Tag Archives: Alyssa’s Law

Sen. Torres, advocates applaud signing of her school safety bill

State Sen. Nikki Torres today praised the signing of Senate Bill 5004, her legislation to improve emergency response systems in K-12 schools across Washington.

Gov. Bob Ferguson signed the bill into law Monday, capping a bipartisan effort to boost school safety and better prepare schools for crisis situations.

Known as “Alyssa’s Law,” the measure will require school districts to implement advanced emergency systems, including silent panic alarms, real-time communication tools, and live-feed video access for law enforcement, designed to reduce response times and improve coordination during emergencies.

“This law gives students and staff a critical lifeline when every second counts,” said Torres, R-Pasco. “It ensures law enforcement can respond faster and more effectively when lives are on the line.”

The bill is named in honor of Alyssa Alhadeff, a 14-year-old student who was killed during the 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Alyssa’s mother, Lori Alhadeff, a national advocate for school safety, traveled to Olympia earlier this session to testify in support of the bill and joined Sen. Torres for the bill signing.

“With the passage of Alyssa’s Law in Washington, we are turning pain into purpose,” said Alhadeff. “Every second matters in an emergency—and now, every school in this state will be better prepared to save lives. Alyssa’s legacy continues to protect students across the country.”

Senate Bill 5004 passed the Legislature unanimously, with a 49-0 vote in the Senate and a 98-0 vote in the House.

Under the new law, school districts must collaborate with local law enforcement agencies to develop and implement the required systems. Districts must report their implementation progress to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction by Oct. 1, with a statewide report due to the Legislature by Dec. 1.

Torres also introduced a companion bill, Senate Bill 5003, which would create a grant program to help schools pay for physical security improvements such as hardware, infrastructure, and technology. She successfully garnered $6 million for school security grants in the state’s final capital budget.

“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.”

House Unanimously Passes Torres’ School Safety Legislation

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.”