COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Senate Bill 313, also known as Alyssa’s Law, was introduced by Senator Michele Reynolds of District 3, representing Canal Winchester. The bill, if passed, aims to enhance school safety through the implementation of wearable panic alert systems across all public and chartered nonpublic schools in the state.
Starting with the 2025-2026 school year, each school district’s board of education and chartered nonpublic school governing authority will be required to install these wearable panic alert systems at all school facilities. The devices must integrate with local public safety answering point infrastructure, enabling them to transmit 9-1-1 calls and mobile activations while also initiating campus-wide lockdown notifications.
The legislation mandates that each staff member within a school facility be provided with a wearable panic alert device, ensuring immediate communication with local emergency response agencies. Additionally, before the start of each school year, all school personnel must receive training on the proper use and protocols associated with these devices.
Senate Bill 313 also stipulates that security data within school facilities, such as cameras, maps, and access control information, must be accessible to local law enforcement agencies. Schools will be required to coordinate with these agencies to establish appropriate access protocols. However, records related to the physical security or fire safety of school facilities will be considered confidential and not subject to public records laws, with specific exceptions for disclosure.
The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce will have the authority to adopt the necessary rules to implement the bill, ensuring the safety and well-being of students and educators across the state.
This bill represents a step toward improving school safety and preparedness, reflecting ongoing efforts to address and mitigate security concerns in educational environments.