School shootings have become an unfortunate fact of everyday life in modern America. From Columbine to the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, the scourge has claimed hundreds of innocent lives across the country.
Elected officials throughout the U.S. late last week recognized Make Our Schools Safe Day. In Alabama, lawmakers marked the occasion by elevating a bill that would provide funding to public schools for emergency response technology. HB234 is modeled after “Alyssa’s Law,” named after Alyssa Alhadeff, one of the victims of the 2018 Parkland shooting.
The bill would require local boards of education and governing bodies of charter schools to provide each designated school employee access to students during the school day with mobile emergency rapid response systems no later than October 1, 2030, and provide training to employees on the systems. It would also require the State Board of Education to develop a list of approved vendors to adopt rules and authorize certain funds for purchasing and using mobile emergency rapid response systems.
“Nothing is more important than protecting our children, and Alabama is committed to ensuring our schools are providing safe environments for our students,” said State Rep. Alan Baker (R-Brewton), who introduced the bill.
“Alyssa’s Law, HB234, is a common-sense measure that empowers schools with the tools they need to ensure rapid emergency response times and save lives. This legislation is about taking action, not just talking about safety, and I’m proud to stand with parents, educators, and law enforcement in support of Make Our Schools Safe Day.”
Lori Alhadeff, founder of Make Our Schools Safe and mother of Alyssa Alhadeff, thanked the Alabama Legislature for assessing and possibly implementing the law named after her daughter.
“Had this technology been in place seven years ago, our daughter might be with us today,” said Alhadeff. “Time equals life, and I am grateful to Alabama lawmakers for considering this crucial legislation. It could save countless lives in the future.”
Alyssa’s Law is currently in seven states.
Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
