New legislation in Pennsylvania aims to improve communication regarding school safety incidents, particularly those involving weapons. On November 6, 2026, Senate Bill 246 was signed into law as Act 44, mandating that schools inform parents, guardians, and staff within 24 hours of any weapon being brought onto school property, including school buses or events.
Addressing Delayed Communication
Previously, schools were only required to report such incidents to the Department of Education if a student was expelled, without a clear obligation to disclose that the expulsion was weapon-related. This lack of transparency often left families and staff uninformed about serious incidents, creating confusion and eroding trust. Jarrett Coleman, a state senator representing Pennsylvania’s 16th Senate District, emphasized the need for timely communication to ensure safety and accountability.
The introduction of Act 44 was spurred by incidents that highlighted the dangers of delayed information. A notable event occurred in April 2023, when a fourth-grade student at Parkland Area School District brought a knife to school with harmful intent. The community was not informed until a week after the incident, when a report was released by the Pennsylvania State Police.
Another alarming situation unfolded in September 2022 at William Allen High School, where the school went into lockdown following reports of gunfire nearby. It was later revealed that a 14-year-old student had entered the school with a loaded semi-automatic handgun. Parents received full details days after the event, underscoring the urgent need for change.
Enhancing Trust and Safety
Act 44 does not prescribe specific methods of communication, allowing school districts the flexibility to choose how best to inform parents and staff—be it through phone calls, text messages, or emails. The primary objective is to ensure that critical information is disseminated quickly and effectively.
Senator Coleman, who previously served on the Parkland School Board, noted that the focus is not on assigning blame to educators or administrators. “The vast majority of our educators are committed to student safety,” he said. “This is about ensuring that parents have the information they need to protect and support their children.”
The law has received overwhelming bipartisan support, passing with a vote of 48–2 in the Senate and 202–1 in the House. This consensus reflects a shared commitment to enhancing school safety across party lines.
While Act 44 represents a significant step forward in school safety, Senator Coleman insists that further actions are necessary. He plans to introduce additional legislation aimed at improving security personnel coverage in schools. Currently, the law requires only one security officer per district, which can leave some buildings inadequately protected. “Many parents are unaware that their district’s security officer could be stationed 20 minutes away from their child,” he remarked.
Ensuring a safe learning environment remains a top priority for families in Pennsylvania. Coleman emphasizes that transparency and prompt communication are crucial for rebuilding trust between schools and the communities they serve. “Families deserve honesty and action,” he stated, advocating for a partnership approach to education and safety.
With Act 44 now in effect, Pennsylvania is setting a precedent for enhanced communication related to school safety incidents, aiming to foster a sense of security for students, parents, and educators alike.
