AR HB1897

Requires state-supported institutions of higher education to offer panic button alert systems to students, employees, and other personnel beginning in the 2017-2018 academic year.

Systems must connect users in real time with designated individuals and enable contact with live 911 operators.

Systems must integrate into the existing statewide Smart911 system with geofencing capability to provide GPS location to emergency responders during 911 calls.

Systems must function as smartphone applications for on and off-campus use, with capability to receive alerts from non-smartphone wireless callers, landline callers, and automatic alert features.

Systems must include geotracking capability to determine the location and movements of users who activate the panic button.

Institutions may provide educational information to students, employees, and other personnel on system use and how to obtain access.