PennsylvaniaSchool Safety Standards

School Safety Legislation & Resources

Pennsylvania Proposes Alyssa’s Law: SB 1206 & HB 1974

In 2024, the Pennsylvania Legislature introduced Senate Bill No. 1206 and House Bill No. 1974, co-sponsored proposals for an amendment to the Public School Code of 1949 (P.L.30, No. 14) that would provide for panic alarm systems in Pennsylvania schools.

The amendment, if passed, would require all public school buildings to be equipped with a panic alarm system for use in a school security emergency, including, but not limited to, a nonfire evacuation, lockdown or active shooter situation. The panic alarm must be directly linked to the local law enforcement agencies designated as first responders to the school’s campus and must immediately transmit a signal or message to those authorities on activation.

Pennsylvania School Safety Solutions: Act 44

The Pennsylvania legislature passed the School Safety and Security Act (Act 44) in 2018, which offers new guidance for Pennsylvania school safety solutions and establishes a fund for safety grants. The legislation provides guidance for everything from training and planning to installing Pennsylvania school alert systems.

The law established the School Safety and Security Committee, which has since developed a tiered system for evaluating school safety. The law also created a school safety fund designated for grants to help schools achieve higher tiers of safety compliance.  

In subsequent years, the Pennsylvania state legislature passed multiple amendments that added regulations for developing a trauma-informed approach to safety, safety and security training standards and training requirements for school resource officers and security personnel.

To qualify for grant funding, schools must reach a Tier 1 level of compliance, which focuses on safety training and planning. But, depending on the level of need, schools can achieve Tier 2 and Tier 3 safety criteria by implementing additional Pennsylvania school safety solutions.

Tier 1 Requirements

Pennsylvania School Safety Tier 1 Requirements include:

• A physical security assessment
• Vehicle barriers
• Exterior lighting
• Compliant doors
• Visitor buzz-in entry system and procedures
• Blind spot cameras
• Emergency preparedness plan
• Law enforcement memorandum of understanding
• Trained staff and security personnel
• Emergency communication system

Tier 2 Requirements

Tier 2 Requirements include all Tier 1 requirements with the addition of:

• Vehicle speed controls
• Backup generators for lighting
• Buffer and holding areas for main entrances
• Routine exterior door checks
• An electronic school visitor management system
• Security cameras in all common areas
• Exterior door alarms
• Law enforcement coordination
• Security personnel stationed at each school level
• Two-way emergency communication between the office and all campus buildings and personnel
• Devices for hearing-impaired
• Special needs considerations
• Annual review
• Ongoing training for all staff open to community first responders

Tier 3 Requirements

Tier 3 requirements include all lower requirements with the addition of:

• Screening and detection systems at entry points
• Remote door locks
• Visitor management training, escorts, and self-expiring visitor badges
• Impact-resistant doors and glass
• Closed circuit TV with offsite monitoring
• Panic alarms that can be activated throughout the school
• Secure communication system connected to law enforcement
• Robust safety training calendar

Achieve Tier 2 and Tier 3 School Safety Criteria with CENTEGIX

While the Pennsylvania School Safety Act provides new funding pathways for schools needing Pennsylvania school safety solutions, most Tier 1 qualifications can be met by completing formal training and emergency planning.

To reach additional compliance levels, however, schools must undergo more intensive training and will likely need to invest in Pennsylvania school safety solutions at the infrastructure level.

CENTEGIX Safety Platform: One-Stop Shop for School Safety

The CENTEGIX Safety Platform allows school safety planners to combine all of their safety planning assets in one location, combining the digital mapping, CrisisAlert badges, and Visitor Management in one place. The solution includes:

• Reliable connectivity without Wi-Fi or cellular requirements.
• Immediate connection to emergency service technology.
• Real-time communication with local and state first responders.
• Public safety system and 911 integration.

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