What Georgia Schools Need to Know About Ricky and Alyssa's Law Requirements
School safety has become one of the most urgent priorities in education today. In Georgia, the call to action became impossible to ignore after a tragic shooting at Apalachee High School, where two students and two teachers, including Coach Ricky Aspinwall, tragically lost their lives. Just over six months later, Georgia lawmakers have secured better protections for students and educational staff throughout the state.
On April 9, 2025, Georgia House Bill 268, now known as Ricky and Alyssa’s Law, made its way to Governor Kemp’s desk. The law is named for both Coach Aspinwall and Alyssa Alhadeff, a 14-year-old student who was killed in the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida. For many, this law represents more than just a policy; it is a commitment to heed warning signs and to provide schools with the necessary tools to save lives when every second counts.
Key Requirements of Ricky and Alyssa’s Law in Georgia
Under the newly passed Ricky and Alyssa’s Law, Georgia public schools are required to meet the following school safety standards by July 1, 2026:
Mobile Panic Button Alert System
Schools must implement a mobile panic alert system, referred to as “Alyssa’s Alert.” This system must:
- Enable real-time communication with local and state emergency services
- Integrate with existing public safety answering point technology such as Next Generation 911
- Connect to school mapping data (see below)
If a school already has a compliant system, they are not required to make changes.
School Mapping Data
Every school must procure and maintain detailed school mapping data that:
- Includes complete interior floor plans that note all rooms, doors, stairwells, hallways, critical utility locations, AED/trauma kit locations and access points
- Includes mapping of exterior facilities like parking areas, surrounding roads, athletic fields outbuildings and neighboring facilities on or near the school’s campus
- Is compatible with public safety agency platforms
- Is updated annually
- Is shared securely with first responders
This mapping data provides emergency personnel with critical visual information to navigate campuses more effectively during an incident.
Behavioral Threat Assessments & Mental Health Interventions
To further prevent school violence, Ricky and Alyssa’s Law in Georgia requires all school districts to implement behavioral threat assessment and management plans as part of their safety protocols.
Under the new law:
- Each school district must create at least one new position focused on coordinating mental health treatment and services for students in need.
- Behavioral threat management teams will be formed at the school level to investigate threats, assess risks and develop intervention plans when a student exhibits behavior that is concerning.
- A statewide database will centralize student disciplinary records, law enforcement interactions and mental health data to help schools identify patterns and ensure timely interventions.
- Students identified as credible threats may be temporarily removed from in-person learning while a response plan is developed, ensuring both safety and appropriate support.
- Suicide and violence prevention training will be introduced in middle and high schools, empowering students with resources and education before crises emerge.
These comprehensive updates ensure schools are not just reacting to threats but also actively working to prevent them through early detection and mental health support.
Helping Georgia Schools Meet Alyssa’s Law Compliance
Thanks to a powerful partnership among 911Cellular, Navigate360 and Critical Response Group (CRG), Georgia schools can easily comply with all of Ricky and Alyssa’s Law requirements. This end-to-end safety system features best-in-class mobile panic alert solutions from 911Cellular, military-grade school mapping technology from CRG and a comprehensive, centralized behavioral assessment and emergency management platform from Navigate360. With the combined power of 911Cellular, Navigate360 and CRG, Georgia school administrators can easily implement a single system that seamlessly manages all aspects of school safety - from preparation and prevention to detection, response and recovery - ensuring their team can effectively and efficiently respond to any emergency with confidence.
Want to see how your school can implement this solution before the 2026 deadline? Contact us today to learn more.
