The rules driving safer buildings.

Alyssa’s Law (silent panic alarms)

State laws named for Parkland victim Alyssa Alhadeff require or allow schools to use silent or wearable panic alarms that quickly summon emergency responders.

• 13 states had laws mandating or allowing these devices as of September 2026, and about a dozen more had bills pending.
• Illinois, Virginia and West Virginia acted in 2026. Requirements differ: Texas requires silent panic alert technology in classrooms, while Virginia allows but doesn't require wearable alarms.
• Michigan: Alyssa's Law bills have been introduced, including HB 4241 (2023). Check current status before planning around a mandate.

Where OMNI fits: Sentinel Plus includes a wearable panic button and supports third-party integrations. Whether a setup meets a specific state requirement depends on configuration and integration, and we review it during planning.

HUD smoke-free public housing rule

HUD's rule (24 CFR 965.653), effective February 3, 2017, requires public housing agencies to prohibit lit tobacco products in all indoor areas of public housing, including living units and indoor common areas, and in outdoor areas within 25 feet of buildings. Agencies had to comply by July 30, 2018.

Where OMNI fits: Sentinel monitors smoke- and vape-related conditions so staff can follow up under the agency's own policy. Note that the federal rule covers lit tobacco. Many agencies also address e-cigarettes in their own policies. Sensor readings indicate conditions in a space and don't by themselves prove a lease violation.

Smoke-free schools and indoor air quality programs

The federal Pro-Children Act (20 U.S.C. 6083) prohibits smoking in indoor facilities used for routine K-12 education or library services that receive certain federal funding. Several states go further with school indoor-air-quality programs. Connecticut, for example, requires school districts to run indoor air quality inspections and periodic HVAC assessments, and New Jersey has an indoor air quality standard for public-employee workplaces.

Where OMNI fits: Continuous monitoring of particulates, VOCs, humidity and smoke- and vape-related conditions can add visibility between inspections and help staff find areas to follow up on. These laws don't require vape sensors, and monitoring alone doesn't establish compliance.

OSHA and CMS emergency preparedness

OSHA: Under the General Duty Clause, employers must keep workplaces free of recognized serious hazards. OSHA has no comprehensive general indoor-air-quality standard, though specific contaminant and ventilation standards apply in some workplaces. CMS: Medicare-participating hospitals and other covered providers must maintain an all-hazards emergency preparedness program (for hospitals, 42 CFR 482.15).

Where OMNI fits: Environmental alerts can prompt investigation, and Sentinel Plus panic alerts and integrations can support emergency-response workflows. Sentinel isn't a certified exposure monitor, and neither rule requires a specific sensor product.

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm codes

Many state and local codes require listed smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in schools, child care, senior care, hotels and residential buildings, with specific placement and installation rules.

Important: Sentinel works alongside required life-safety equipment. It is not a listed smoke alarm or carbon monoxide detector and doesn't replace either.

Section 31aa school safety funding

Michigan's State School Aid Act funds student mental health and school safety through Section 31aa, including a per-pupil grant administered by MDE. Allowable uses and deadlines change by year.

Where OMNI fits: We help districts prepare coverage plans, equipment lists and project descriptions.