The House K‑12 Subcommittee voted 8‑0 to report HB 2733 and refer it to the Appropriations Committee after hearings in which supporters said a statewide anonymous reporting app would help students report threats, self‑harm and other safety concerns.

Supporters said the app — modeled on programs used in other states — would let students share photos or screenshots with school administrators and, if necessary, local law enforcement. Delegate Matthew Higgins, the bill’s patron, said the app would be available to districts at no cost and the Department of Education would coordinate student awareness and access.

The bill’s backers included Max Schachter, who testified remotely and identified himself as an advocate whose son died in the Parkland shooting; Schachter said anonymous tip lines had helped prevent threats in other states and recommended the measure. Delegate Lee Cherry and other subcommittee members urged swift action, and committee counsel noted the primary budget implication would be a single coordinator position to distribute and maintain the statewide deployment.

Why it matters: Proponents described the app as a low‑cost tool that can surface concerning behavior early, allowing counselors and law enforcement to intervene before incidents escalate. Schachter cited national best practices and the Luke and Alex School Safety Act as precedent for tip lines.

What the subcommittee did: After brief questions about local law enforcement programs already in some localities and the cost estimate presented by staff, the subcommittee voted to report HB 2733 and refer it to Appropriations, 8‑0.

Next steps: The bill will be considered by Appropriations, where funding for the coordinator position and any startup costs would be reviewed.

Ending note: Committee members discussed whether the app’s administration should sit with the Department of Education or local law enforcement; the bill as reported assigns the Department of Education responsibility for statewide rollout and coordination.