HB216 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Allen TreadawayRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Public school safety, silent panic alert technology required and provided for, Board of Education required to adopt rules

Summary

HB216 would require silent panic alert technology in every public school classroom in Alabama, with staff training and state-backed funding options.

What This Bill Does

It requires each local board of education and charter school governing body to equip every classroom with silent panic alert technology that connects to emergency services when activated and shows location. It mandates regular training for teachers and other staff on using the system. The State Board of Education must create an approved vendor list and may adopt rules; vendors cannot be approved if they manufacture certain equipment or services per the FCC. Local districts and charters can apply for funding through the K-12 Capital Grant Program to pay for the technology. The measure becomes effective October 1, 2024.

Who It Affects

• Local boards of education and the governing bodies of charter schools will must install the technology in every classroom and manage training and funding applications.
• Teachers and other relevant school employees will receive training on how to use the silent panic alert technology and respond when it is activated.

Key Provisions

• Requires silent panic alert technology in every classroom, activating to connect directly to district/school emergency services and the local public safety answering point, with GPS for exact location.
• Requires regular training for teachers and relevant staff on using the technology.
• State Board of Education to develop a list of approved vendors and may adopt rules; no vendor approved if they manufacture any covered equipment or services as defined by the FCC's List under the Secure Network Act.
• Local boards and charter school governing bodies may apply to the K-12 Capital Grant Program for funding to purchase the technology.
• Effective date: October 1, 2024.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Education