‘Alyssa’s Law’ just took effect in Texas. Here’s how it impacts your child

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- "Alyssa's Law," also known as Senate Bill 838, takes affect this school year for Texas schools. The legislation requires silent alarm systems in classrooms by the 2025-2026 school year.

The bill was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott in May of 2023. Schools have had the last two years to install the systems and prepare for the law to take effect.

The technology aims to protect students and teachers in the event of an active shooter or other emergency incident.

EPISD received a $150,000 grant from the Texas Education Agency to prepare for the new law. The law has been passed in 10 states so far, and is in progress in 16 others.

ABC-7 spoke with Canutillo ISD, who said that they've spent over $1,000,000 on implementing a new system for their schools. With just the press of a button, the schools, the district, and law enforcement will be notified about whatever incident is occurring.

"This silent alarm is one more tool we have to provide that layer of accountability to provide that layer of safety and security so that our teachers can teach without worry, and our parents can feel safe that their kids are going to get home just fine every day," said Gustavo Reveles, a spokesperson with the district.

Teachers at CISD believe the new system is much better than the old system. Previously, administration had to go over the intercom to notify the campus about what was happening.

I think that's why we started implementing and finding ways to be better prepared. The intercom sometimes wasn't working, some classrooms got it, some didn't," said Melissa Fernandez, a teacher at Damian Elementary School.

"It feels nice and comforting to know that we have something in place that automatically is going to alert who needs to be alerted," said Jessica Aramburu, another teacher at Damian. "I'm feeling secure as a parent, knowing that they're getting that immediate fast response and everything is under control."