SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois House unanimously passed legislation Thursday to help schools alert first responders about emergencies faster.

This bill requires public and private schools to consider using a mobile panic alert system for emergency and crisis response. 

Sponsors say the Illinois State Police will work with the State Board of Education and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency to develop rules for the panic alert system. 

 "Time equals life," said Rep. Nabeela Syed (D-Palatine). "This bill is one step, one effort, just one small commitment to ensuring that we do everything in our power to protect others and learn from tragedy."

House Bill 5107 received unanimous support in the Senate last week. The measure now heads to the governor’s desk for final approval. 

"With the use of innovative technology, we can equip students and staff with the tools they need to feel safe and prepared," said Sen. Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort). "Mobile panic systems provide a direct silent link to 911 dispatch and trigger a multi-sensory campus-wide notification in seconds."

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