Alyssa's Law Florida

Alyssa's Law (SB70/HB23)

Reducing Law Enforcement Response Time

Alyssa’s Law addresses the issue of law enforcement response time when a life-threatening emergency occurs. The law calls for the installation of warning lights and a panic alarm in  schools to provide the fastest possible support during a code red. In a code red, every second counts.  Alyssa's Law has now been passed in the state of New Jersey and a bill has been filed on the state of Florida.  Petitions have been started to ensure the Alyssa Law gets passed at the national level.  

The Alyssa Law was named after 14 year old Alyssa Alhadeff, who lost her life in the Stoneman Douglas School shooting. Investigation of the tragedy found that insufficient response time was found to be a contributing factor in the loss of life.  The Alyssa Law would require all public elementary and secondary schools to install either silent panic alarms or alternative emergency mechanisms approved by The Department of Education. To learn more about Alyssa's Law and the organization behind it, visit the Make Our Schools Safe website. 

Beginning with the 2021-22 school year, school staff at each Florida public school, including charter schools, will be required to activate a mobile panic alert system, known as “Alyssa’s Alert, Alyssa’s Law” that:

• Integrates a mobile panic alert system that may be used by each school district.
• Connects diverse emergency services technologies.
• Ensures real-time coordination between multiple first responder agencies.
• Integrates with local public safety answering point infrastructure to transmit 911 calls and mobile activations.
• Alerts appropriate Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for the jurisdiction of the location of the device.
• Is customizable for each district, and charter school governing board to be able to adhere to local emergency codes, emergency naming conventions, update facility profiles, customize messaging, manage users and user access permissions.
• Provides real-time activation of the appropriate 911 system and provides at a minimum the emergency information details, location of the device, and unique identifiers of the device.
• Provides two-way communications.
• Can be silenced by the user.
• Adheres to the county’s text-to-911 service implementation plans as required by Florida Statutes s. 365.172 (15), F.S.
• Allows and supports districts to designate and manage user permissions and user groups for notification of a panic alert activation, including users at public safety agencies, as defined in s. 365.171, F.S.
• Provides districts admin access to provide additional campus or facility information through the system.
• Addresses all other requirements included within s. 365.171-179, F.S.– Emergency Communications Number “E911” and applicable State 911 administrative rules (60FF-6)
• Provides 24/7 level one tech support to state and local administrators.
• Adheres to 99.999% uptime reliability/availability. 
• Ensures regular system updates are performed to include integration of 911 center updates as applicable.
• Connects to both Wi-Fi and cellular.
• Is compliant with all applicable privacy protection and information security state and federal laws .
• 911 centers as well as state and local administrators must be notified prior to executing system tests.
• Contractor(s) shall address system bugs and apply fixes in a reasonable timeframe.
• DATA SECURITY The Contractor agrees to protect and maintain the security of data by adhering to Florida Cyber Security Standards (Chapter 60GG-2, F.A.C.) to include maintaining secure environments that are patched and up to date with all appropriate security updates as designated by a relevant authority. In situations where Contractor(s) will be collecting and/or storing personally identifiable information (PII), protected health information (PHI), financial or other sensitive data, a Service Organization Control (SOC) 2 Type II report shall be made available upon request.

To read the entire legislation CLICK HERE

Mass Notification Instantly

ASR Alert Systems is a state-of-the-art critical incident response technology specializing in the field of threat alert notifications to local Law Enforcement and First Responders in the event of a crisis. The threat notification capabilities include Active Shooter/Assailant, Medical and Severe Weather. Our team of professionals has diverse experience in Security, Law Enforcement and Special Operations Military. ASR has melded these capabilities for use in both the public and private sectors.

State Representative Michael Gottlieb, (D-District 98) has filed legislation to pass Alyssa’s Law in Florida. This legislation would mandate every public school in the State to have a panic button alarm system installed. The intent of the alarm, per Rep. Gottlieb, is to allow a teacher or school employee to be able to communicate directly with local law enforcement in the event of an active shooter or other emergencies, reducing response time, which in turn can save lives. ASR Alert Systems, based in Juno Beach, FL, has developed and installed this type of technology in several schools, businesses, town halls and places of worship, around the state of Florida as well as in other states throughout the country.

            Who wouldn’t want to give these schools a better chance if something like this were to happen again?” Gottlieb said. “We must continue this congruent effort until we find some preventative solutions to our mass shooting epidemic.”

            This is here to keep all of us safe. We pray that we never, ever actually need to use it…For us, it’s the right thing to do, this system helps keep our kids safe” said Jacob Godino, Director of Operations, Jupiter Christian School. 

            ASR’s President, Hector Delgado says, “Our system empowers students, faculty and staff to notify local first responders, 911 dispatch, and all personnel within their facility in an active shooter/assailant situation with the simple push of a button. The notification pinpoints and provides the exact location of the threat. This not only helps police respond immediately with accurate information, but it also helps our students, faculty and staff know where the threat is located so they can run away from the threat, not towards it. There is no question that the ASR Alert System can make a difference, we truly believe that saving time saves lives!”

Specific Questions About ASR and Alyssa's Law

• Learn how the ASR critical incident response technology meets and exceeds Alyssa's Law Standards
• Learn how ASR can integrate with your current systems.
• Learn why ASR is the premium critical incident response technology needed in your school at an affordable price.

 Q:  How does ASR sell its alert systems?

A:  ASR's patented product is exclusively sold directly to the customer and we are able to provide a sole source letter.

Q:  Can ASR trigger alerts completely with hardware (pendant, etc.) without requiring employees to install an application on their devices?

A:  Yes, ASR does not require applications downloaded to your devices. The ASR pendants and mass notification buttons work wirelessly.  ASR also provides the option for employees to download the ASR Emergency Alert Application for android or apple iPhone, but the App is NOT required for the system to function.

Q:  What types of alerts does your solution support?  (Active Shooter/Assailant, Medical Emergency, Other Classroom Emergencies (not requiring outside agency). Fully Customized)

A:  ASR solutions support all of the above to include severe weather alerts

Q:  Does the ASR solution provide visual and audible alerts throughout the school?

A: Yes, The ASR Alert Sirens/Strobes provide visual and audible alerts both to the interior and exterior throughout the facility. The audible alerts can be silenced dependent on the client request.

Q:  Can audible & visual alerts be customized by alert type? For example, can an active shooter alert be one color/sound; & a medical alert just display a visual alert of another color?

A:  Yes, The ASR system audible alert can be customized to announce a specific incident. The Medical alert when activated displays a different color and audible sound that can also be sent via text and email to school nurses and CPR trained employees.

Q:  Does the ASR solution allow for automatic alarm to local 911 dispatch center?

A:  Yes. Once the ASR System is activated a Proprietary notification is sent within seconds directly to 911 dispatch and Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) detailing the address of the school and emergency type.

Q:  Does the ASR system provide indoor hardware-based geolocation for responders to locate medical emergencies?

A:  Yes. ASR has a Medical Alert System. Our system is specifically focused on Medical emergencies to aid First Responders. This decreases the time to get to the victim and administer aid.

Q:  Does the ASR solution allow for responders to utilize indoor hardware-based geolocation to locate employees with their pendant?

A:  Yes, both button stations and mobile pendants are named to their exact location (library, cafeteria etc.) or assigned employee. When the system is activated a link of the school floor plan will appear and identify exactly where the activation originated from.

Q:  Can alert workflows be customized so that some may automatically alert police/medical, where other types of alerts would not?

A:  Yes, The ASR alert workflows automatically alert police /medical upon activation. Other alerts can be programmed to only notify those within a specific location or facility.

Q:  How does the ASR solution prevent false positives, such as law enforcement being dispatched because an employee accidentally hit a button on a pendant?

A:  False alarm mitigation is built into the assembly of the devices. The Pendant button must be held down for Two seconds so accidentally depressing the button will not activate the alert. The wall mounted Alert buttons have a protective cover, tamper siren and a serialized safety tab to prevent accidental activation. The Control station allows a false alarm notification to be sent to first responders and all other personnel entered into the system as requested by the customer.

Q:  Does the ASR solution depend upon existing network infrastructure, including WiFi?

A:  No, The ASR system operates through an independent infrastructure but has dual path capability in the event the school would like the ASR System to use their network.

Q:  What is the expected useful life of your infrastructure and hardware?

A:  Indefinite – Exactly as your fire alarm pull station the life of the ASR components are indefinite.

Q:  How are your trigger devices (pendant, etc.) powered? How long do the devices last?

A:  As with the hardware, the pendants are battery powered by Monolithium Batteries with a 7-10-year lifespan. In addition, if the battery declines in strength on any components or malfunctions due to vandalism or other functional issue, an alert is sent to the monitoring station. This is then replaced with a new battery.

Q:  Does the ASR system have a method to report or allow someone to submit secure & anonymous safety concerns to help identify and intervene upon at-risk individuals BEFORE they hurt themselves or others?

A:  Yes, The ASR Web App is built for accepting anonymous reports. Every school gets a unique url for submitting reports. The reports are protected from spam with Recaptcha. They are submitted to a designated school or law enforcement representative email address.  Here are examples of some of the most common behaviors and incidents to report:

• Assault
• Abuse (physical, verbal)
• Bullying or regular intimidation
• Bragging about an upcoming planned attack
• Depression, anxiety or loss of self-control
• Fighting
• Gun Violence / Violence
• Harassment
• Hopelessness, excessive guilt or worthlessness
• Reckless behavior
• Social isolation or withdrawal
• Substance abuse
• Suicide threats, cutting or other self-harm
• Theft
• Threats
• Weapons (use of and/or discussion about)

Q:  What support/warranty length is provided with the ASR solution?

A:  Included with the sale, ASR supports your installed system with a 5-year maintenance and monitoring contract.

Q:  Can the ASR solution integrate with other systems (cameras, etc.)?

A:  The ASR System has an open Application Programming Interface (API) and can integrate with Access Control/door locking systems, IP Cameras and much more.

Q:  How does ASR accomplish exterior area coverage?

A:  Pendants carried to exterior locations on facility grounds provide exterior area coverage. When actuated, alerts First Responders and activates the interior and exterior Mounted Sirens/Strobes.

Q:  Can ASR manage any installation; outside of normal instructional hours; in 10 months (to meet Alyssa's Law timelines)?

A:  Yes, ASR will conduct the installation after normal hours and on weekends to expedite the installation and functionality of your system.

UPDATE:  DeSantis signs Alyssa’s Law to require panic alarms in Florida schools

JUNE 20, 2020 - This week, Florida Governor – Ron DeSantis signed (SB-70) Alyssa's Law into law and allocated $8 million dollars for it in the state's budget. Alyssa's Law mandates that all public & charter schools in the state of Florida must install panic buttons that directly alert law enforcement and first responders of emergencies.

The law was named after Alyssa Alhadeff, a 14-year old student who was one of 17 people killed during a mass shooting in 2018 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.  Alyssa Alhadeff’s mother, Lori Alhadeff, who successfully ran for a seat on the Broward School Board, flew to Tallahassee on Tuesday to see Gov. Ron DeSantis sign the law.

“We’re just so excited, my husband and I, to know Alyssa’s Law will save lives and honor Alyssa’s legacy,” Lori Alhadeff said from the airport waiting to come home. Her nonprofit, Make Our Schools Safe, pushed for the bill.

MARCH 12,2020 - PARKLAND, FL- Earlier this week both the Florida House of Representatives and the Senate voted to unanimously pass Alyssa's Law in the state of Florida. The House voted 119-0 and the Senate 40-0 to pass the bill. Alyssa's Law is named for former Stoneman Douglas student Alyssa Alhadeff, who lost her life along with 16 others in the February 14, 2018 tragedy.

Alyssa's Law would mandate that all public schools in the state of Florida install silent alarms that will be directly connected to local law enforcement in a state of emergency. Technology available today can also make the silent alarm system doable through smart phones. Alyssa's Law will require that every public school have an approved silent alarm system in place.

The bill is sponsored by Senator Lauren Book and State Representatives Michael Gottlieb and Dan Daley.

Alyssa's Law now moves to the desk of Governor Ron DeSantis, who would officially sign the bill into law.

"Thank you all so much. Thank you for emailing and calling. It all paid off. We did it," shared Alhadeff.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE, January 13, 2020

Senate Panel Advances SB70 Requiring Panic Alarms in Public Schools

The Senate Infrastructure and Security Committee unanimously advanced a measure from state Sen. Lauren Book (SB 70) that would mandate public schools be equipped with panic alarms.

Book sponsored a similar measure, called “Alyssa’s Law,” in the 2019 Session. But that effort died in committee.

The bill is named after Alyssa Alhadeff, one of the 17 murdered during the 2018 attack at Broward County’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

Book’s bill was filed in response to that shooting.

“Each public school building must be equipped with at least one panic alarm for use in a school security emergency, including, but not limited to, a non-fire evacuation, lockdown, or active shooter situation,” the bill reads.

“The panic alarm must be directly  linked to the local law enforcement agencies that are designated as first responders to the school’s campus and must immediately transmit a signal or message to those authorities upon activation.”

A version of the law has already been approved in New Jersey. Now, Book is back with another attempt this Session to get that measure signed into law here in Florida.

“We just want to ensure that our children are kept safe,” Book told members of the Committee during a Monday presentation on her legislation.

Book was named to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission following the 2018 attack. That body was tasked with investigating the shooting as well as ways to improve school safety throughout the state.

John Sullivan, Director of Legislative Affairs for Broward County Public Schools, was also present in Tallahassee speaking in support of the bill.

“We hope that the bill reaches @GovRonDeSantis desk this Session,” Sullivan added on Twitter. “This bill will make our schools safer.”

The Senate Infrastructure and Security Committee is the first stop for Book’s bill. It has also been assigned to the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education and the Appropriations Committee.

A companion bill (HB 23) has been filed in the House by state Rep. Michael Gottlieb.

“I’m hoping the introduction of ‘Alyssa’s Law’ to the state of Florida is just one way we can honor the young life of Alyssa Alhadeff,” Gottlieb said back in August upon introducing the bill.

“First responders will now receive immediate guidance and direction; enabling them to respond more quickly, eliminate a threat, and treat the wounded.”

Encourage Your School to Contact Us

Being involved with school safety is on every parents mind.  You can help to make certain that YOUR SCHOOL is implementing this life-saving critical incident response technology by encouraging your school to reach out to us to schedule a free demonstration.

Remember:

• Saving Time Saves Lives.
• ASR is currently offering special bundle pricing for schools to implement systems outlined in Alyssa's Law.
• For every school system installed in compliance with Alyssa's Law, ASR will donate $400 to Make Our Schools Safe.  You can read more about this amazing organization by clicking HERE.

Become a Voice for Change

A petition has been started to ensure the Alyssa Law gets passed at the national level. The law was passed in New Jersey earlier this year and implemented for the start of the 2019-2020 school year. State Representative Michael Gottlieb has sponsored the bill and will need the legislature to agree to allow alarms in schools.

The public can help bring Alyssa's Law through to the national level by signing the petition using the link below. The petition has a goal of 10,000 signatures. 

To sign the petition CLICK HERE

Donate Directly to Make Our Schools Safe

We align with Make Our Schools Safe in their belief that no one should be afraid to go to school. Together, let’s provide secure environments where our children can focus on learning and growing without the worry of violence.

Donations will support MOSS security education in order to provide best practices and systems for change to schools across the country, funding for programs to be implemented, and shared educational workshops. 

Donate to support the Make Our Schools Safe mission in making schools safe for everyone.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE