This pending legislation underlines two significant trends, first, school security has become a multibillion-dollar industry following numerous high-profile shootings
Kansas is considering offering up to $5 million in grants for schools to enhance their security systems with AI-powered surveillance cameras capable of detecting firearms. However, for this funding to be approved, the schools must meet strict criteria, and the governor’s approval is required.
The AI technology in question must be patented, classified as “qualified anti-terrorism technology,” meet specific security industry standards, be operational in at least 30 states, and be able to detect “three broad firearm classifications with a minimum of 300 subclassifications” and “at least 2,000 permutations.”
Currently, only one company, ZeroEyes, meets all these requirements. Founded by military veterans after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Florida, ZeroEyes has been advocating for its technology to Kansas lawmakers as they draft the state budget.
This pending legislation underlines two significant trends. First, school security has become a multibillion-dollar industry following numerous high-profile shootings. Second, some companies are effectively convincing policymakers to incorporate their specific solutions into state laws.
ZeroEyes is already the only company meeting the criteria for state firearms detection programs in Michigan and Utah, under laws enacted last year, and similar programs in Florida and Iowa passed earlier this year. Additional proposals in Colorado, Louisiana, and Wisconsin are also geared toward ZeroEyes’ technology. Recently, Missouri passed legislation providing $2.5 million in matching grants for schools to purchase firearms detection software classified as “qualified anti-terrorism technology.”
ZeroEyes co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer Sam Alaimo stated, “We’re not paying legislators to write us into their bills,” adding that the legislators are likely choosing vetted technology through their research.
ZeroEyes’ system uses AI with surveillance cameras to spot visible guns, alerting an operations center staffed 24/7 by former law enforcement and military personnel. If the threat is confirmed, alerts are sent to school officials and local authorities. Alaimo explained, “The goal is to get that gun before that trigger is squeezed, or before that gun gets to the door.”
While the technology itself faces little opposition, the legislative approach has raised concerns. Jason Stoddard, director of school safety and security for Charles County Public Schools in Maryland, criticised the specificity of the Kansas bill, particularly the requirement for the technology to be used in at least 30 states. He called it “probably the most egregious thing that I have ever read” in legislation.
As Kansas awaits the governor’s decision, the discussion highlights the growing influence of school security technology and the tactics companies use to promote their products in state legislation.
