Florida Lawmakers Push for Federal Policy Changes After Parkland Tragedy

Bipartisan efforts aim to honor victims and improve school safety nationwide

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Eight years after the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, lawmakers in the state's congressional delegation are continuing to push for federal policy changes to improve school safety. U.S. Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart has co-sponsored "Alyssa's Law," named after 14-year-old victim Alyssa Alhadeff, which would establish national school safety standards including silent panic alarms linked to law enforcement. Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz is pressing Congress to take up the Measures for Safer School Districts (MSD) Act. The families of Parkland victims have been instrumental in driving these policy efforts, which also include the federal Luke and Alex Public Safety Act.

Why it matters

The Parkland shooting was a devastating tragedy that sparked a nationwide movement for stricter gun laws and improved school safety measures. Eight years later, Florida lawmakers are continuing to push for federal policy changes to honor the victims and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. These efforts aim to establish clear, lifesaving standards for emergency response in schools and provide resources to help keep students safe.

The details

The "Alyssa's Law" bill, co-sponsored by Díaz-Balart and U.S. Rep. Burgess Owens of Utah, would require schools to install silent panic alarms directly linked to law enforcement. The legislation was crafted in consultation with the parents of Alyssa Alhadeff and Alex Schachter, two of the Parkland victims. Meanwhile, Moskowitz's MSD Act would provide funding and resources to help school districts implement evidence-based safety practices. The families of Parkland victims have been instrumental in driving these policy changes, meeting with lawmakers and federal agencies to advocate for improved school safety.

  • On February 14, 2018, a gunman entered Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and killed 17 people, including 14 students.
  • Eight years after the Parkland tragedy, Florida lawmakers are continuing to push for federal policy changes to improve school safety.

The players

Mario Díaz-Balart

A U.S. Representative from Florida and the dean of the state's congressional delegation, Díaz-Balart has co-sponsored "Alyssa's Law" to establish national school safety standards.

Burgess Owens

A U.S. Representative from Utah who crafted the "Alyssa's Law" legislation with Díaz-Balart and in consultation with the parents of Parkland victims.

Lori Alhadeff

The CEO of Make Our Schools Safe and the mother of Parkland victim Alyssa Alhadeff, for whom "Alyssa's Law" is named.

Max Schachter

The father of Parkland victim Alex Schachter, who has been involved in the development of "Alyssa's Law" and other school safety initiatives.

Jared Moskowitz

A U.S. Representative from Florida who is pressing Congress to take up the Measures for Safer School Districts (MSD) Act.

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What they’re saying

“Alyssa's Act sets clear, lifesaving standards for emergency response in our schools because when seconds matter, there is no time for confusion. Every classroom deserves a direct line to help.”

— Lori Alhadeff, CEO, Make Our Schools Safe (Florida Politics)

“In an emergency, every second matters. During the Parkland school shooting, by the time law enforcement arrived 24 people had already been shot and/or killed — including Alyssa and my little boy, Alex.”

— Max Schachter (Florida Politics)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.