible to opt in and match for implementation and maintenance costs.
Committee members asked how many districts have already implemented the technology; sponsors said roughly 14–15 public school systems (about 19 schools including private institutions) have adopted panic‑alert devices and others are in various stages of implementation. Supporters emphasized the bill would not replace school resource officers, which they called the preferred human component of school safety, but would operate in conjunction with officers and other measures.
Representative Jackson said the bill had passed committee and included an expression that it should pass on the House floor; the committee voted to advance the bill.
