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Hastings champions school safety with mobile panic alert bill
SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings is spearheading legislation aimed at improving emergency response in Illinois schools using mobile panic alert systems.
The bill seeks to provide schools with modern tools to quickly alert first responders in the event of a crisis.
“Every second matters in an emergency,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort).
“Schools need access to reliable technology to protect students, teachers and staff while connecting seamlessly with law enforcement and emergency services.”
Senate Bill 2948 would direct the Illinois State Board of Education, in consultation with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the Illinois State Police, to conduct market research and develop statewide standards for mobile panic alert systems. Schools and districts that implement these systems would also be eligible for grant funding to support adoption and ongoing use.
Mobile panic alert systems, sometimes known as Alyssa’s Alert, allow school staff to instantly communicate emergencies to first responders, enabling faster response times and better coordination across agencies. The legislation also emphasizes compatibility with 911 infrastructure to ensure alerts reach the proper emergency channels without delay.
Hastings noted that while the bill encourages adoption of these systems, it also prioritizes equitable access, ensuring schools of all sizes and resources can implement tools that enhance student safety.
“Illinois families deserve confidence that our schools are prepared for any emergency,” said Hastings. “This bill provides schools with the technology, guidance and funding needed to keep our children safe and first responders connected.”
Senate Bill 2948 awaits a hearing in the Senate Education Committee.
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Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.
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