LANSING, Mich. (WLUC) – Your school district could see statewide school improvements for student well-being. The Michigan House of Representatives met in Lansing on Wednesday and approved bipartisan legislation that would enhance responses to emergency situations. This is a result of the 2021 Oxford High School shooting in Oakland County, where four students were killed.
Republican Representative Parker Fairbairn says the plan received input from community members.
“It brought parents in, brought teachers, all sorts of stakeholders,” Fairbairn said. “So, really, this bill package, we heard directly from them, it’s coming from them and has their buy-in.”
The bills would require updated emergency response plans every three years and standard safety training for all faculty and staff, so every adult is prepared for an emergency.
Fairbairn says safety and mental health go hand in hand.
The legislation also expands the OK2SAY system, such as submitting a quarterly tip report to the School Safety and Mental Health Commission to advise schools on emergency situations like potential suicides or threats.
No Democratic representatives spoke on the floor Wednesday. However, the bills saw support across the aisle. One bill that requires OK2SAY tips to be reported to law enforcement within 24 hours passed 101 to 5. Those who voted no were from both parties.
Fairbairn says he’s excited to see bipartisan support for safer schools.
“At the heart of it, it’s ensuring our kids that are in school are safe, and with that being said, that’s something we can all agree on,” Fairbairn said.
The eight bills now await the Senate’s vote.
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