The proposed bill aims to enhance school safety in West Virginia by mandating the implementation of a wearable panic alert system, referred to as Alyssa's law, in all schools across the state. Under the new section 18-9F-9a, the state board, in collaboration with the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, is required to establish a legislative rule by December 31, 2025, to facilitate the deployment of 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 staff member with a panic alert device for immediate communication with emergency response agencies. It also mandates annual training for school personnel on the proper use of these devices before the start of each school year. Furthermore, the bill requires that all security data within school facilities be accessible to local law enforcement, ensuring effective coordination and access protocols for security measures, including cameras and access control systems.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-9F-9a