Alyssa's Law: A complete overview
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Table of Contents
What is Alyssa's Law?
Alyssa’s Law is a state legislation in the U.S. designed to enhance school safety by mandating the implementation of silent panic alert systems that directly notify first responders during an emergency. The law is named after Alyssa Alhadeff, a 14-year-old student who tragically lost her life during the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
Following the tragedy, Alyssa’s mother, Lori Alhadeff, became a vocal advocate for improved school safety measures. Her efforts, along with those of other activists, led to the creation of Alyssa’s Law, which ensures that schools are better equipped to respond to emergencies.
Many states have already enacted the law, while others are pending its passing. The latest state to enact Alyssa’s Law in the U.S. is Georgia.
What are the requirements of Alyssa's Law?
Schools subject to Alyssa’s Law must comply with the following requirements, though specifics vary by state:
- Silent panic button systems: Installation of silent panic alarms that can be activated discreetly by school staff during emergencies.
- Direct connection to first responders: Ensure these systems are linked to local law enforcement and emergency services for immediate response.
- Staff training: Provide training for school employees on how and when to use the system effectively.
- Integration with existing systems: Where applicable, school panic alert systems should be integrated with existing security infrastructure, such as intercoms or security cameras.
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States that have passed Alyssa's Law
Several states have already implemented Alyssa’s Law. The table below illustrates the year the law was enacted and details for each state.
| State | Year of enactment | Bill details |
| New Jersey | 2019 | Details of A764. |
| Florida | 2020 | Details of CS/CS/SB 70. |
| New York | 2022 | Details of Senate Bill S7132A. |
| Texas | 2023 | Details of A Bill to be Entitled an Act: HB204, HB669 and SB838. |
| Tennessee | 2023 | Details of HB0322 and HB2528. |
| Utah | 2024 | Details of H.B. 84, HB HB0084S05 and HB-SUB-5 Summary. |
| Oklahoma | 2024 | Details of SB 1357 and HB4073. |
| Georgia | 2025 | Details of SB 17 and HB 268. |
States where Alyssa's Law is pending
Several states are currently pending the passing of Alyssa’s Law. Below are the current states where the law is pending:
- Nebraska: Introduced by Senator Tony Vargas of Omaha, this bill (LB1156) aims to bring silent panic alert systems to schools statewide.
- Arizona: Representatives Hernandez, Chavez, Espinoza, Payne and Sierra have sponsored multiple bills, including HB2803 and HB2638, to advance Alyssa’s Law in Arizona.
- Virginia: Representative Timothy V. Anderson has championed Alyssa’s Law through proposed bills HB1125 and HB1046, signaling a commitment to increased school safety.
- Oregon: Representative Emerson Levy introduced HB3101, advocating for integrating panic alert systems in Oregon schools.
- Michigan: Bills AB4241 and AB4242 are currently under consideration, marking Michigan’s progress toward adopting Alyssa’s Law.
- Massachusetts: A hearing was held in September 2023 for bill H.3881, reflecting growing support for school safety measures in the state.
- Pennsylvania: Senator Art Haywood and Senator Tracy Pennycuick advocate for Alyssa’s Law during the 2023-2024 legislative session.
- Alabama: HB216 is under review, demonstrating Alabama’s efforts to prioritize the safety of its schools.
- Ohio: SB313 is currently progressing through the legislative process as Ohio moves closer to adopting Alyssa’s Law.
- Illinois: Multiple bills, including HB5923 and HB1072, reflect Illinois’ commitment to enhancing school emergency response capabilities.
- South Carolina: HB3258 is being considered as part of South Carolina’s school safety strategy.
- Washington: SB5004 highlights ongoing efforts in Washington to implement panic alert systems for schools.
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Alyssa's Law: breakdown by state
Alyssa's Law in New Jersey
New Jersey was the first state to pass Alyssa’s Law in 2019. It mandates that silent panic alarms be linked directly to law enforcement, enhancing communication and response time. The requirements to meet Alyssa’s Law are that all public elementary and secondary schools must have:
- At least one panic alarm to notify law enforcement in case of an emergency
- Alternatively, an emergency mechanism approved by the New Jersey Department of Education can be used instead of a silent alarm system
Alyssa's Law in Florida
Florida enacted Alyssa’s Law in 2020, requiring all public schools to install silent panic alarms and requiring the Department of Education to issue a competitive solicitation to contract for a mobile panic alert system. The law aims to provide quicker access to first responders, potentially saving lives during emergencies. To meet Alyssa’s Law it requires:
- All public and charter schools must implement a mobile panic alert system. The system must be capable of:
- Connecting emergency response technologies
- Providing real-time coordination between multiple first responder agencies
Alyssa's Law in New York
Passed in 2022, New York’s implementation of Alyssa’s Law requires school boards to inform and communicate any information about panic alarm system installation in any of their schools in the district. New York currently does not mandate silent panic alarms but requires school districts to consider adding them to their school safety plans. Implementation is encouraged but not required by law.
Alyssa's Law in Texas
Texas adopted Alyssa’s Law in 2023, focusing on panic button systems and better coordination between schools and emergency services. The law also includes provisions for staff training, requiring all educational staff to be aware of the systems put in place and adequately trained on how to use them. To meet the requirements of Alyssa’s Law public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools must install silent panic alert technology in every classroom. The system must allow for immediate contact with:
- School district emergency services
- Local emergency responders (law enforcement, fire and health departments)
Alyssa's Law in Tennessee
Tennessee implemented Alyssa’s Law in 2023, revising various provisions of law relative to safety in elementary and secondary education and the Schools Against Violence in Education Act. Additionally, it establishes a school safety alert grant pilot program to help schools fund the implementation of safety systems. Schools are not required to install panic alert systems but must evaluate their potential inclusion in district-wide security plans. The law is part of a broader school safety package rather than a standalone requirement.
Alyssa's Law in Utah
Passed in 2024, Utah implemented Alyssa’s Law with several amendments focused on the safety of schools, from students to staff. The amendments required every school district to conduct a school safety needs assessment. To meet Alyssa’s Law the requirements include:
- Wearable panic buttons for teachers in every classroom
- Internal and external security systems
- Limited entry points for controlled school access
- Lockable classroom doors
- Ballistic glass or security film on windows
- Bleed and first aid kits available on-site
- Routine security assessments and improvement planning
Alyssa's Law in Oklahoma
In 2024, Oklahoma became the latest state to pass Alyssa’s Law, and they focused on emphasizing real-time connection to law enforcement to mitigate response delays during emergencies. Formal requirements haven’t been outlined to meet Alyssa’s Law for the state of Oklahoma.
Alyssa’s Law in Georgia
As of July 1, 2025, Georgia officially enacted a senate bill known as Ricky and Alyssa’s Law, mandating the installation of panic buttons in all public and private schools across the state. The law also ensures that first responders receive real-time digital mapping data of schools to reduce emergency response time.
The legislation will be funded through $108.9 million in school security grants from Georgia’s current budget, averaging $41,000 per school, with an additional $50 million proposed in the amended 2026 budget.
Alyssa’s Law in Virginia
Virginia’s enactment of Alyssa’s Law was signed in April 2026. The law details that school boards must provide employees in public elementary and secondary schools with wearable panic alarm systems. The law itself does not make the panic alarms a mandatory requirement for schools, but instead allows school boards to choose if teachers can have them.
Alyssa's Law: a step in prioritizing school safety
Alyssa’s Law ensures swift communication with first responders during emergencies. By implementing silent panic button systems, schools can potentially save lives and provide peace of mind to students, parents and staff. As more states consider adopting this legislation, the collective goal remains clear: creating safer learning environments for all children.