West VirginiaWest Virginia schools may use wearable panic-alert devices
West Virginia public schools may use wearable panic-alert devices under a state rule, but implementation depends on available funding.
What it does
West Virginia public schools may use wearable panic-alert devices under a state rule, but implementation depends on available funding.
County school boards may give employees panic-alert devices, while users must receive yearly training and schools must share security data with local law enforcement.
County school boards may seek money from a state fund for panic buttons and similar safety equipment; these provisions end December 31, 2029.
Argument forEmployees could contact emergency responders quickly and help trigger a campus lockdown during a school emergency.
Argument againstCounties may face added work coordinating law-enforcement data access and training every employee who uses a device.
More detail
The state education board and emergency management division must adopt a rule allowing public schools to use wearable panic-alert devices. The rule covers every public school in West Virginia. Implementation depends on available funding. The rule must follow the state's rulemaking process. An emergency rule may be used if necessary. The rule must be adopted by December 31, 2026.
County school boards may provide wearable panic-alert devices to school employees, and they must train employees who use them. The provisions apply to school employees and other school-facility personnel who use the devices. Devices must connect with local emergency call systems, send 9-1-1 calls and mobile activations, and start a campus-wide lockdown notification. Training must cover the device protocol and proper use. County boards must make school security data available to local law enforcement and set access procedures with that agency. Security data includes cameras, maps, and access-control information. Training must be completed before the first day of school each year for personnel who use the devices.
The Department of Homeland Security administers a state school-safety fund for mobile panic buttons and similar equipment. County school boards may apply to the department for funding from the fund. The fund may receive fees, gifts, grants, bequests, transfers, and other money. Money from the fund is available for mobile panic buttons and similar school-safety equipment. The provisions of this section sunset on December 31, 2029.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Aug 13Chapter 123, Acts, Regular Session, 2026Latest
- Apr 1Approved by Governor Patrick Morrisey 4/1/2026Major
- Mar 14Approved by Governor Patrick Morrisey 4/1/2026 - House JournalMajor
- Mar 14Approved by Governor Patrick Morrisey 4/1/2026 - Senate JournalBecame Law
- Mar 11To Governor 3/11/2026 - Senate JournalTo Governor
- Mar 11To Governor 3/11/2026Minor
- Mar 11House Message received
- Mar 10Completed legislative action
- Vote recorded PASSAGE-SENATE AMENDED HB. Result: pass.Lower
- Mar 10Communicated to Senate
- Mar 10House concurred in Senate amendment and passed bill (Roll No. 380)
- Mar 10House received Senate message
- Mar 9Senate requests House to concur
- Vote recorded Passage. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 9Title amendment adopted
- Mar 9Passed Senate (Roll No. 378)Passed Senate
- Mar 9Read 3rd timeMinor
- Mar 9On 3rd reading
- Mar 6Committee amendment adopted (Voice vote)
- Mar 6Read 2nd timeMinor
- Mar 6On 2nd reading
- Mar 5Read 1st timeMinor
- Mar 5On 1st reading
- Mar 4Reported do pass, with amendmentMinor
- Feb 26To EducationMinor
- Feb 26To EducationMinor
- Feb 26Introduced in SenateMinor
- Feb 25Communicated to Senate
- Vote recorded PASSAGE. Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 25Passed House (Roll No. 183)Passed House
- Feb 25Read 3rd timeMinor
- Feb 25On 3rd reading, Special Calendar
- Feb 24Read 2nd timeMinor
- Feb 24On 2nd reading, Special Calendar
- Feb 23Read 1st timeMinor
- Feb 23On 1st reading, Special Calendar
- Feb 202nd reference dispensed
- Feb 20By substitute, do pass
- Feb 18Markup Discussion
- Feb 18To House EducationMinor
- Feb 17Markup Discussion
- Feb 8To House Public EducationMinor
- Jan 23To House EducationMinor
- Jan 23Introduced in HouseMinor
- Jan 23To Education then FinanceMinor
- Jan 23Filed for introductionIntroduced
EducationPublic SafetyEmergency Management