An act amending the act of December 14, 1992 (P.L.1116, No.145), entitled "An act providing minimum standards, terms and conditions for the licensing of persons who engage in wholesale distributions in interstate commerce of prescription drugs; and making a repeal," further providing for definitions and for license application.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Boscola and 8 co-sponsors

PA SB 1206 requires every public school building to have a panic alert system directly linked to local law enforcement for silent, immediate notifications during emergencies.

Referred to Health

Bill summary: SB 1206 (2024–2026) – Alyssa’s Law panic alert requirement for public schools

Main purpose and intent

The bill, introduced in the Pennsylvania Senate and titled as an extension of “Alyssa’s Law,” seeks to enhance school safety by requiring panic alert systems in public school buildings.

The core aim is to provide a rapid, direct line of communication from the school to local law enforcement during security emergencies (e.g., nonfire evacuations, lockdowns, active shooter events).

Key provisions and changes

Section added to the Public School Code of 1949 (57 Pa.C.S. Chapter on Public Schools): new Section 1305.2-B, Panic alerts.

Panic alert requirement (a): Each public school building must be equipped with a panic alert system. The system must:
Be directly linked to the local law enforcement agency designated as first responders to the campus.
Immediately transmit a signal or message to those authorities upon activation.
Definitions (b):
Panic alert: A silent security notification activated manually (via device, including mobile or computer apps, wired or wireless panic buttons) intended to communicate a life-threatening or emergency situation requiring a law enforcement response.
Public school building: All campus buildings where instruction occurs and locations where students are present during the school day (i.e., the entire school campus).

Effective date: The act takes effect on July 1, 2024.

Who/what is affected

Affected entities: All public school buildings within Pennsylvania (K–12), including all locations on a school campus where students engage in instruction or presence during the school day.

Stakeholders impacted:

Public school districts and charter schools responsible for installing and maintaining panic alert systems.
Local law enforcement agencies designated as first responders to each campus (require integration with school systems).
Students, staff, and visitors who would rely on rapid notification during emergencies.

Procedural and timeline considerations

Implementation timing: The requirement becomes effective July 1, 2024. Details on phased implementation, funding, or compliance deadlines beyond the effective date are not specified in the text provided.

Administration and oversight: The bill as introduced does not specify funding mechanisms, procurement standards, or exact technology specifications beyond the basic linkage to first responder agencies and the definition of panic alerts.

Practical impact and considerations

The bill mandates a standardized security communication pathway from schools to law enforcement, potentially reducing response times in emergencies.

Schools will need to assess existing security infrastructure to determine cost, integration with local police, training for staff, and ongoing maintenance.

Local law enforcement agencies will need the capability to receive and act upon real-time panic alert signals from every public school building within their jurisdiction.

Summary

SB 1206 adds a new provision (Section 1305.2-B) to the Public School Code requiring every public school building in Pennsylvania to have a panic alert system that is directly linked to the campus’s designated first responder law enforcement agency and can silently notify authorities in life-threatening emergencies. The act takes effect July 1, 2024, and applies to all school campuses where instruction occurs.