Lexington, Kentucky – State Representative Chad Aull announced plans on Friday to file a bill aimed at enhancing school safety through the installation of silent panic alarms connected to law enforcement. This initiative, commonly referred to as Alyssa’s Law, seeks to empower educators to swiftly alert authorities during emergencies.
The legislation is scheduled for discussion during the upcoming 2025 General Assembly, which begins in January. It has been inspired by the tragic events surrounding the Parkland high school shooting in February 2018, where 17 individuals lost their lives, including Alyssa Alhadeff, after whom the law is named. Similar measures have already been implemented in several states, including New Jersey, Florida, Tennessee, and Texas.
Aull emphasized the importance of rapid response in critical situations, stating, “Our first priority, of course, is stopping potential safety issues from ever occurring, but when we have an armed intruder or a fight between students, seconds count.” He noted that as schools across the country adopt this technology, teachers would gain a vital tool to instantly communicate threats to school administrators and first responders.
According to Aull, implementing this system would be financially feasible without imposing significant costs on schools. “The added peace of mind would be worth every penny,” he added. In Meade County, Kentucky, teachers are already utilizing wearable technology that allows them to send immediate alerts regarding various emergencies, including medical issues, fights, or active shooter situations. This system enables essential personnel to be notified quickly and effectively.
Mark Martin, the Superintendent of Meade County Schools, reported that the district has equipped its 600 teachers and staff members with a nondescript badge that features a button for emergencies. A specific number of button clicks serves as a code to alert different levels of urgency, ranging from medical emergencies to campus-wide lockdowns.
Aull expressed a personal connection to the issue, stating, “As the father of two school-aged children, I would feel better knowing their schools have a notification system up and running.” He indicated a commitment to advocating for this life-saving equipment across all school districts in Kentucky.
The proposed legislation reflects a growing recognition of the need for enhanced safety measures in educational settings. As discussions surrounding school safety gain momentum, Aull’s initiative seeks to equip Kentucky schools with the necessary tools to respond effectively to emergencies.
