HB234 Summary

• Requires each local school board and public charter school governing body to adopt policies designating which employees must be equipped with mobile emergency rapid response systems and when they must be worn.

• Mandates all designated school employees (teachers, administrators, custodial staff, bus drivers, etc.) be equipped with wearable devices that immediately connect to local emergency services and provide precise location information to room/floor level and outdoor school areas by October 1, 2030.

• Requires the State Board of Education to develop an approved vendor list and adopt administrative rules; excludes vendors that manufacture equipment or services covered by the Federal Communications Commission's Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019.

• Authorizes school systems to fund the systems using the K-12 Capital Grant Program, Education Trust Fund Advancement and Technology Fund, School Security and Fire Safety Fund, or any other available funding sources.

• Becomes effective October 1, 2025; passed the House 58-30 with 13 abstentions on March 20, 2025.