CBS19

Legislation that could provide new emergency radio equipment at Madison County Public Schools has passed the U.S. House of Representatives.

Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger sponsored the bill that would provide $450,000 to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.

According to a release, this money would allow the sheriff’s office to buy new equipment so that it can have reliable emergency radio coverage at schools in the county.

Specifically, the sheriff’s office would be able to buy a new bi-directional amplifier system to install inside Madison County’s four public schools for use by law enforcement and other first responders.

Having this equipment would get rid of dead zones within the buildings and allow communication that may otherwise be unavailable due to interferences with radio coverage.

It would also improve communication between the sheriff’s office and the emergency dispatch center to help keep students, faculty, deputies and other first responders safe in emergency situations.

“The ability to quickly gather and relay information is critical to local law enforcement officers’ ability to do their jobs and keep Virginians safe. This federal funding would allow the Madison County Sheriff’s Office to invest in technology to bridge the gap between emergency responders and Madison County students,” said Spanberger. “Virginia parents deserve to know their kids are safe in the classroom. Thank you to the Madison County officials and leaders who have worked directly with me and our office to secure this funding in the House-passed appropriations package, and thank you for your demonstrated commitment to keeping your communities safe.”

The funding is included as part of a House-passed fiscal year 2024 appropriations package.

The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.