MONTGOMERY- Gov. Kay Ivey signed House Bill 89 on Thursday, June 8, which requires the Alabama Department of Education to develop and implement a system to share emergency-related events between local schools, school systems, the Alabama Department of Education and the governor’s office by the beginning of this upcoming October.

According to a press release from the governor’s office, the bill will allow every school and school system in Alabama to input emergency-related information including opening delays, early releases and shelter-in-place information.

“As a former school teacher, I know of the importance of keeping everyone informed of what is going on in our schools,” Ivey said. “This notification system is a much needed source of information to clarify the sometimes murky communications in times of emergency.”

The press release stated Rep. Alan Baker, R-Brewton, sponsored the bill. HB89 “saw overwhelming support in both houses.” HB89 also passed unanimously in the Alabama Senate.

“As students are engaged in the educational process, whether attending school or in transport by bus, their safety is of utmost importance,” Baker said. “I applaud Governor Ivey for her strong support of education with an emphasis on school safety.”