News Summary
A new law in Georgia, known as “Ricky and Alyssa’s Law,” mandates panic alert systems in all public K-12 schools starting July 1. Designed to enhance safety measures in response to school shootings, these mobile systems will connect directly to emergency services, enabling faster responses during crises. The law honors victims of tragic school shootings and comes as part of a broader initiative to improve safety protocols in educational environments statewide. With $108.9 million allocated for implementation, Georgia joins nine other states in prioritizing school safety.
Atlanta, Georgia – A new law mandating panic alert systems in public K-12 schools across Georgia is set to take effect on July 1. Known as “Ricky and Alyssa’s Law”, this legislation (Senate Bill 17) was designed to enhance school safety measures in response to tragic school shootings, including incidents that claimed the lives of students and teachers in recent years.
The law requires all public schools in the state to install mobile panic alert systems that directly connect to local and state emergency services. These systems will facilitate real-time digital mapping that enables first responders to locate schools swiftly during emergencies, potentially saving lives and reducing response times.
Name in honor of Richard Aspinwall and Alyssa Alhadeff, the law is a poignant reminder of the need for improved safety protocols in educational environments. Richard Aspinwall was killed during the shooting at Apalachee High School, while Alyssa Alhadeff was one of the victims of the Parkland shooting.
With the unanimous passage of this bill by the Georgia Senate just before the legislative Crossover Day deadline, Georgia becomes the 10th state to implement such safety measures in schools nationwide. The swift action reflects a growing commitment to prioritize student and staff safety in learning environments.
Prior to the shooting incident, Apalachee High School had already been employing a panic button alert system, which local law enforcement officials hailed as effective technology in enabling quick responses during emergencies.
The new law mandates that school districts incorporate digital layouts of their school facilities to aid law enforcement during crises. This provision is crucial in ensuring that emergency responders can navigate the school premises efficiently, thus enhancing the effectiveness of their response.
Support for SB 17 also comes from the Aspinwall family, who have been advocates for stronger safety measures in the wake of their loss. In addition to the panic alert system mandate, other safety-related laws set to take effect on July 1 include House Bill 175, which enhances background checks for early care and education programs, and House Bill 371, which increases funding for the Quality Basic Education Act’s capital outlay.
Furthermore, Senate Bill 123 will prevent the expulsion of students for chronic absenteeism, emphasizing localized solutions to address this critical issue.
The initiative to integrate panic alert systems into schools is financially supported by several security grants, totaling $108.9 million in the current state budget. This sum translates to an average of about $41,000 allocated for each K-12 school in the state. An additional proposal for $50 million to bolster school safety measures is included in the amended 2026 state budget.
Lt. Gov. Burt Jones has voiced his support for SB 17 as part of a broader commitment to legislative efforts aimed at improving school safety. The bill remains on track to reach the governor’s desk by April 4 to be officially enacted.
Despite the progress outlined in SB 17, some gun safety advocates have voiced concern that the legislation does not directly tackle the root issues surrounding gun violence. Additionally, there are worries that certain 911 centers may face challenges in utilizing the new panic alert system due to outdated technological infrastructure.
According to the bill’s sponsor, Senator Jason Anavitarte, over half of the school districts in Georgia currently utilize similar panic button systems, with technology suppliers like CENTEGIX already serving several districts in the state, including Douglas, Clayton, and Cherokee counties. This foundation suggests that the transition to additional safety protocols could be smoother in schools already equipped with relevant technology.
As the implementation date approaches, stakeholders in Georgia’s education and law enforcement communities are preparing for the changes aimed at creating a safer environment for students and staff alike.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First: Ricky and Alyssa’s Law
- Georgia Recorder: Panic Buttons in Schools
- WRDW: GA Senate Passes Panic Button Bill
- NBC News: Panic Alarm System Saves Lives
- Reuters: Panic Buttons During Shooting
