Peach Tree Times

Senator Jason Anavitarte of Dallas has introduced Senate Bill 17, a legislative measure aimed at enhancing school safety in Georgia. The bill is named "Ricky and Alyssa’s Law" to honor Alyssa Alhadeff, a victim of the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, and Coach Richard “Ricky” William Aspinwall, who was killed during a shooting at Apalachee High School last September.

The proposed legislation mandates that all public schools in Georgia install mobile panic alarm systems linked directly to emergency responders and law enforcement agencies. It also requires local school systems to obtain mapping data for each public and private school within their jurisdiction.

Senator Anavitarte expressed his commitment to advancing the bill: “I’m determined to see Ricky and Alyssa’s Law reach the Governor’s desk,” he stated. He emphasized his personal connection as both a husband of a teacher and father of three daughters, highlighting the importance of ensuring family safety across the state.

Support for the bill also comes from Senator Clint Dixon of Gwinnett, who remarked on its significance for families affected by the Apalachee incident. “This bill directly benefits students, their families and our school systems by strengthening safety measures in Georgia’s learning environments,” said Dixon.

Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones added his endorsement, emphasizing the urgency of addressing student safety. “Having an alert system like the one used in Barrow County will ensure security and well-being of Georgia’s students and teachers,” he noted.

Georgia joins over ten states with similar legislation named after Alyssa Alhadeff already enacted in places such as New Jersey, Florida, New York, Texas, Tennessee, Utah, and Oklahoma.