2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26103594D

HOUSE BILL NO. 592

Offered January 14, 2026

Prefiled January 13, 2026

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 22.1-79.4:1, relating to public schools; wearable panic alarm systems; grant program.

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Patrons—Simonds, Carnegie, McAuliff, Thornton and Seibold

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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. Wearable panic alarm system; grant program.

A. As used in this section:

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

"Wearable panic alarm system" means a security system that is capable of being worn on the body of the user and by which the user manually activates a device that sends (i) a 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 and (ii) a multisensory schoolwide school security emergency notification, when appropriate.

B. Any school board may provide any school board employee in a public elementary and secondary school building in the local school division with a wearable panic alarm system.

C. With such funds as may be provided for such purpose pursuant to the general appropriation act, the Department shall establish and administer a grant program whereby school divisions with demonstrated need apply for a grant on a competitive basis to cover or defer the cost of providing a wearable panic alarm system pursuant to subsection B.

2. That the provisions of this act shall become effective beginning with the 2026–2027 school year.