Walker: Georgia’s New School Safety Law Is a Promise to Protect Our Children

As students across Georgia head back to classrooms this month, State Senator Larry Walker III says there’s one truth every parent knows instinctively — nothing matters more than a child’s safety.

“When we drop our kids off at school each morning, we trust the system surrounding them, including their teachers, administrators, bus drivers, school resource officers, and support staff,” Walker said. “That trust deserves to be honored with action. This year, the Georgia General Assembly did just that.”

That action came in the form of House Bill 268, known in part as Ricky and Alyssa’s Law, one of the most sweeping school safety measures in state history. Walker, who represents Georgia’s 20th Senate District, said the legislation isn’t about politics or headlines — it’s about saving lives.

The law bears the names of two lives tragically lost to school violence: Richard “Ricky” Aspinwall, a coach and defensive coordinator at Apalachee High School in Barrow County, and 14-year-old Alyssa Alhadeff, who was killed in the 2018 Parkland school shooting. Walker said their memory is a solemn reminder that preventative action is critical.

At its core, HB 268 requires every Georgia public school to install mobile panic alert systems that instantly connect with local and state emergency responders. In a crisis, these systems allow teachers and staff to summon help in seconds — a difference that can mean lives saved when every moment counts.

The law also mandates that schools provide digital campus maps to first responders, ensuring they can quickly and accurately navigate buildings under pressure. Walker emphasized that these steps, while technical, are essential for effective emergency response.

Importantly, the measure makes sure safety is not dependent on geography. Whether in an urban district like Augusta or a rural community like Rochelle, all Georgia students will have equal protection. The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency will establish statewide guidelines to standardize how schools implement these systems.

The law goes beyond physical safeguards, expanding investment in youth mental health programs, suicide prevention, and violence reduction initiatives. It also strengthens the way schools respond to verified threats and works to identify and assist students in crisis before situations escalate.

Walker credited Governor Brian Kemp, Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, Speaker Jon Burns, Sen. Jason Anavitarte, and Rep. Holt Persinger for their leadership, along with law enforcement input and victim family advocacy, in shaping the measure.

“Our schools are the heart of our communities,” Walker said. “When violence strikes close to home, it cuts deep. This legislation is a coordinated, statewide approach to make every child safer, no matter their zip code. It is a promise to turn grief into action and put the safety of our children above all else.”

Walker encouraged parents, educators, and community members to reach out to his office with questions about how the new law will affect their school or with ideas to further strengthen safety measures. His hope is that the 2025–2026 school year will be one where every Georgia student can learn in an environment that is both safe and supportive.