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HB 1492

TO REQUIRE EACH PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT AND OPEN-ENROLLMENT PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL TO IMPLEMENT A MOBILE PANIC ALERT SYSTEM.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tyler Dees and 1 co-sponsor

House Bill 1492 mandates Arkansas public schools to implement a mobile panic alert system by 2026-2027, enhancing emergency response and safety for students and staff.

Recommended for study in the Interim by the Committee on
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Bill Summary · HB 1492

Summary of House Bill 1492

Bill Number: HB 1492
Title: To Require Each Public School District and Open-Enrollment Public Charter School to Implement a Mobile Panic Alert System
Status: Recommended for study in the Interim by the Committee
Introduced: February 17, 2025
Sponsor: Representative Gramlich
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1492 aims to enhance school safety by mandating that all public school districts and open-enrollment public charter schools implement a mobile panic alert system. This system is designed to facilitate real-time communication and coordination among emergency services during security incidents, thereby improving response times and overall safety for students and staff.

Key Provisions

  • Implementation Timeline: The bill requires that the mobile panic alert system be operational by the 2026-2027 school year.

  • System Requirements:

    • The mobile panic alert system must connect various emergency services technologies to ensure real-time coordination among first responders.
    • It should integrate with local public safety answering point infrastructure to facilitate the transmission of 9-1-1 calls and mobile activations.

  • Testing and Maintenance:

    • School districts and charter schools must establish a schedule to regularly test the functionality and coverage of the mobile panic alert system to ensure adequate signal strength across their campuses.

  • Exemptions:

    • The requirements do not apply to statewide open-enrollment public charter schools that primarily operate as virtual schools.

  • Regulatory Authority: The Arkansas Department of Education is authorized to adopt rules necessary for the implementation of this section.

Affected Parties

  • Public School Districts and Charter Schools: All public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools in Arkansas will be required to implement the mobile panic alert system.

  • School Employees: All employees within these institutions will be equipped with the panic alert system devices.

  • Emergency Services: Local first responder agencies will benefit from improved coordination during emergencies.

Fiscal Impact

  • The bill is noted to have no fiscal impact on the Arkansas Department of Education. However, it is indicated that individual school districts will bear the costs associated with the purchase of the panic alert devices and the necessary training for staff.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 17, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time.
  • March 4, 2025: Amendments were proposed, adopted, and the bill was reported correctly engrossed.
  • March 19, 2025: Further amendments were adopted, and the bill was again reported correctly engrossed.
  • April 14, 2025: The bill was withdrawn by the author.
  • April 16, 2025: Recommended for study in the Interim by the Committee.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 1492, highlighting its objectives, key provisions, and the potential impact on school safety in Arkansas.

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

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