How Parents Can Support Alyssa's Law in Their State: A Guide to School Safety Legislation

What Is Alyssa's Law? (Quick Answer)

Alyssa's Law is school safety legislation that requires public elementary and secondary schools to install silent panic alarms directly connected to law enforcement. Named after 14-year-old Alyssa Alhadeff, who lost her life in the 2018 Parkland shooting, this law reduces emergency response times from minutes to seconds during active shooter situations, medical emergencies, and other critical incidents. As of October 2025, 11 states have passed Alyssa's Law, with 18 additional states considering similar legislation.

Understanding the Tragedy That Changed School Safety Forever

February 14, 2018 marked a turning point in how America thinks about school safety. Fourteen-year-old Alyssa Alhadeff lost her life in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida. She was an honor student, a star soccer player, and a bright light in her community.

Her mother, Lori Alhadeff, transformed her grief into action. Just one day after losing her daughter, Lori made an emotional plea on national television demanding better school safety measures. That moment sparked a movement.

Lori and her husband Ilan founded Make Our Schools Safe (MOSS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting students and teachers. Their flagship initiative became Alyssa's Law. The legislation requires schools to install silent panic alarms that connect directly to law enforcement.

Read our School Security Guide.

What Alyssa's Law Actually Does

Alyssa's Law establishes a critical safety standard for schools across America. The legislation mandates that all public elementary and secondary schools equip their buildings with silent panic alarm systems. These systems provide direct communication to law enforcement and emergency services.

The principle behind the law is straightforward. Time equals life. During an active shooter situation, medical emergency, or other critical incident, every second counts.

Traditional emergency protocols often involve multiple steps. A teacher witnesses a threat. They call the office. The office contacts authorities. Each step adds precious seconds.

Silent panic alarms eliminate these delays. A staff member presses a button or activates a wearable device. Law enforcement receives immediate notification with location details. The school automatically enters lockdown. Response teams can access live camera feeds and digital maps of the building.

How Silent Panic Alarms Work in Practice

The systems vary slightly by state, but core elements remain consistent across implementations:

The Apalachee High School shooting in Georgia demonstrated this technology's life-saving potential. A teacher saw the gunman entering campus. She pressed her wearable panic button immediately. The school locked down. Emergency services arrived faster than ever before.

Two people tragically lost their lives that day. But nine people who were shot survived because help arrived so quickly. The panic button system saved those nine lives.

Where Alyssa's Law Stands Today

The momentum behind Alyssa's Law continues building across America. As of October 2025, eleven states have successfully passed the legislation.

New Jersey became the first state to enact Alyssa's Law in February 2019. Florida followed in June 2020. New York passed their version in June 2022.

The movement accelerated dramatically in 2023 and 2024. Texas and Tennessee both passed Alyssa's Law in May 2023. Utah joined in April 2024. Oklahoma followed in June 2024. Louisiana enacted the law in August 2024.

Three states passed Alyssa's Law in 2025 alone. Georgia signed the legislation in April. Washington and Oregon both passed their versions in May.

States Currently Considering Alyssa's Law

Eighteen states currently have pending legislation or active advocacy efforts:

Active legislation introduced in 2025:

• Alabama: HB216 and HB234 under review
• Arizona: HB2803 and HB2638 introduced by multiple representatives
• Arkansas: HB1492 in progress
• Connecticut: SB846 and SB1216 advancing (SB1216 makes panic alarms eligible for $20 million in school security grants)
• Illinois: HB5923 and HB1072 under consideration
• Kentucky: HB14 introduced February 2025
• Maine: LD808 introduced February 2025
• Massachusetts: Multiple bills in legislative process
• Michigan: AB4241 and AB4242 introduced January 2025
• Mississippi: SB2534 introduced January 2025
• Missouri: Multiple bills introduced February 2024
• Montana: LC1521 marked "Ready for Delivery" November 2024
• Nebraska: LB1156 under review
• Ohio: SB313 progressing through legislative process
• Pennsylvania: Senator Art Haywood and Senator Tracy Pennycuick advocating during 2023-2024 session
• South Carolina: HB3258 unanimously passed House in April 2025, awaiting Senate action
• Virginia: HB2403 introduced January 2025
• West Virginia: HB2394 and SB434 introduced February 2025

Each of these states represents an opportunity for parents to make a difference. Your voice matters in this legislative process.

Why Parents Should Care About Alyssa's Law

Your child's school likely has security cameras. Those cameras record everything that happens on campus. But traditional camera systems only help after an incident occurs.

Security staff cannot monitor hundreds of camera feeds simultaneously. They review footage after fights, thefts, or other incidents. This reactive approach means threats often escalate before anyone responds.

Alyssa's Law changes this dynamic fundamentally. Silent panic alarms provide immediate notification when staff identify threats. The system transforms school security from reactive to proactive.

Consider the medical emergency scenario. A student has an asthma attack in a hallway between classes. They collapse. Without a panic alarm system, someone must find them, assess the situation, run to get help, and explain what's happening. Minutes pass.

With Alyssa's Law compliant systems, a teacher or staff member activates the alarm immediately. The school nurse receives instant notification with the student's exact location. Response time drops from minutes to seconds.

The same principle applies to active shooter situations, fights escalating to violence, unauthorized individuals on campus, and any other emergency requiring immediate response.

How Technology Amplifies Alyssa's Law Protection

Silent panic alarms represent one critical layer of school safety. Modern AI-powered video intelligence systems create a complementary second layer. Together, these technologies provide comprehensive protection.

AI video analytics monitor camera feeds continuously. The systems identify potential threats in real-time. When detecting weapons, fights, medical emergencies, or other safety concerns, the technology can automatically trigger panic alarm systems.

This integration creates a powerful safety net. Staff might not immediately see a weapon being concealed. They might not notice a student collapsing in a remote hallway. But AI systems monitoring every camera feed will detect these threats.

Real-World Integration Example

Adam Neely serves as Principal at Prescott High School in Arizona. His school implemented both panic alarm systems and AI video intelligence technology. The results transformed their safety approach.

"In all my time as a principal, assistant principal, and even as a teacher I felt like we were constantly chasing our tails," Adam explained. "Everything we did with regard to student safety was reactive. Using VOLT AI was the first time I really have been able to get out ahead of things that are happening proactively."

The technology detected a student having an asthma attack against a hallway wall. Adam received an alert on his smartwatch within seconds. He reached the student in 45 seconds and provided assistance. Without the AI detection system, the student might have remained undiscovered for critical minutes.

David from Robinson Independent School District in Texas experienced similar transformation. "It's like having multiple security team members who work 365 days a year without vacations," he noted. His district uses the system to detect fights before they escalate, identify medical emergencies, and monitor unauthorized access to restricted areas.

How AI and Panic Alarms Work Together

The synergy between these technologies creates multiple protection pathways:

• Weapon detection: AI identifies firearms or knives on camera feeds → System automatically activates panic alarm → Law enforcement receives immediate notification with suspect location
• Medical emergency response: AI detects person down or distress indicators → Alert sent to school nurse and administrators → Manual panic activation if situation requires EMS
• Fight prevention: AI recognizes crowd formations or aggressive behavior patterns → Staff receives early warning → Intervention occurs before violence escalates → Panic alarm available if situation requires law enforcement
• Unauthorized access: AI detects individuals in restricted areas during off-hours → Security receives alert → Assessment determines if panic alarm activation necessary

This layered approach ensures no threat goes undetected. Technology monitors continuously. Staff maintain override control. Law enforcement receives precise information enabling faster, more effective response.

Read our Complete Guide to AI Security Cameras.

What Parents Can Do Right Now

You have more power to influence school safety legislation than you might realize. State legislators respond to constituent voices. Your action creates momentum for change.

Contact Your State Legislators

Visit makeourschoolssafe.org and locate your state on the interactive map. The website provides direct contact information for your representatives. You can send pre-written emails or customize your message.

Focus on these key talking points when advocating for Alyssa's Law:

• Time saves lives: Explain how silent panic alarms reduce emergency response times from minutes to seconds
• Cost-effective safety: Many states provide grant funding or budget allocations specifically for panic alarm implementation
• Proven results: Reference Georgia's Apalachee High School where panic buttons helped save nine lives
• Nationwide momentum: Eleven states have already passed this legislation with bipartisan support

Call your representatives' offices. Request meetings to discuss school safety priorities. Bring other concerned parents. Legislators pay attention when multiple constituents raise the same issue.

Join or Start a MOSS Club

Make Our Schools Safe encourages student-led safety initiatives through MOSS Clubs. These groups empower students to become advocates for their own safety. Twenty-seven clubs currently operate nationwide with goals to reach fifty clubs and establish at least one in every state.

MOSS Clubs give students leadership opportunities. They organize safety awareness events. They participate in legislative advocacy. They create connections between students, administrators, and law enforcement.

Contact Allison Cohen at allison@makeourschoolssafe.org to start a MOSS Club at your child's school. The organization provides:

• Complete student handbook: Step-by-step guidance for forming clubs and establishing leadership boards
• Starter kit: Promotional materials including t-shirts, stickers, bracelets, and other engagement tools
• $500 gift card: Annual funding for club activities and safety awareness initiatives
• Ongoing support: Direct connection to MOSS Club Director for questions and guidance

Your high school student can become a voice for school safety. Middle schools can establish Mini MOSS Clubs adapted for younger students. These programs build safety awareness while developing leadership skills.

Educate Your School Community

Many parents and administrators don't know Alyssa's Law exists. They don't understand how silent panic alarms work. They haven't seen the data on reduced response times.

Share information through:

• PTA meetings: Request time to present information about Alyssa's Law and its benefits
• School board meetings: Attend public comment sessions and advocate for panic alarm systems
• Community social media: Share articles, statistics, and updates about legislation in your state
• Parent communication channels: Discuss school safety priorities with other concerned parents

Organize informational sessions at your school. Invite representatives from panic alarm companies or schools that have implemented the technology. Let administrators see how these systems work in practice.

Support Federal Legislation

Representative Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) has introduced federal legislation called the ALYSSA Act. This bill would create national standards for school panic alarm systems and provide federal funding for implementation.

Federal legislation would accelerate adoption across all states. It would establish consistent requirements while providing resources for schools to comply.

Contact your U.S. Congressional representatives. Express support for the ALYSSA Act. Explain how federal standards would benefit schools in your community. Encourage them to cosponsor the legislation.

Understanding Implementation Challenges and Solutions

Cost concerns represent the most common obstacle to Alyssa's Law adoption. School districts operate on tight budgets. Adding new safety systems requires funding allocation.

Many states address this challenge directly in their legislation. Texas allocated $17.1 million specifically for panic button implementation through the Silent Panic Alert Technology Grant program. Utah approved $100 million in one-time funding plus $2.1 million in ongoing support. Georgia committed $108.9 million in school security grants averaging $41,000 per school.

Connecticut's recent legislation made panic alarms eligible for $20 million in unallocated school security grant funds. Oregon established a Wireless Panic Alarm Grant providing up to $2,000 per school for qualifying system purchases.

These funding mechanisms demonstrate that cost need not prevent implementation. Advocates should emphasize available grants and budget support when discussing Alyssa's Law with legislators and administrators.

Technical Integration Considerations

Schools worry about integrating new systems with existing infrastructure. Will panic alarms work with current camera systems? Do they require extensive IT resources? How long does installation take?

Modern panic alarm systems integrate seamlessly with existing school technology. Most implementations require minimal IT support. Installation typically completes within days rather than weeks.

Systems connect to schools' existing camera networks. They interface with mass notification platforms already in place for weather alerts and other emergencies. Cloud-based options eliminate the need for new on-premise servers.

AI-powered video intelligence platforms like VOLT AI work with any IP camera system. They support mixed environments with different camera brands and ages. Schools don't need to replace their current camera infrastructure. The technology adds intelligence to existing equipment.

The Broader Picture: Creating Comprehensive School Safety

Alyssa's Law represents one critical component of comprehensive school safety. Effective protection requires multiple layers working together.

Physical security measures include controlled access points, secure perimeter fencing, and visitor management systems. These elements prevent unauthorized entry and establish clear security boundaries.

Emergency preparedness protocols encompass regular drills, crisis response plans, and coordination with law enforcement. Schools need documented procedures everyone understands and practices.

Mental health support addresses the root causes of many school safety concerns. Counseling services, intervention programs, and student support systems help identify and assist struggling students before issues escalate.

Technology integration combines panic alarms, AI video intelligence, access control systems, and communication platforms. These tools provide real-time threat detection and rapid response capabilities.

Student engagement programs like MOSS Clubs create safety culture from within. When students take ownership of safety initiatives, they become active participants in protecting their school community.

Parents advocating for Alyssa's Law should emphasize this comprehensive approach. Silent panic alarms work most effectively as part of a broader safety strategy. They complement rather than replace other essential security measures.

Looking Ahead: The Future of School Safety Legislation

The momentum behind Alyssa's Law shows no signs of slowing. Eighteen states actively considering legislation in 2025 represent significant progress. Each state that passes the law creates additional pressure for holdout states to act.

Federal legislation could accelerate this timeline dramatically. The ALYSSA Act would establish national standards and provide funding for implementation across all states. This would create consistency while respecting state-level implementation flexibility.

Lori Alhadeff's vision extends beyond state-by-state advocacy. She wants panic alarms to become a universal standard like fire alarms and sprinkler systems. Every school across America should have this basic safety infrastructure.

"Just like if you remember with fire alarms, there's standards around fire alarms, and it's mandatory in every school to have a fire alarm pull station and sprinkler systems," Lori explains. Silent panic alarms should be equally standard.

Technology continues evolving to support this vision. AI-powered video intelligence becomes more sophisticated. Integration between systems becomes more seamless. Costs decrease as adoption increases. Implementation becomes easier as best practices emerge.

Your involvement today shapes tomorrow's school safety landscape. Every email to a legislator matters. Every MOSS Club makes a difference. Every parent who educates their community advances the cause.

Read our Guide to Weapon and Gun Detection in Schools.

Taking Action: Your Next Steps

Schedule time this week to take concrete action supporting Alyssa's Law:

• Monday: Visit makeourschoolssafe.org and determine your state's current status regarding Alyssa's Law. Identify your state legislators using the site's clickable map.
• Tuesday: Send emails to your state representatives expressing support for Alyssa's Law. Use the pre-written templates provided or craft personalized messages sharing your concerns about school safety.
• Wednesday: Contact your U.S. Congressional representatives supporting federal ALYSSA Act legislation. Explain how national standards would benefit schools in your community.
• Thursday: Reach out to your school's PTA or parent organization. Propose educational sessions about Alyssa's Law and school safety technology. Offer to coordinate presentations or information sharing.
• Friday: Discuss MOSS Clubs with your high school student. Contact allison@makeourschoolssafe.org if they express interest in starting a chapter at their school.

Creating Safer Schools Together

Alyssa Alhadeff's story reminds us that school safety requires constant vigilance and continuous improvement. Her mother Lori transformed tragedy into a movement that's changing schools across America.

You can contribute to this movement. Your voice matters to legislators. Your involvement influences school administrators. Your advocacy protects not just your own children but entire communities.

Silent panic alarms save lives. The evidence from Georgia, the adoption by eleven states, and the growing momentum prove this technology works. Every school deserves this protection.

Technology partners like VOLT AI enhance this protection by adding AI-powered threat detection that works continuously alongside human staff. Together, panic alarms and intelligent video analytics create comprehensive safety coverage that transforms schools from reactive to proactive security postures.

Visit makeourschoolssafe.org today. Send that first email. Make that first call. Start that conversation with other parents. Each action creates ripples that expand into waves of change.

Because when it comes to protecting our children, time equals life. Every second matters. Every voice counts. Every parent makes a difference.