A bipartisan package of bills spearheaded by Reps. Luke Meerman (R-Coopersville) and Kelly Breen (D-Novi) to finalize the legislative efforts of the School Safety Task Force have been signed into state law.

The bipartisan task force was established in 2021 by former House Speaker Jason Wentworth in the wake of the Oxford school tragedy to determine policy solutions to prevent acts of violence against students and teachers. Four Republicans and four Democrats sat on the task force and offered their unique perspectives to improve school safety protocols and address student mental health needs. Meerman served as chair of the group while Breen served as the Democrat lead.

The task force’s final report provided detailed recommendations based on information and perspectives gained during listening sessions and discussions with students, parents, teachers, administrators, law enforcement and behavioral health professionals.

The bipartisan policy changes signed into law Wednesday address holes in the system to better ensure school safety for Michigan kids.

“These bills reflect a proactive approach to ensure threats are recognized earlier and students’ unique individual needs are met,” said Meerman, a father of five. “Unaddressed mental health needs are one of the root causes of violence in schools.  Working to keep our schools safe is an ongoing effort we should never tire of and I’m grateful to have an opportunity to work towards making our schools safer.”

“My happiest moments are seeing my kids come home at the end of the day. For too many parents, that does not happen,” Breen said. “This bipartisan package helps schools prevent acts of violence or self-harm, streamlines communications in times of emergency, and will help identify children in crisis so we can get them the help they need. Kids cannot learn unless they feel physically and mentally safe, and this is a critical step in that direction.”

The school safety bills are now Public Acts 263, 264, 270, 271 and 272 of 2024.

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