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Bill

HB 4798

Permitting teachers to wear a “mobile alert button” for emergency situations, to be known as “Alyssa’s Law.”

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Adam Burkhammer and 9 co-sponsors

West Virginia bill permits teachers to wear wearable emergency alert buttons during school to quickly contact help during crises, aiming to improve response times to active threats.

On 3rd reading
#education(k12) #publicsafety
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Bill Summary · HB 4798

Legislative bill overview

HB 4798 authorizes teachers in West Virginia to wear wearable emergency alert devices (mobile alert buttons) during school hours to quickly summon help during active threats or emergencies. The bill is named "Alyssa's Law" after Alyssa Alhadeff, a student killed in the Parkland school shooting. The legislation permits but does not mandate schools to implement such systems.

Why is this important

School safety has become a major policy concern following high-profile incidents of violence on campuses. Quick emergency communication systems could potentially reduce response times during active threats, though effectiveness depends on how systems are integrated with emergency protocols and law enforcement coordination. The bill represents one approach among many school safety measures being debated nationwide.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and implementation burden: Schools would bear expenses for purchasing, maintaining, and training staff on alert systems, raising questions about funding sources and equity across districts with different budgets
  • Effectiveness uncertainty: Limited empirical data exists on whether wearable alert buttons meaningfully improve outcomes compared to existing emergency protocols or other safety measures like hardened doors and communication systems
  • Privacy and scope creep concerns: Some may question whether constant wearability of monitoring devices sets precedents for workplace surveillance or creates liability issues if devices malfunction during critical moments
  • Alternative approaches: Debate may exist over whether resources would be better spent on mental health services, threat assessment programs, or architectural security improvements

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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