The bill aims to enhance school emergency response protocols by mandating the implementation of mobile panic alert systems in school districts across Montana. These systems are designed to facilitate real-time coordination among various emergency services and must integrate with local public safety infrastructure to effectively transmit 9-1-1 calls. Additionally, the bill requires that all school personnel receive training on the use of these systems at the start of each school year. The Superintendent of Public Instruction is tasked with approving a list of mobile panic alert systems that meet specific criteria, including the ability to alert designated personnel and provide emergency responders with critical information during a crisis.

Furthermore, the bill amends Section 20-9-236 of the Montana Code Annotated to clarify the requirements for fund transfers intended for school safety improvements, explicitly including the costs associated with the new mobile panic alert systems. It establishes a timeline for school districts to begin implementing these systems by July 1, 2027, and sets an effective date for the act as July 1, 2025. The legislation aims to bolster school safety without increasing local taxes, allowing for greater flexibility in funding safety measures.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 20-9-236