‘Time equals life:’ SC Senate panel advances school panic alert bill backed by Parkland victim’s mother

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – A South Carolina Senate committee on Wednesday advanced legislation that would require mobile panic alert systems in public schools, a measure backed by a mother whose daughter was killed in one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history.

Lori Alhadeff, whose 14-year-old daughter Alyssa was among the 17 people killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, in 2018, testified before lawmakers in support of the bill. The proposal would move South Carolina closer to adopting “Alyssa’s Law,” which has already been enacted in 10 states.

Alhadeff told legislators that faster emergency response can save lives during school crises.

“Time equals life, and the faster we can get help there, the more lives we can save,” she said.

Alyssa Alhadeff was a freshman when a gunman opened fire at the Parkland school. Lori Alhadeff said a mobile panic alert system could have changed the outcome that day.

“If the security guard had pressed a panic button and the school went into lockdown, Alyssa and the 16 others could have gotten out of view of the door and followed safety protocol,” she said. “I believe her life would have been saved that day.”

The systems typically resemble key cards equipped with a button that, when pressed, instantly alerts teachers, school staff and law enforcement while helping authorities pinpoint the location of the emergency within a building.

Patrick Kelly of the Palmetto State Teachers Association voiced support for the proposal, calling it a critical investment.

“As an educator and a parent, I can’t think of a more important resource than investing in a system that has been proven to save student lives,” Kelly said.

Sen. Everett Stubbs, R-York, said the technology can significantly improve response times.

“It helps triangulate where in the building the alert is coming from, and it syncs with local law enforcement,” Stubbs said. “From what I’ve researched, it’s a pretty awesome system.”

Some South Carolina school districts already use mobile panic alert systems. Lexington School District One has spent more than $1 million implementing the technology, according to district officials who testified to lawmakers.

Under the bill, the South Carolina Department of Education would oversee a statewide rollout. Lawmakers have not yet determined the total cost.

Sen. Darrell Jackson, D-Richland, acknowledged concerns about funding but said the expense may be justified.

“I know there are concerns about the cost, but sometimes it’s worth the cost,” Jackson said. “I think this is one of those bills.”

The House had already approved the legislation, but the Senate moved the implementation date to 2028 to give more time to figure out implementation. If the full Senate passes it, the House would have to concur, then the bill would head to Gov. Henry McMaster’s desk for consideration. The Senate could take up the measure as soon as this week.

Alhadeff, now CEO of the nonprofit Make Our Schools Safe, said she continues her advocacy in her daughter’s memory.

“As Alyssa’s mom, I live every day for Alyssa,” she said. “I’m Alyssa’s voice now. Every time that panic button is pressed, Alyssa is helping to save lives.”

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