Georgia HB 268: Understanding Georgia’s New School Safety Mandates Webinar Recap

This week, we hosted an incredibly insightful webinar on Georgia HB 268, the new school safety legislation that’s set to transform how schools across the state approach campus security. Here’s the full recap of the key topics discussed, the Q&A session, and some important takeaways.

What is Georgia HB 268?

Georgia HB 268 is a comprehensive school safety bill signed into law to address growing concerns about school violence and campus security.

The bill mandates several new safety measures, including:

• Panic Alert Systems: Schools are required to install mobile panic alert systems, such as Alyssa’s Alert, to ensure immediate communication with law enforcement during emergencies
• Digital Mapping: Schools must provide detailed digital maps of their campuses to local law enforcement to improve response times during incidents
• Mental Health Initiatives: Increased funding and resources for mental health programs to identify and address potential threats early.
• Statewide Student Tracking Database: A new system to monitor student behavior and identify warning signs of potential violence.

Schools have until July 1, 2026, to fully implement the panic alert systems and other safety measures.

How Lightspeed Helps Maintain Compliance with Georgia HB 268 

As schools prepare for compliance with HB 268, Lightspeed Systems is here to help:

• Anonymous Reporting System: Lightspeed StopIt™ provides a robust anonymous reporting mechanism that allows students, staff, and parents to report safety concerns or mental health issues. With multiple reporting channels—including a mobile app, web interface, and direct hotline—our system ensures accessibility and encourages community engagement. A dedicated 24/7 human review team monitors reports, escalating any life-threatening situations to the appropriate authorities immediately.

• Mobile Panic Alert System: Lightspeed Notify™ meets the mandate for a mobile panic alert system, enabling staff to trigger alerts directly from their mobile devices. This system integrates with existing phone systems, allowing classroom phones to function as panic buttons, ensuring immediate communication with law enforcement during emergencies.

• Behavioral Threat Assessment Support: Lightspeed Alert™ assists schools in implementing a behavioral threat assessment process. By providing actionable intelligence based on student behavior, our system helps identify individuals who may pose a risk to themselves or others, facilitating timely interventions.

• Data-Driven Insights: Our solutions provide valuable data analytics that help schools track trends and assess the effectiveness of their safety measures. Administrators can access real-time data on report types, response times, and resource utilization, enabling informed decision-making.

• Grant Funding Eligibility: Our comprehensive safety solutions qualify for the FY25 Georgia School Security Grant. As approved expenditures under the grant’s guidelines, our alert systems, monitoring tools, and safety infrastructure align with the state’s requirements for creating secure learning environments. Districts can leverage these funds starting July 1, 2024, to implement our solutions without requiring local matching funds, ensuring schools can access cutting-edge safety technology while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

In preparation for Georgia HB 268, schools should consider: 

• Conducting a thorough review of current safety protocols and identify gaps.
• Beginning working with vendors to implement panic alert systems and digital mapping tools.
• Training staff on new systems and ensure they are familiar with emergency procedures.
• Collaborating with local law enforcement to align on safety plans and response strategies.

Q&A Session Highlights 

We had some fantastic questions from attendees during the webinar. Here are a few of the most common ones, along with our responses:

• Q: How will schools fund these new safety measures?
• A: The state has allocated funding to help schools implement the requirements of HB 268. Schools are encouraged to apply for grants and work with local agencies to secure additional resources.

• Q: What role does mental health play in HB 268?
• A: Mental health is a critical component of the bill. By increasing access to mental health resources and creating a statewide student tracking database, the legislation aims to identify and address potential threats before they escalate

• Q: Are private schools required to comply with HB 268?
• A: No, the mandates of HB 268 apply specifically to public schools in Georgia. However, private schools are encouraged to adopt similar safety measures to protect their students and staff.

Final Thoughts

Together, we can create safer schools and a brighter future for Georgia’s students. Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news and resources.

Let’s make a difference—one step at a time.