Ohio could contribute millions toward panic alert systems in schools

Yahoo

25-03-2025

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Ohio lawmakers are pushing for the state to contribute millions toward safety products in schools, such as panic alert buttons and artificial intelligence gun detection software.
House Bill 106, named 'Alyssa's Law,' would create a pilot program allowing public and chartered private schools to apply for grants to purchase panic alert systems. The program would contribute $25 million overall from the state's general revenue fund, which is primarily funded through taxes.
Columbus ranks among world's happiest cities
The bill, introduced in February by Reps. Angela King (R-Celina) and Melanie Miller (R-Ashland), is named after Alyssa Alhadeff, who was a victim of the 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
'By creating access to this life-saving technology, we can give both educators and students the security and peace of mind to feel safe while they're at school,' King said in a news release.
The Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) would be in charge of developing an application process for schools and a method to determine grant amounts. The bill states funds should be equally distributed between schools in urban, suburban and rural areas, as well as schools with different socioeconomic statuses and enrollment sizes.
To be eligible for a grant, a school could not already have a security system in place. Additionally, the safety device would have to be developed in the United States and capable of immediately contacting local law enforcement. The bill used the examples of wearable panic alert buttons and AI firearm detection programs.
One measure of property tax relief works its way through Ohio Statehouse
To receive a grant, schools would also have to ensure the appropriate staff receives training on the safety device. The bill states the ODPS would begin distributing the funds on Jan. 1, 2026, or 'as soon as possible thereafter.'
The ODPS would be required to submit a report detailing the pilot program to the governor and legislature no later than Dec. 1, 2027. The report would include data such as program applications, rewarded grants and the types of device purchased.
Alhadeff's family founded the nonprofit Make Our Schools Safe in the wake of their daughter's death. The organization pushes for school safety legislation in a variety of states, specifically 'Alyssa's Law.'
Seven states have passed their own version of Alyssa's Law, which all look different from Ohio's current bill. The foundation of Alyssa's Law requires all public schools to be equipped with a wearable or stationary silent panic alarm, which can be pressed to notify law enforcement of an emergency. Six states' versions of the law require a panic alarm system in schools, while one's version states schools must 'consider' the use of such devices.
Revived Big Lots stores to reopen this spring; HomeBuys to acquire central Ohio shop
In the last General Assembly, an Ohio senator introduced a bill also called Alyssa's Law that would have required public school staff to wear panic alarm buttons. The bill had one hearing and did not pass by the end of the session.
HB 106 varies from Ohio's previous bill named Alyssa's Law and other states' versions of the statute since it would not require schools to implement panic alarms.
The legislation was assigned to the finance committee where it awaits its first hearing. It has one Democrat and four Republican cosponsors.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.