Mario Díaz-Balart U.S. House of Representatives from Florida | Official U.S. House Headshot
Mario Díaz-Balart U.S. House of Representatives from Florida | Official U.S. House Headshot
Today, a bipartisan group of U.S. Representatives introduced the School Safety Notification System Act in Washington, D.C. The legislation aims to mandate school districts to establish emergency response and parental notification procedures for various threats and emergencies.
Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL), one of the sponsors, emphasized the urgency of this measure: “Across the country, we’ve seen a rise in school threats, requiring thorough investigations and tough penalties. In Collier County alone, which I have the honor to represent, over 300 threats are currently under investigation. Since the 2018 Parkland tragedy, we’ve worked hand-in-hand with law enforcement and mental health experts to strengthen school safety."
Díaz-Balart continued by highlighting the bill's objective: "This will ensure parents and guardians receive timely notifications regarding threats and emergencies occurring on school grounds, during school transportation or at school-sponsored activities. Parents deserve to be kept informed promptly and effectively.”
Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) echoed these sentiments: “As a graduate of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, I know all too well the anxiety that parents feel when they send their kids to school... I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to improve parental notification procedures.”
Joining them is Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL), who stressed her commitment as both a mother and legislator: “No parent should ever have to experience what our community in Parkland has faced... By improving emergency response protocols and enhancing parental notification, we are taking a meaningful step toward making our schools safer for all students.”
Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) also expressed his support: “No parent should fear sending their child to school... This critical legislation empowers parents with timely information, ensures schools are equipped to manage potential threats... Together, we are working to build a stronger, safer future where our schools stand as sanctuaries of learning.”
Tony Montalto from Stand with Parkland highlighted the importance of communication in ensuring student safety: "The founding families of Stand with Parkland unfortunately know all too well that your child’s safety at school is no longer a given. No parent should ever be the last to know when a threat arises or an incident occurs."
The full text of the bill can be accessed online.
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