CHAPTER 45
An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 22.1-79.4:1 , relating to public schools; wearable panic alarm systems.
[H 592]
Approved April 2, 2026
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 22.1-79.4:1 as follows:
§ 22.1-79.4:1 . Wearable panic alarm system.
A. As used in this section:
"School security emergency" includes a non-fire evacuation, lockdown, medical emergency, or active shooter situation.
"Wearable panic alarm system" means a security system that is capable of being worn on the body of the user and by which the user manually activates a device that sends (i) a signal to the local 9-1-1 public safety answering point that indicates a school security emergency that requires immediate response and assistance from such public safety answering point and (ii) a multisensory schoolwide school security emergency notification, when appropriate.
B. Any school board may provide any school board employee in a public elementary and secondary school building in the local school division with a wearable panic alarm system.