The Washington State House of Representatives on Wednesday unanimously approved legislation aimed at modernizing emergency response systems in K-12 schools.

Senate Bill 5004, sponsored by Sen. Nikki Torres, R-Pasco, passed the House 98-0 and seeks to enhance safety measures by encouraging the adoption of advanced panic and alert button systems to improve response times during emergencies.

“Schools must be equipped with the latest safety tools to protect students and teachers,” Torres said. “Updating emergency response systems is a critical step toward faster, more effective communication in crisis situations. This legislation reflects our commitment to ensuring our schools are safe places for learning and growth.”

The legislation draws inspiration from Alyssa’s Law, named for Alyssa Alhadeff, a 14-year-old who was killed in the 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida. Lori Alhadeff, Alyssa’s mother, has advocated for school safety measures nationwide since her daughter’s death.

“Today, Washington joins seven other states in the country that have passed Alyssa’s Law, setting a standard that children should be safe and thrive in schools,” said Alhadeff. “I applaud Senator Torres, the Senate co-sponsors, and the Washington House for their swift and proactive work to make schools safe in Washington through passing Alyssa’s Law unanimously. Every time a panic alarm is used, I know it is Alyssa saving lives. Now, we urge Governor Ferguson to sign this life-saving legislation into law and make school safety a top priority.”

The bill requires school districts to work with local law enforcement to establish comprehensive emergency response plans incorporating advanced technology, such as:

• Panic or alert buttons to expedite emergency notifications.
• Live audio and video feeds to provide real-time information to law enforcement and school staff.
• Remote door access control to lock and unlock school entrances remotely.
• Interactive two-way communication to improve coordination with first responders.

School districts must report their progress on implementing these measures to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction by Oct. 1, 2025. OSPI will then submit a statewide report to the Legislature by Dec. 1, 2025.

“This demonstrates our commitment to proactive, preventative measures that will make schools safer,” added Torres. “Every student deserves to feel secure in their learning environment, and these investments in school safety infrastructure are a crucial step toward that goal.”