Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

Mississippi Senate Bill SB3123

Introduced
2/18/26  
Refer
2/18/26  

Caption

AN ACT MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEFRAYING COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH IMPLEMENTING A WEARABLE PANIC ALERT SYSTEM AT EACH SCHOOL FACILITY CAPABLE OF INTEGRATING WITH LOCAL PUBLIC SAFETY ANSWERING POINT INFRASTRUCTURE TO TRANSMIT 911 CALLS AND MOBILE ACTIVATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2027.

Impact

The introduction of SB3123 is expected to enhance the safety protocols in schools by providing instant access to emergency services. The wearable panic alert system aims to empower school staff with the tools necessary to respond quickly during critical situations. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to improve school safety measures and prepare institutions for emergencies, thereby safeguarding students and staff alike.

Summary

Senate Bill 3123 proposes an appropriation of $1,272,000 from the State General Fund to the Department of Education. The purpose of this funding is to implement a wearable panic alert system across all school facilities in the state of Mississippi. This system is designed to facilitate immediate communication with local public safety answering points, enabling the transmission of emergency 911 calls and mobile activations swiftly and effectively. The implementation is slated for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and extending until June 30, 2027.

Conclusion

In summary, SB3123 is designed to provide a significant resource aimed at enhancing safety within Mississippi schools. Should the bill pass, it will represent a substantial commitment to improving emergency response capabilities in educational settings, though it may invite debate over budgeting and resource allocation priorities in the state's fiscal framework.

Contention

While the bill aims to improve school safety, it may also raise discussions regarding the allocation of state funds and priorities within the budget. Some lawmakers may argue about the efficiency of such systems versus other educational needs and funding initiatives, questioning if the investment in technology is the best approach to improve safety in schools. There is also the matter of integration with existing public safety infrastructure, which could present challenges in ensuring that the systems work as intended.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS SB2534

Alyssa's Law; enact to require school districts to implement a panic alert system making use of wearable panic alert devices.

MS HB1521

"Alyssa's Law"; enact to authorize the implementation and installation of silent panic alarm systems in public and charter schools.

MS HB1281

"Alyssa's Law"; enact to authorize implementation and installation of silent panic alarm systems in public and charter schools.

MS HB1483

Educational Facilities Construction, Infrastructure and Capital Improvements Grant Program; create for purpose of improving educational facilities.

MS SB3174

General Fund; FY2026 appropriation to City of Brooksville for paving and infrastructure projects within the city.

MS SB3016

Appropriation; Public Safety, Department of.

MS SB2015

Appropriation; Public Safety, Department of.

MS HB1842

Appropriation; Town of Bude for purchasing public safety equipment for the town police department.

MS HB985

Appropriation; Humphreys County for cost share needs associated with recovery projects following 2023 tornado.

MS HB349

Appropriation; Department of Health for upgrades and improvements to infrastructure at county health departments.

Similar Bills

MD SB282

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB0390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

PA HB1330

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of certain agencies of the Executive Department for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

PA SB160

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB1220

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.