SENATE BILL NO. 538 Senate Amendments in [ ] -- February 7, 2008 A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 1 of Title 23 a section numbered 23-9.2:9, relating to the establishment of a first warning notification and emergency broadcast system at every public institution of higher education. ---------- Patrons Prior to Engrossment--Senator Obenshain; Delegate: Gilbert ---------- Referred to Committee on Education and Health ----------

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Chapter 1 of Title 23 a section numbered 23-9.2:9 as follows:

§ 23-9.2:9. First warning and emergency notification system required.

By  [ August 1, 2008 January 1, 2009  ] , the governing boards of each public institution of higher education shall establish a comprehensive, prompt, and reliable first warning notification and emergency broadcast system for their students, faculty, and staff, both on and off campus. Such system shall be activated in the case of an emergency and may rely on website announcements; email notices; phone, cellular phone, and text messages; alert lines; public address systems; and other means of communication. In addition, each institution shall designate individuals authorized to activate the warning system and provide such individuals with appropriate training for its use.

SENATE BILL NO. 538 Offered January 9, 2008 Prefiled January 9, 2008 A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 1 or Title 23 a section numbered 23-9.2:9, relating to the establishment of a first warning notification and emergency broadcast system at every public institution of higher education. ---------- Patron-- Obenshain ---------- Referred to Committee on Education and Health ----------

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Chapter 1 of Title 23 a section numbered 23-9.2:9 as follows:

§ 23-9.2:9. First warning and emergency notification system required.

By August 1, 2008, the governing boards of each public institution of higher education shall establish a comprehensive, prompt, and reliable first warning notification and emergency broadcast system for their students, faculty, and staff, both on and off campus. Such system shall be activated in the case of an emergency and may rely on website announcements; email notices; phone, cellular phone, and text messages; alert lines; public address systems; and other means of communication. In addition, each institution shall designate individuals authorized to activate the warning system and provide such individuals with appropriate training for its use.