summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
02/26/2026
02/26/2026
Crossed Over
02/12/2026
02/12/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Public schools; wearable panic alarm systems permitted. Permits any school board to provide any school board employee in a public elementary and secondary school building in the local school division with a wearable panic alarm system, defined in the bill as a security system that is capable of being worn on the body of the user and by which the user manually activates a device that sends (i) a signal to the local 9-1-1 public safety answering point that indicates a school security emergency that requires immediate response and assistance from such public safety answering point and (ii) a multisensory schoolwide school security emergency notification, when appropriate.
AI Summary
This bill allows any school board to provide its employees in public elementary and secondary schools with a wearable panic alarm system, which is defined as a device worn by the user that, when activated, sends a signal to the local 9-1-1 emergency services indicating a school security emergency requiring immediate response, and also triggers a school-wide notification. A "school security emergency" is broadly defined to include situations like evacuations, lockdowns, medical emergencies, or active shooter events. The bill also mandates that the Department of Education establish and manage a grant program, funded by the state's general appropriation act, to help school divisions, based on demonstrated need and through a competitive application process, cover the costs of these panic alarm systems.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Education, Health and Social Services
Sponsors (5)
Shelly Simonds (D)*,
Kacey Carnegie (D),
John Chilton McAuliff (D),
Holly Seibold (D),
Virgil Thornton (D),
Last Action
Passed Senate (40-Y 0-N 0-A) (on 03/02/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB592 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB592) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1139669.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB592/text/HB592H1 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB592/text/HB592HC2 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB592/text/HB592HC1 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB592) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1134209.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB592/text/HB592 |
Loading...