CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A new bill introduced in the West Virginia Legislature aims to enhance school safety by requiring all schools in the state to implement a wearable panic alert system. The legislation, designated as HB 2394, seeks to establish a system known as Alyssa’s Law, designed to improve emergency response times and school security.
The bill, if enacted, would amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, by adding a new section, §18-9F-9a, under the School Access Safety Act. The proposed measure mandates the West Virginia State Board of Education, in coordination with the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, to develop and implement rules for the system by December 31, 2025. If necessary, emergency rules may also be promulgated to ensure a swift implementation.
Under the bill, every school in the state would be required to integrate a wearable panic alert system that can seamlessly connect with local emergency services. The system would enable staff members to immediately contact 9-1-1 and trigger a campus-wide lockdown notification when activated. Each school employee would be provided with a wearable panic alert device, ensuring that emergency responders are swiftly alerted to potential threats.
Additionally, the bill requires that all school personnel receive training before the start of each academic year on the correct usage and protocol for the panic alert device. Furthermore, schools would need to coordinate with local law enforcement agencies to grant access to security data, including cameras, school maps, and access control systems, to improve response coordination during emergencies.
The introduction of Alyssa’s Law in West Virginia follows similar legislative efforts in other states, inspired by the tragic 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where 17 students and staff members lost their lives. The law is named in memory of Alyssa Alhadeff, a 14-year-old student who was among the victims of the Parkland shooting.
Advocates of the bill argue that such a measure is a necessary step in bolstering school security and expediting emergency response times in the event of a crisis. Supporters emphasize that real-time communication with law enforcement and first responders can significantly mitigate the risks associated with school shootings and other emergencies.
As the legislative session progresses, West Virginia lawmakers will debate and consider the bill’s provisions, with education officials, law enforcement agencies, and community stakeholders weighing in on its potential impact. If passed, Alyssa’s Law could mark a significant milestone in ensuring safer learning environments for students and school staff across the state.
