Washington Becomes 9th State to Enact Alyssa’s Law, Requiring School Safety Technology Upgrades
With the stroke of a pen, May 19, 2025, saw Washington officially become the ninth state to adopt SB 5004, known as Alyssa’s Law, legislation designed to strengthen school emergency response by requiring the use of advanced safety technologies like panic alert systems. The law passed unanimously in both the Senate and House, reflecting widespread agreement on the need to better equip schools for fast, coordinated responses to threats of violence.
Key Provisions of Washington’s Alyssa’s Law
While Alyssa’s Law exists in several other states, Washington’s version focuses on building partnerships between schools, law enforcement, and 911 dispatch centers to ensure faster and more effective responses during emergencies. The law requires all public, charter, and state-tribal school districts to implement at least one of the following:
Panic or alert button systems to instantly notify staff and first responders
Live video and audio streaming for first responder access during an emergency
Remote-controlled door access to secure school entrances quickly
Two-way communication systems for real-time coordination with emergency teams
Districts are required to report their implementation progress to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) by October 1, 2025. OSPI will then prepare a statewide compliance report for the legislature by December 1, 2025.
Funding and Support for Alyssa’s Law
To help schools meet these new requirements, Senator Nikki Torres introduced a companion bill, SB 5003, aimed at creating a grant program for physical security improvements. She also secured $12 million for school security grants in Washington’s final capital budget— funding that can support the installation of panic button systems, infrastructure updates, and other qualifying safety enhancements.
“This legislation is about protecting students and giving families peace of mind,” Torres said. “School should be a place where kids can focus on learning, not worry about their safety.”
How 911Cellular Can Help Schools Comply
911Cellular offers a comprehensive, scalable platform that helps schools meet Alyssa’s Law requirements while managing budget constraints. Our solutions are designed to grow with your district and integrate with your existing systems.
Flexible Panic Button Options
911Cellular provides wearable, mobile, desktop, and wall-mounted panic buttons that allow staff to discreetly notify safety teams and first responders, improving both response time and incident outcomes.
Real-Time Incident Management
Our mobile safety app gives administrators and law enforcement secure, real-time access to incident details, including location, staff identity, live audio/video, and more, making emergency coordination faster and more effective.
Emergency Notification Systems
Keep your school community informed with multi-channel alerting, including text messages, emails, voice calls, and desktop notifications, ensuring everyone receives critical information without delay.
Take Action Before the October 1, 2025 Reporting Deadline
With reporting deadlines approaching, districts need partners who understand both the technical requirements and the budget challenges of implementing Alyssa’s Law. 911Cellular is here to help you meet compliance requirements and build a safer learning environment for everyone on your campus. Schedule a demo today!
