Moving To Improve School Safety
In a decisive move to bolster school safety, Georgia has enacted legislation requiring the installation of panic buttons in all public and private schools statewide. Signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp on April 28, 2025, House Bill 268—also known as “Ricky and Alyssa’s Law”—aims to enhance emergency response times and coordination during critical incidents.
A Legacy of Protection
The law is named in honor of Richard “Ricky” Aspinwall, a teacher and coach who tragically lost his life during the Apalachee High School shooting in September 2024, and Alyssa Alhadeff, a victim of the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida . According to the Georgia Recorder, their stories have galvanized efforts nationwide to implement more robust safety measures in educational institutions. Other states have passed Alyssa’s Law, which mandates panic buttons in secondary and primary school buildings.
The Role of Panic Buttons in School Emergencies
Panic buttons serve as immediate alert systems, enabling school staff to notify law enforcement and emergency responders swiftly during crises such as active shooter situations or medical emergencies. During the Apalachee High School incident, recently implemented panic button systems allowed teachers to send over 20 alerts, facilitating a rapid response from the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office .
The new legislation, house bill 268, mandates that these panic alert systems be integrated with digital mapping data of school campuses, providing first responders with critical information such as building layouts and entry points.
Funding and Implementation
To support the deployment of these systems, the state has allocated $108.9 million in school security grants, averaging approximately $41,000 per K-12 school. An additional $50 million proposed in the amended 2026 budget could provide schools with an extra $21,000 each for safety enhancements.
While over half of Georgia’s school districts have already adopted similar panic button technologies, the law ensures uniformity and readiness across all educational institutions.
Silent Beacon: Enhancing School Safety
As schools prepare to comply with the new panic button mandate, Silent Beacon offers a practical solution with its wearable panic button devices. These Bluetooth-enabled devices allow users to send real-time alerts and GPS locations to emergency contacts and first responders without the need for monthly fees. Features include one-touch activation, two-way voice communication, and integration with smartphones for added convenience. Learn more about Silent Beacon’s panic buttons for schools.
The average price per Silent Beacon panic button employee recipient is only $170 annually, which is far less than competitors. Silent Beacon’s technology aligns with the objectives of “Ricky and Alyssa’s Law,” providing schools with an effective tool to enhance safety and emergency responsiveness.
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