2025 SESSION

INTRODUCED

25103665D

HOUSE BILL NO. 2403

Offered January 13, 2025

Prefiled January 8, 2025

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 22.1-79.4:1, relating to school boards; panic alarm systems.

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Patrons—Higgins and Green

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Referred to Committee on Education

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 22.1-79.4:1 as follows:

§ 22.1-79.4:1. Panic alarm system required in each public elementary and secondary school building.

A. As used in this section:

"Panic alarm system" means a silent security system by which the user manually activates a device that sends a non-audible signal to the local 9-1-1 public safety answering point that indicates a school security emergency that requires immediate response and assistance from such public safety answering point.

"School security emergency" includes a non-fire evacuation, lockdown, medical emergency, or active shooter situation.

B. Each school board shall provide each public elementary and secondary school building in the local school division with a panic alarm system that includes at least one panic alarm device in each classroom or other room in the building which students will be present and that adheres to nationally recognized industry standards, including being certified pursuant to the federal Support Anti-Terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies Act (SAFETY Act) of 2002, P.L. 107-296.

2. That the provisions of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2026.