The proposed bill amends the Code of West Virginia by adding a new section, 18-9F-11, which mandates the implementation of a wearable panic alert system in every public school across the state, in accordance with "Alyssa's Law." The West Virginia Board of Education, in collaboration with the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, is required to establish a legislative rule by December 31, 2025, to facilitate this system. The wearable panic alert devices must be capable of integrating with local public safety infrastructure to enable 9-1-1 calls, mobile activations, and campus-wide lockdown notifications.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that each county board must provide every employee at public school facilities with a wearable panic alert device for immediate communication with emergency response agencies. It also mandates annual training for employees on the proper use of these devices before the start of each school year. Furthermore, the county boards are required to ensure that all security data within public school facilities, including cameras and access control, is accessible to local law enforcement agencies and to coordinate with them to establish appropriate access protocols.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-5-43
Committee Substitute: 18-9F-11