New law now requires New Jersey schools to have panic alarms

All New Jersey public schools are now required to install panic alarms under legislation signed into law Wednesday.

News 12 Staff

Feb 7, 2019, 12:41 AM

Updated 1,913 days ago

Share:

All New Jersey public schools are now required to install panic alarms under legislation signed into law Wednesday.
The measure is called “Alyssa’s Law” after 14-year-old Alyssa Alhadeff. She was a New Jersey native who died in the fatal high school shooting in Parkland, Florida, nearly one year ago. Alhadeff was originally from Woodcliff Lake.
Gov. Phil Murphy said Wednesday that the state "will do everything in our power" to prevent tragedies like the one in Parkland.
The legislation requires the state's roughly 2,500 public schools to install silent alarms that communicate life-threatening or emergency situations to law enforcement.
Alhadeff’s parents attended the bill signing. They said in a statement, “Our hearts are overwhelmed to know our daughter's death is making national changes for school safety and hopefully other states will follow suit."
"It is with great pleasure to join Gov. Murphy to witness this bill signing and we know that Alyssa is watching from above."
Legislative fiscal estimates said the project could cost between $2.5 million and $12.5 million. The bill calls for tapping into $500 million in voter-approved bond funding as a source of revenue for the project.

The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.


More from News 12
2:08
Prosecutors: Queens man stole used cooking oil from 8 Long Island restaurants

Prosecutors: Queens man stole used cooking oil from 8 Long Island restaurants

1:44
Temps below average for the weekend with possible showers

Temps below average for the weekend with possible showers

2:15
Meeting held over next steps for cleanup at Bethpage Community Park

Meeting held over next steps for cleanup at Bethpage Community Park

0:38
Sam Ash Music announces closure of all store locations

Sam Ash Music announces closure of all store locations

1:39
Runners are lacing up for the Long Island Marathon Sunday. Click here to see which roads will close to traffic

Runners are lacing up for the Long Island Marathon Sunday. Click here to see which roads will close to traffic

1:58
Kids get up-close-and personal tour of Suffolk police headquarters during Police Week

Kids get up-close-and personal tour of Suffolk police headquarters during Police Week

2:15
EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Hochul talks retail theft, bail reform during visit to Lindenhurst

EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Hochul talks retail theft, bail reform during visit to Lindenhurst

1:56
JAC Shack gives BOCES students chance to work at restaurant

JAC Shack gives BOCES students chance to work at restaurant

2:39
Deer Park man heads to Washington DC to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease

Deer Park man heads to Washington DC to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease

0:20
Police: 13-year-old robbed at knifepoint on soccer field of Turtle Hook Middle School

Police: 13-year-old robbed at knifepoint on soccer field of Turtle Hook Middle School

0:25
Garbage truck driver indicted for 2023 fatal crash in Hauppauge

Garbage truck driver indicted for 2023 fatal crash in Hauppauge

2:19
Campus police on standby following pro-Palestinian protest arrests at Stony Brook University

Campus police on standby following pro-Palestinian protest arrests at Stony Brook University

0:19
Man wanted for stealing package worth $6,000 from East Northport home

Man wanted for stealing package worth $6,000 from East Northport home

1:44
The Real Deal: Now may be the time for a job change

The Real Deal: Now may be the time for a job change

10 organizations to donate to in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities

10 organizations to donate to in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities

2:11
Garden Guide: Is it safe to plant your summer garden?

Garden Guide: Is it safe to plant your summer garden?

9 Long Island health care providers earn highest safety rating on Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade

9 Long Island health care providers earn highest safety rating on Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade

0:35
Mets foundation partners with America's Vet Dogs to raise future service dog

Mets foundation partners with America's Vet Dogs to raise future service dog

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

2:22
Do you constantly reuse the same username and password? 6 steps to help safeguard your online accounts

Do you constantly reuse the same username and password? 6 steps to help safeguard your online accounts