Alyssa's Law in Utah

What Does Alyssa's Law Mean for Utah Schools?

Alyssa's Law was passed in Utah on April 10, 2024 as a part of HB84, a comprehensive school safety reform bill sponsored by Rep. Ryan Wilcox, R-Ogden. Alyssa's Law was created and named in honor Alyssa Alhadeff, a 14-year-old student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Alyssa was one of the 17 victims of the tragic mass shooting on February 14, 2018.

Under Alyssa’s Law in Utah, HB84 requires schools in Utah to install panic alert devices and security cameras in schools and classrooms to help safeguard both students and staff in the event of an emergency. The bill also requires a local education agency (LEA) to ensure that each school conduct a school safety needs assessment to help address their unique security requirements and needs.

In accordance with the results of the school safety needs assessment, the local education agencies will:

• Provide a staff member in each classroom with a wearable panic alert device that allows for immediate contact with emergency services, law enforcement agencies, health departments, and fire departments.
• Ensure that all school building personnel receive training on the protocol and use of the panic alert devices before the school year begins.
• Ensure all security cameras within the school building are accessible by local law enforcement.
• Coordinate with local law enforcement agencies to establish appropriate access protocols.

Learn more abut the other states that have passed their own version of Alyssa’s Law here.

Silent Panic Alarms for Utah Schools

Silent Panic Alert Technologies, sometimes called duress alarms, are emergency notification systems that generate a silent alarm when activated, either manually or through software applications. The primary intent is to signal a life-threatening or emergency situation requiring a response from law enforcement and/or first responders, without alerting a perpetrator—such as an active shooter or intruder. Panic alarms can be mounted on walls or under desks.

Typical school environments present unique challenges, especially with multiple student gatherings spread across a large campus. Virtual panic buttons can be installed on smartphones or mobile devices and enable teachers to initiate an emergency response more quickly. In critical situations, school staff can use their smartphones to provide dispatchers with their exact location and details about the emergency.

Offered by Everon, these alert technologies can integrate seamlessly with a school’s public address/intercom and mass notification systems, providing multiple options for requesting emergency assistance.