Politics Schools

‘Alyssa’s Law’ Now in Governor DeSantis’ Hands Awaiting Signature

by Jill Fox June 18, 2020

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Alyssa Alhadeff

By Jill Fox

After passing through the Florida House and Senate, Alyssa’s Law (SB 70) was sent to the Governor on Tuesday as the final step in becoming a law.

Governor DeSantis has 15 days to sign or veto the bill, which requires public schools to implement a mobile panic button system, referred to as “Alyssa’s Alert,” that will link to local law enforcement for real-time coordination between multiple first responders.

The enhanced emergency system will reduce response times by law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency medical services to save children’s lives.

The bill is named after Alyssa Alhadeff, a victim of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas school shooting on February 14, 2018. Her mother, Lori Alhadeff, led the process with her nonprofit Make Our Schools Safe, generating thousands of petition signatures and paving the way toward school safety.

Representative Dan Daley of Coral Springs, who was one of the co-sponsors of the bill in the House, said during tragedies like the one at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, every second matters – it is quite literally life or death.

“This bill is one part of a larger effort to ensure that our schools are properly equipped to protect students during an active shooter situation,” said Daley, “Implementing ‘Alyssa’s Law’ is a tremendous step in the right direction toward keeping our kids safe in an emergency.”

Lori Alhadeff is seeking help from the community to encourage DeSantis to keep the $8 million in funding for school safety in the budget and sign Alyssa’s Law.

Those interested in helping, can contact Governor DeSantis’ office at 850-717-9337 or email him to voice their support.

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Author Profile

Jill Fox

Jill Fox is an Emmy Award-winning writer and producer. She has worked in public relations and television for over 20 years. Fox lives in Parkland with her husband and their two children.