Will schools in New York State get a new tool to combat rising violence?
Allysa’s Law has gone to Governor Kathy Hochul’s desk, and if signed, would put panic buttons in schools.
The concept is simple: Put panic buttons in place, so those inside schools can access them quickly in case of a life-threatening emergency.
The legislation is named after Alyssa Alhadeff, a 14-year-old who was killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida in 2018.
Alyssa mother, Lori, visited lawmakers in Albany to address them about the law. “It means to me so much. To honor my daughter Alyssa who was tragically killed at Stoneman Douglas high school but also I know this is a layer of safety that would protect our kids and make our schools safe My heart break for the families,” she said. “I too know the pain and it’s the most horrific thing for parent to find out that their child was shot and killed in their school.”
One major challenge, some say, is the cost to districts. However, if signed into law, the state would likely come up with funding for it.
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