Coleman’s Weapon Incident Notification Bill Signed into Law

HARRISBURG - Legislation sponsored by Sen. Jarrett Coleman (R-16) to increase transparency and parental notification in the event of weapon-related incidents in Pennsylvania schools has officially been signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro.

Senate Bill 246, now Act 44 of 2025, received overwhelming bipartisan support in both chambers of the General Assembly. It requires schools to notify parents, guardians and school employees within 24 hours if a weapon is discovered on school property, at a school-sponsored event or on school transportation. The law applies to public, nonpublic and private schools across the commonwealth.

"There is broad agreement from Republicans and Democrats that schools must be forthcoming when dangerous incidents take place," Coleman added. "This legislation paves the way for empowering parents and helps rebuild the trust between our school districts and the families they are serving."

Under previous law, schools were required to report such incidents to law enforcement and the Department of Education, but not to parents or staff. The new law closes that gap by mandating direct communication using methods likely to reach families and employees quickly.

An incident that occurred in the Parkland School District, in which parents only learned about a weapon being brought to school through police reports and the media, brought to light the need for this law to ensure Pennsylvania schools provide the utmost transparency to parents and school employees.

Coleman added, "Parents deserve to be informed immediately when their child's safety could be at risk."

The bill passed the Senate 48-2 and the House 202-1 before being signed into law on Nov. 6. It will take effect in 60 days.

CONTACT: Leo Knepper