Latest news with #Alyssa'sLaw
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Gov. Kemp signs bill to bolster school safety, quicken emergency responses
Gov. Brian Kemp signed multiple bills into law on Monday to provide additional safety measures for students and teachers. House Bill 268 will require schools to have up-to-date mapping and silent panic alarms that directly alert 911. The bill, also known as Alyssa's law, was named after Alyssa Alhadeff, one of the victims of the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. Alyssa's Law seeks to reduce response times to school emergencies, such as medical issues or threats. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Alyssa's parents were at the bill signing on Monday and Channel 2's Brittany Kleinpeter spoke with them. 'This is the 8th state we have passed Alyssa's law, and we hope to get it passed nationwide so that every school has this panic button as a standard level of school safety protection,' Lori Alhadeff said. Gov. Kemp also signed multiple other bills that ensure fairness in school sports and to improve the quality of education in Georgia. TRENDING STORIES: Popular apps could be collecting your data, affecting car insurance prices Investigator backs up witness saying defendant confessed to killing man near Atlanta BeltLine 'Emergency message' orders Social Security withhold 50% of benefits for those who were overpaid [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Gov. Pritzker endorses Stratton's run for Senate
CHICAGO — Just two days after Senator Dick Durbin announced his retirement, the Illinois governor has already weighed in. J.B. Pritzker endorsed his Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton at a rally on the south side of Chicago Friday morning. Pritzker added Stratton to his ticket during her first term as a state representative. Lawmakers take steps to pass Alyssa's Law to increase safety during school shootings At the rally, the governor touted their accomplishments over six years, including raising the minimum wage and expanding access to preschool and healthcare. 'In these uncertain and turbulent times, we need a fierce fighter for working families,' Pritzker said. 'Someone who will never back down in the face of adversity. She's been my partner in governance while we've achieved big things for Illinois, and I know she's ready for the fight ahead.' Stratton thanked him for his endorsement. 'Serving the people of Illinois by his side is one of the greatest privileges, and I couldn't be prouder to have earned his endorsement as I work to bring our record of accomplishments to Washington,' she said. Illinois reports first measles case of 2025 While Stratton is the only candidate who's officially announced her campaign as of now, more politicians are expected to join the race. Durbin told reporters on Thursday that he doesn't plan to endorse a candidate for his seat. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Lawmakers take steps to pass Alyssa's Law to increase safety during school shootings
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — An estimated 80 to 90 percent of the world's school shootings happen in the United States, and Illinois faces the fourth most out of all the states, ranked only behind California, Texas and Florida. The K-12 School Shooting Database, which compiles data every time a firearm is discharged on school grounds, found that Illinois has had 152 shooting incidents since 1966. State lawmakers are working to change that by taking a measure to increase safety in schools during a school shooting. Rep. Janet Yang Rohr introduced a bill, also known as Alyssa's Law. 'I think it was the right thing to pass the torch': Durbin talks about retirement from Congress This would require all public schools, including charter schools, to have a mobile panic alert system. This is a silent alarm that would allow teachers to contact and connect in real time with emergency services within seconds. Rep. Yang Rohr, who is a mother of three, said nowadays families can't stop thinking about the unimaginable. 'The reality of the day for parents is that even as we send our children to school every single day, there are moments when we have to confront the reality and think the unthinkable,' Yang Rohr said. 'We do not get a second chance when it comes to saving lives, and passing Alyssa's Law is one of the concrete steps that we can take to turn that.' The bill is named after Alyssa Alhadeff, a 14-year-old girl who was killed in the Marjory Stoneman Douglass High School shooting in Parkland, Florida. Her mother, Lori, shared her story in a news conference and said her daughter is no longer here, but passing the law in the state will save many more lives. 'In the Apalachee shooting, the panic button was used. The teacher saw the shooter and started pressing their panic button and was able to get on the scene to help the people that were shot,' Lori said. 'All those students lived because we were able to get help faster. Time equals life, and we know the faster we can get help on the scene, the more lives we will help to save.' Alyssa was shot while in her English classroom. She survived the first shot, and then while trying to escape before help arrived, the shooter killed her two other friends and then killed Alyssa. An autopsy confirmed she was shot eight times. Three staff members and 13 other students also lost their lives in the school shooting. Illinois advocates concerned about proposed cuts to care hours for developmentally disabled Now, Lori and her husband have turned their pain into action by starting a non-profit that funds school safety projects. They are going around the state to urge lawmakers to implement Alyssa's Law in their schools. Currently, seven states have adopted Alyssa's Law. Two states—Washington and Georgia— also have a bill on their governors' desks waiting to be signed. Under the bill, the State Board of Education will be in charge of the implementation and purchases of the system that all school districts can use. The bill has been re-referred to the Rules Committee. If the bill passes, it will take effect in January 2026. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
WA Legislature passes school safety bill
Mar. 28—"This legislation is a crucial step toward ensuring the safety of students, educators, and staff. SB 5004 proposes the integration of advanced security measures that will help to save lives and prevent further harm," — Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete said. OLYMPIA — The Washington State Legislature has passed Senate Bill 5004, aimed at modernizing emergency response systems in K-12 schools, in a unanimous vote of 98-0 by the House and 49-0 by the Senate. The bill focuses on implementing advanced safety measures, including panic or alert buttons, to improve response times during emergencies. The bill is now making its way to Governor Bob Ferguson for review. Sponsored by Senator Nikki Torres, R-Pasco, SB 5004 will require school districts to work collaboratively with local law enforcement and emergency responders to establish comprehensive emergency response plans that utilize cutting-edge technology. The full bill may be read here: The law draws inspiration from Alyssa's Law, named after Alyssa Alhadeff, a victim of the 2018 school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, according to a statement from Torres. "Updating emergency response systems is a critical step toward faster, more effective communication in crisis situations," Torres said in a statement. "This legislation reflects our commitment to ensuring our schools are safe places for learning and growth." Key components of the bill include panic or alert buttons connected to school administration, staff and emergency responders; live audio and video feeds accessible to law enforcement and school districts for real-time assessment; remote door access control which allows for the rapid locking or unlocking of school entrances and interactive two-way communications to enhance coordination and response with first responders. By Oct. 1, Washington school districts must report its progress in implementing these measures to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, which will compile the information and present a report to the Legislature by Dec. 1, 2025. Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete said he was in full support of the legislation. He said the tools recommended by the bill provide critical support in crisis situations. "This legislation is a crucial step toward ensuring the safety of students, educators, and staff. SB 5004 proposes the integration of advanced security measures that will help to save lives and prevent further harm," Kriete said. Moses Lake School District Superintendent Carol Lewis said MLSD is already ahead of the compliance curve, having adopted the Emergent 3 digital mapping and emergency response platform. "Emergent 3 ensures that law enforcement, fire, and medical personnel have immediate access to building-specific data in the event of an emergency — meeting and exceeding the standards defined by this legislation," Lewis said in an email to the Columbia Basin Herald. However, Lewis said she supports any effort that enhances school safety across Washington. She said she applauds the legislature for prioritizing student and staff well-being. Ephrata School District Superintendent Ken Murray said Ephrata used funds from the 2019 bond to increase safety measures. The district added secure vestibules and advanced panic and alert button systems at Columbia Ridge Elementary, Ephrata Middle School and Parkway Intermediate School. The district also upgraded locking doors and camera systems at Ephrata High School. The district is working on adding a secure vestibule at Grant Elementary. Despite these existing measures, there are concerns regarding funding for necessary upgrades, Murray said. "While we fully support efforts to strengthen school security, the reality is that meaningful, districtwide improvements require adequate state funding. Without it, many schools will struggle to implement these vital upgrades," Murray wrote in an email to the Columbia Basin Herald. Murray said the district will continue to enhance safety measures with the anticipated bond in 2026. "The safety of our students and staff is not just a priority — it's our responsibility. We will continue working closely with law enforcement, state officials, and our community to ensure our schools remain secure, welcoming places where students can thrive," Murray said. Captain Jeff Sursely from the Moses Lake Police Department said it was vital to have an effective communication system between schools and law enforcement. "The Moses Lake School District is ahead of the game and already utilizes a system called Emergent 3 for emergency notifications," he said. "The system has worked well and has the full support of the police department." Representative Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, said he happily voted yes on the bill in the House. Dent said there have been several incidents in his district that have been concerning. Dent said the students in Moses Lake in particular need protection after the 1996 school shooting at Frontier Middle School. He also mentioned his son being shot three weeks ago in an "act of random violence." He said these incidents, plus others he didn't list, lead him to voting yes on the legislation. "I think anything we can do to make our schools safer, protect our children, is a good thing, and it shows it's a good deal," Dent said. "It's moving to some new technology to see what we can do to help keep these schools safe. We're living in an unstable world. We need to be diligent to take care of our young folks, which is the future. Our young people are our future, so let's look out for them." Senator Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, said she agrees with Dent. Warnick also voted in favor of the bill in the Senate. "I fully support this bill," Warnick said. "It will help keep our communities and children safer. I want to thank Senator Torres for sponsoring it." Warden Police Department Chief Rick Martin, who also sits on the Warden School Board, said SB 5004 is a good piece of legislation. Martin said the Warden School District already has most of the measures in place including live audio and video feed with around 40 cameras on campus. He also said all the doors in the district remain locked and visitors have specific doors they must enter. Teachers and staff have key cards to their respective buildings to get in. Martin said the district has handheld radios they use in emergencies or during drills. "I participate in their monthly safety meeting, and they do a really good job of (having) at least one drill every month," Martin said. "They do one drill, whether it be a fire drill, shelter in place, a teach and secure, which means that they don't get to go out on the playground because there's something going on outside the district. They also practice their lockdown procedure, and that's if there's a threat on campus, and then they cover all their windows, they lock doors, and things like that. So, they have several levels of their drills that they do. We work on these drills to make it more efficient." Martin said he also has concerns about the financial impact on districts. He said he is sure the Warden School District would like to upgrade their existing technology to newer and higher quality equipment; however, funding stands in the way of that. He said he would like to see Washington state supporting this initiative with more financial backing. According to the bill's fiscal report there is an anticipated $60,000 in 2025 through 2027 going to OSPI for the implementation of this legislation. There are no planned funds after the initial $60,000 though. Costs for the systems required by the bill were not immediately available, but it is likely that more funding will be needed at the local or state level to fully implement the bill's requirements statewide. Torres noted the bill's historic significance in her statement. "Today, Washington joins seven other states in the country that have passed Alyssa's Law, setting a standard that children should be safe and thrive in schools," Torres said. Lori Alhadeff, Alyssa's mother, has been a fervent advocate for school safety measures nationwide since her daughter's death, according to a statement from Torres. "Our schools should be places of learning and growth, free from the fear of violence or threats. By supporting SB 5004, we are prioritizing the well-being of our children," Kriete said. WA SB 5004 key requirements: — Panic or alert buttons which are connected to school administration, staff and emergency responders. — Live audio and video feeds which are accessible to law enforcement and school districts for real-time assessment. — Remote door access control which allows for the rapid locking or unlocking of school entrances. — Interactive two-way communications to enhance coordination and response with first responders.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ohio could contribute millions toward panic alert systems in schools
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.
