As School Safety Laws Shift Toward Mandates, Practitioners Put Policies and Planning First

School safety legislation is increasingly moving beyond broad guidance to require specific actions, from panic alarm systems and digital mapping to weapons detection and reporting requirements.

According to Guy Grace, Government Relations Committee Chair for the National Council of School Safety Directors (NCSSD), more than 1,900 school safety-related legislative actions were introduced or debated across the country in 2025. During a recent NCSSD roundtable discussion, Grace observed that school safety legislation is increasingly shifting from general awareness to operational mandates, with many bills requiring specific actions such as panic alarm systems, digital mapping, weapons detection, and other security measures.

Grace emphasized that while many of these measures can strengthen school safety, they are most effective when supported by strong policies, procedures, training, and planning.

The discussion also illustrated how operational mandates can raise practical implementation questions for school safety leaders.

For example, participants discussed Virginia's mandate that schools report suspected student overdoses to state and local authorities. While the reporting requirement itself is straightforward, the conversation highlighted implementation questions, including how incidents should be classified, how reporting expectations align across agencies, and how schools communicate these events to their communities. Participants also discussed the potential impact of mandatory reporting requirements on school reputation and community trust.

The discussion reinforced Grace's broader point that legislative requirements are most effective when supported by clear policies, procedures, training, and communication plans.

Build the Foundation Before Adding Technology

Many of the technologies being required or encouraged through legislation can play an important role in protecting students and staff. However, Grace cautioned against implementing technology before establishing the operational foundation needed to support it.

Matt Sherry, Security Coordinator for St. Cloud Area School District 742 in Minnesota, recently shared a similar perspective in a School Security Leadership Member Spotlight. Rather than focusing on adding new initiatives, he said his priority is strengthening the systems already in place.

"My future goals include becoming proficient with what we have right now," Sherry said. "Between our response protocols, physical security, anonymous reporting, emergency notification, and culture, doing those things well is a goal."

Before investing in new technology—or implementing new legislative requirements—schools should first evaluate:

• Emergency plans and procedures
• Staff training and drills
• Communication protocols
• Roles and responsibilities during emergencies
• Threat assessment and reporting processes
• Existing security technologies and how effectively they are being used

Focus on Outcomes, Not One-Size-Fits-All Solutions

Grace also noted that NCSSD has advocated for legislation that supports performance-based assessments rather than mandating one-size-fits-all solutions.

To help advance that approach, NCSSD's Government Affairs initiatives work with policymakers, education leaders, and partner organizations to promote school safety policies informed by practitioner experience and leading practices. One example is the Path to Safer Schools model legislation, developed in collaboration with ZeroNow. Rather than prescribing a single technology or security solution, the framework encourages a comprehensive, prevention-focused approach that emphasizes professional leadership, multidisciplinary safety teams, threat assessment, training, sustainable funding, and locally informed decision-making.

Grace encouraged school safety leaders to stay engaged in legislative discussions, noting that practitioner input is essential to developing policies that are both practical and effective.

Join the Conversation

The discussion featured in this article is just one example of the conversations taking place within NCSSD. Members regularly exchange ideas, discuss emerging legislation, and share practical strategies through roundtables, webinars, and member discussions.

Interested in joining the conversation? Learn more about NCSSD membership and connect with school safety leaders from across the country.