TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A proposed school safety measure known as the Ya Ya Alert bill failed to advance this legislative session after dying in the Senate Criminal Justice Committee. Supporters say the legislation will likely be reintroduced next year, potentially with reasonable revisions informed by recommendations from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
The bill, formally titled Emergency Alerts, aimed to establish a statewide notification system designed to quickly alert nearby schools, families and child care facilities when an imminent threat is identified in their area. Advocates say the measure was inspired by the 2023 killing of T’Yonna “Ya Ya” Major in Pine Hills and has become a central focus of community safety efforts across Central Florida.
Under the proposal, local law enforcement agencies would have been required to activate an emergency alert system and issue a “Ya Ya Alert” to public and private schools and licensed child care centers when specific threat criteria were met. The legislation also called for agencies to create and maintain updated lists of schools and child care facilities within their jurisdictions to ensure timely notification.
In addition, the bill included provisions granting civil liability protections to individuals and agencies acting in good faith to comply with the alert requirements. The legislation further required the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, in coordination with other state agencies, to activate a broader Imminent Threat Alert when requested by local law enforcement.
Lawmakers and stakeholders involved in the proposal said the agency provided technical feedback and suggestions during the legislative process, highlighting operational considerations for implementing the alert system statewide.
Sen. Shevrin Jones, D-Miami Gardens, who represents Senate District 34, sponsored the legislation. Jones told The Florida Sun, “SB 814 is about making sure our schools are never left in the dark when danger is nearby, by creating a clear statewide system to alert schools and childcare centers in real time when a violent suspect is at large near a campus.”
Senator Jones added, “While I’m disappointed it did not get across the finish line, this approach could have empowered schools to act quickly, and ultimately help save lives while honoring the memory of T’Yonna Major. Moving forward we’ve already begun working with state agencies to explore new approaches and are committed to refining the bill over the summer so we can bring it back even stronger next session.”
Despite support from community leaders and families affected by violence, the bill did not receive a hearing vote in the Senate Criminal Justice Committee before the legislative deadline, effectively ending its chances of passage this session. Angel Grantley, T’Yonna Major’s aunt said, “We are not done! This isn’t the end. We are willing to fight for what we believe in and that’s all kids lives matter!”
The Mission Continues
Supporters say they plan to work with legislators, law enforcement agencies, and state officials in the coming months to refine the proposal and build broader support ahead of the next legislative session.
For families and community members who have rallied behind the measure, the goal remains clear: to create a faster, more coordinated response system that could help prevent future tragedies and improve communication between law enforcement and schools during emergencies.
Advocates, emphasized that the effort is far from over. Grantley voiced her determination to help get the bill passed. “The Ya Ya Alert can save lives. We will continue to push and fight for this bill to get passed next year,” she said.
