Sacramento – Today, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 960 (Mathis, 2024), which encourages public and charter schools to install app-based or web-based security systems to protect the lives of California’s students and staff in the event of an active shooter incident or natural disaster. Assemblyman Mathis issued the following statement upon the signing:
“The news that Governor Newsom signed my pro-school safety bill into law is a huge relief to parents statewide. As long as there are evil people in the world intent on harming our children, I want our schools to have the best and most modern security available. In my district, the Tulare County Office of Education has developed ActVnet, a web-based program that enhances emergency response and school safety by improving coordination between schools & law enforcement. My hope is that all schools utilize programs similar to ActVnet to share crucial information, including live camera access and real-time communication, with First Responders so they can get an accurate picture of the situation and save lives. This low-cost program has a proven track record of success in my district. In the safety tests conducted in Tulare County, once on scene, it takes law enforcement an average of 53 seconds to subdue the threat to the schools when using ActVnet. This legislation will encourage school districts all over the State to adopt similar app-based or web-based security systems so we can ensure that our students can learn in peace,” said Assemblyman Devon Mathis.
“I want to thank Assemblyman Devon Mathis for championing AB 960. The Governor’s signature signifies the Legislature’s and his support for the use of technology to enhance schools’ ability to protect our children and educators. The characteristics of the program described in AB 960, and found in our ActVnet program, will result in reduced law enforcement response time, ultimately saving lives,” said Tim Hire, the Tulare County Superintendent of Schools.
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