The ALYSSA Act is federal legislation that would mandate silent panic alarm systems in all U.S. public schools, establishing nationwide emergency response standards similar to fire alarm requirements. First introduced in 2019 by Representative Josh Gottheimer, the Act addresses a critical gap where only 10 states have passed Alyssa's Law, leaving 40 states without mandated panic button protection for students and staff.
What Is the ALYSSA Act and Why Does It Matter?
The ALYSSA Act (Alyssa's Legacy Youth in Schools Safety Alert Act) represents a federal approach to school emergency preparedness that would standardize panic alarm requirements across all 50 states. Ten states have successfully implemented their own versions of Alyssa's Law since New Jersey led the way in 2019. Each victory represents progress in school safety, protecting students through silent panic alarm systems connected directly to law enforcement.
But success in ten states means 40 states still lack this critical protection. This patchwork approach to school safety creates an uncomfortable reality where geography determines safety standards, even though the threat remains constant across all state lines.
Lori Alhadeff, founder of Make Our Schools Safe, understands this challenge firsthand. Her daughter Alyssa was one of 17 victims murdered at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018. She has spent years advocating for the state legislation that bears her daughter's name, yet she recognizes that state-level success, while meaningful, cannot solve a national problem.
Understanding the Difference Between State and Federal Legislation
The difference between Alyssa's Law and the ALYSSA Act reveals how American legislation addresses safety at different scales. Alyssa's Law operates at the state level, where individual legislatures pass requirements for panic alarm systems in schools.
Each state crafts its own version with varying mandates, funding mechanisms, and implementation timelines. The ALYSSA Act represents federal legislation where Congress would establish nationwide standards for emergency response technology in schools, including panic button systems and digital mapping capabilities.
Federal standards do not replace state laws. They establish minimum baselines that states can exceed, much like building codes or fire safety requirements that protect every school building in America. Understanding the comprehensive approach needed to protect students, staff, and entire school communities helps clarify why federal standards matter for creating consistent, effective protection nationwide.
How Federal Standards Create Consistency
Fire alarms provide the clearest parallel to what the ALYSSA Act would accomplish. Every school building in America must have fire alarm pull stations and sprinkler systems because federal standards mandate them, backed by funding and enforcement mechanisms.
No state decides whether fire alarms are necessary. No school board debates if their district can afford fire safety. Children learn where pull stations are located and how to evacuate, and teachers conduct drills without questioning whether the system works.
The same approach could protect students from active threats. Silent panic alarm systems would become standard school infrastructure, tested regularly and integrated into emergency protocols, improving response time nationwide rather than just in states with forward-thinking legislation.
Current Federal Efforts and Legislative Status
The ALYSSA Act has been introduced multiple times in Congress but has not yet become law. In the 118th Congress, the legislation (H.R. 4999) was introduced on July 27, 2023, with bipartisan support from 29 cosponsors, including 19 Democrats and 10 Republicans. The bill did not receive a vote before the congressional session ended in January 2025.
Representative Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey has led federal efforts since first introducing the ALYSSA Act in 2019. The legislation would require all public schools receiving federal funding under Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to install silent panic alarms with direct law enforcement connections.
The SOS Act (Strengthening Our Schools Act) represents another federal approach to school safety funding. It addresses multiple security needs beyond panic alarms, though with less specific technical requirements than the ALYSSA Act.
Why Federal Standards Matter More Than State-by-State Approaches
State-by-state implementation creates fundamental problems that federal standards would solve:
- Inconsistent technical specifications: Systems in different states may not meet the same performance criteria. A panic button in one state might take three seconds to alert law enforcement while another state's system might take thirty seconds, creating unequal protection for students based solely on geography.
- Funding disparities leave schools behind: Wealthy districts can afford sophisticated technology while rural or underfunded schools struggle with outdated equipment. Federal funding tied to standards ensures more equitable access to life-saving technology across all communities.
- Training happens in isolation: Schools that have implemented panic button systems develop their own best practices without benefiting from lessons learned elsewhere. Federal standards would include training frameworks and implementation guidance based on proven approaches nationwide.
Economic Benefits of Federal Coordination
Cost efficiency improves dramatically when safety requirements scale nationally. Schools currently researching panic alarm systems face significant expenses for vendor evaluation, system design, and installation planning. Each district essentially reinvents the wheel, paying consultants to answer questions that other districts have already solved.
Federal standards create measurable economic advantages:
- Elimination of redundant research costs: Technical specifications eliminate lengthy vendor comparisons and reduce consulting expenses. Training programs can be developed once and deployed everywhere rather than each district creating their own materials.
- Bulk purchasing power reduces equipment costs: When panic alarm technology becomes a federal requirement, vendors compete to meet known specifications at scale. Schools benefit from economies of scale that individual districts cannot achieve alone, decreasing equipment costs while quality standards increase. Districts exploring how to implement advanced school safety technology while working within tight budget constraints will find that federal standards significantly reduce both research and procurement costs.
- Predictable maintenance and upgrade cycles: Schools can budget for panic alarm systems the way they budget for fire alarms. This predictability enables better long-term planning and prevents systems from becoming outdated due to funding gaps.
Integration with Comprehensive Security Infrastructure
Panic alarm systems work most effectively when integrated with other security technologies already protecting schools. The 93% of public schools that use security cameras represent an enormous existing infrastructure investment. Modern panic alarm implementation should leverage these existing systems rather than operate in isolation.
When a teacher activates a panic button, effective systems accomplish multiple goals simultaneously. Immediate law enforcement notification sends officers alerts with exact location of the emergency within seconds of activation. Real-time administrative visibility gives school administrators live updates on the developing situation through their mobile devices and desktop systems.
Automatic lockdown activation engages campus-wide lockdown protocols automatically, securing uninvolved areas and protecting more students. But the most effective systems go further by integrating with AI-powered video intelligence.
How AI Video Intelligence Enhances Panic Response
Modern video intelligence platforms analyze camera feeds in real-time, detecting weapons, monitoring crowd formations, and tracking movement patterns. When a panic button activates, these systems provide responding officers with immediate visual context.
VOLT AI's platform demonstrates this integration approach. Schools using both panic alarm systems and AI video intelligence benefit from layered security that responds faster and more effectively than either technology alone. Understanding how panic alarms and AI video intelligence work together to create comprehensive protection reveals why integrated systems outperform standalone solutions.
Consider a scenario where a staff member activates a panic button after seeing someone with a weapon. Integration provides critical advantages that save precious seconds.
Visual confirmation for responding officers means law enforcement receives video feeds showing the current location of the identified threat, eliminating time spent searching and assessing upon arrival. Real-time threat tracking allows officers to see if the person is moving, which direction they are heading, and whether other people are in immediate danger before they enter the building.
Automated facility information provides building layout details and optimal entry points to security personnel automatically. Enhanced situational awareness enables responders to see areas where students or staff may be sheltering, creating more effective protection strategies during active incidents.
Every second of response time matters when lives are at stake. This situational awareness enables more effective response strategies and reduces time spent locating threats. Schools like Prescott High School have transformed their security response from reactive to proactive by implementing these integrated systems.
Technical Requirements for Effective Integration
Federal standards should address not just panic button functionality but also interoperability requirements that enable effective integration. Schools need systems that work together rather than creating isolated technology silos.
Modern panic alarm systems must meet specific technical criteria to provide effective protection and seamless integration with existing security infrastructure.
Technical Requirement | Standard Specification | Integration Benefit |
Alert response time | Under 3 seconds from activation to law enforcement notification | Enables faster emergency response and reduces critical delay |
Video system compatibility | Works with 95%+ of existing IP camera systems | Eliminates need for expensive camera replacement |
Communication protocols | Supports SIP, HTTP, and mobile push standards | Ensures multi-channel alert delivery to all stakeholders |
Location accuracy | Precise room-level identification with facility mapping | Directs responders to exact incident location |
Privacy controls | Encryption, access logging, automatic retention limits | Protects student and staff privacy while maintaining security |
System uptime | 99.9% availability with redundant connectivity | Guarantees protection during critical incidents |
Testing protocols | Monthly automated tests with annual full drills | Maintains system readiness and staff familiarity |
Scalability | Supports 10 to 10,000+ alert devices per system | Accommodates small schools and large districts equally |
Privacy protections must be built into these standards. Video intelligence systems that support panic alarm response should have clear policies about when footage is reviewed, who has access to it, and how long it is retained.
State-by-State Progress and Remaining Gaps
New Jersey passed Alyssa's Law first in 2019, establishing the model other states have followed. Florida, New York, Texas, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Utah, Georgia, Washington, Oregon, and Louisiana have since passed their own versions. Two additional states are conducting pilot programs to evaluate implementation approaches.
Each state's version reflects local priorities and funding realities. Some mandate panic buttons in every classroom, while others require only main office installations with mobile alerts to staff. Funding mechanisms range from dedicated state appropriations to local school district budgets to grants and private partnerships.
This variation demonstrates both the strength and weakness of state-level legislation. States can tailor requirements to their specific contexts and move quickly to implement protection, but students in states without legislation receive no protection at all, regardless of need or risk.
State-by-State Implementation Comparison
The table below shows how different states have approached Alyssa's Law implementation, highlighting the variation in requirements and funding approaches.
State | Year Passed | Funding Mechanism | Mandate Scope | Implementation Status |
New Jersey | 2019 | State appropriation with local match | All school buildings | Fully implemented |
Florida | 2020 | State funding through annual budget | Elementary schools prioritized | Phased implementation |
New York | 2022 | State grants plus local district funds | All public schools | Implementation ongoing |
Texas | 2021 | Local district budgets | District discretion on deployment | Varied by district |
Tennessee | 2021 | State grant program | Public K-12 schools | Phased implementation |
Oklahoma | 2022 | Local funding with state guidance | District discretion on deployment | Early implementation |
Utah | 2022 | State appropriation | All public schools | Implementation ongoing |
Georgia | 2023 | Local district budgets | All public schools | Accelerated after Apalachee |
Washington | 2024 | State funding program | Public K-12 schools | Planning phase |
Oregon | 2024 | Combined state and local funding | Public schools | Planning phase |
Georgia Case Study: Proven Life-Saving Impact
Georgia's experience with Alyssa's Law proved the technology's life-saving potential during a real emergency. During the Apalachee High School shooting, a teacher saw the gunman walking onto campus and immediately pressed her wearable panic button.
Law enforcement received instant notification. Medical responders arrived faster than they would have without the system, and their survival is directly attributed to the rapid response enabled by the panic button system.
Two people tragically lost their lives that day. But nine shooting victims survived, and emergency medical services arrived fast enough to provide life-saving treatment to critically wounded students.
This single incident demonstrates why every school in America deserves the same protection. The technology works, the protocols are proven, and the only barrier to nationwide implementation is the lack of federal standards and funding. Districts like Robinson ISD are redefining campus protection through real-world school safety leadership and proving what's possible when schools prioritize proactive security measures.
The Path Forward for Advocates and Stakeholders
The ALYSSA Act will need to be reintroduced in the current 119th Congress following the end of the previous congressional session. When it is filed, advocates will need to mobilize support quickly through sustained pressure from multiple stakeholder groups.
Parents, teachers, and school administrators can take specific actions to advance federal safety standards. Contact congressional representatives and request that they cosponsor the ALYSSA Act, making it clear that school safety cannot remain a state-by-state patchwork approach and that students in all states deserve equal protection.
Use Make Our Schools Safe resources for updated information, including a clickable map showing which states have passed Alyssa's Law and templates for contacting legislators at both state and federal levels. Parents looking for practical ways to support Alyssa's Law in their own state will find actionable guidance on navigating local school safety legislation and advocating effectively for change.
For states that have not yet passed Alyssa's Law, support both state-level legislation and federal standards since state laws can be implemented faster while federal efforts build momentum.
Engaging Students in Safety Advocacy
Students themselves represent powerful voices for school safety reform. The MOSS (Make Our Schools Safe) Clubs program empowers students to advocate for safety measures while building leadership skills.
The program demonstrates measurable impact across the country. 27 active clubs nationwide currently operate in schools across multiple states, with expansion plans targeting at least one club in every state.
Student-led safety initiatives teach club members about school safety issues, enable them to develop their own safety initiatives, and empower them to advocate for policy changes at local and national levels. Students are the end users of school safety systems and experience daily realities that adults may not fully understand, making their perspectives on what makes schools feel safer essential in policy discussions.
Student voices carry unique weight in this conversation. They know who is in trouble, who is in a dark place, and who needs a helping hand, and for policymakers not to recognize this represents a missed opportunity to create more effective safety solutions.
Why VOLT AI Supports Federal Safety Standards
Technology companies working in school safety have a responsibility to advocate for better standards. We build tools that detect threats, alert staff, and provide situational awareness to responders, but technology alone cannot solve systemic policy gaps.
VOLT AI's platform works with existing security camera systems to provide real-time threat detection and emergency response capabilities. We have seen how this technology saves lives when integrated with panic alarm systems and proper emergency protocols. Schools like Aspen Academy enhanced their weapon detection capabilities and overall school safety through this type of integrated approach, demonstrating what's possible when technology and protocols work together seamlessly.
Federal standards for panic alarm systems would enable more effective integration between these technologies. They would ensure that schools investing in safety measures receive systems that work together seamlessly, providing the baseline of protection that every student deserves.
We encourage every school administrator, security director, and safety professional to add their voice to this advocacy effort. Contact your representatives, support the ALYSSA Act, and demand that federal safety standards protect all students, not just those fortunate enough to live in states with forward-thinking legislation.
Frequently Asked Questions About the ALYSSA Act
What is the ALYSSA Act?
The ALYSSA Act (Alyssa's Legacy Youth in Schools Safety Alert Act) is federal legislation that would require all public schools receiving Title I funding to install silent panic alarm systems with direct connections to law enforcement. The Act would establish nationwide technical standards and provide federal funding to support implementation.
How is the ALYSSA Act different from Alyssa's Law?
Alyssa's Law refers to state-level legislation passed individually by states, while the ALYSSA Act is proposed federal legislation that would create nationwide standards. State laws vary in requirements and funding, whereas the ALYSSA Act would establish consistent baseline requirements for all public schools across America.
Which states have passed Alyssa's Law?
As of 2025, ten states have passed versions of Alyssa's Law: New Jersey (2019), Florida (2020), Texas (2021), Tennessee (2021), Oklahoma (2022), Utah (2022), New York (2022), Georgia (2023), Washington (2024), Oregon (2024), and Louisiana (2023). Additional states are considering similar legislation.
How much does panic alarm implementation cost?
Silent panic alarm systems average approximately $1,000 per school for basic implementation, though costs vary based on building size, desired features, and integration with existing security infrastructure. Federal funding through the ALYSSA Act would help offset these costs for school districts.
Has the ALYSSA Act been passed yet?
No, the ALYSSA Act has been introduced multiple times in Congress but has not yet been enacted into law. The most recent version (H.R. 4999\) was introduced in July 2023 with 29 bipartisan cosponsors but did not receive a vote before the congressional session ended. The bill will need to be reintroduced in the current Congress.
How do panic alarms integrate with existing school security systems?
Modern panic alarm systems integrate with existing security cameras, access control systems, and mass notification platforms. When integrated with AI-powered video intelligence like VOLT AI, panic button activation triggers automatic video feeds to law enforcement, providing real-time situational awareness that accelerates emergency response.
What happened at Apalachee High School?
At Apalachee High School in Georgia, a teacher used a wearable panic button to alert law enforcement immediately when she saw a gunman on campus. The rapid response enabled by the panic alarm system contributed to saving nine shooting victims who survived due to faster emergency medical treatment.
How can I support federal panic alarm legislation?
Contact your congressional representatives to request they cosponsor the ALYSSA Act when it is reintroduced. Visit Make Our Schools Safe at makeourschoolssafe.org for advocacy resources, sample letters to legislators, and information about supporting both state and federal school safety legislation.
Technology Exists, Evidence Proves It Works
The technology exists to protect every student in America. The evidence proves it works, with real-world cases like Apalachee High School demonstrating how seconds saved through panic alarm systems translate directly to lives saved.
The only remaining barrier is political will. Effective school safety requires more than just technology — it demands a comprehensive approach that addresses mental health alongside physical security measures. Together, we can ensure that every school in America has the tools needed to protect students when seconds matter most, while exploring emerging technologies and legislative trends shaping the future of school safety nationwide.
Learn more about how VOLT AI's video intelligence platform integrates with panic alarm systems to provide comprehensive school safety solutions. Because every student deserves to learn in an environment where they feel protected and valued.
