State Rep. Parker Fairbairn on Wednesday supported the passage of a bipartisan plan to strengthen security and support mental health efforts at Michigan schools. The legislation received broad, bipartisan support.

“If the last decade has taught us anything, it’s that schools and state government can do so much more to keep our kids safe,” said Fairbairn, R-Harbor Springs. “Students and teachers deserve a schooling environment that is safe and comfortable, but also prepared should tragedy strike. This plan equips our schools with the resources they need to provide quality educations in safe and effective way.”

The plan, introduced by Fairbairn and colleagues from both sides of the aisle, resulted from a bipartisan task force established after the 2021 shooting at Oxford High School. The bills incorporate expertise from educators, parents, mental health professionals, and law enforcement, aiming to improve statewide coordination, support, and standards for school safety and student mental health.

The plan would:

• Plan for safety. Because threats and technology are constantly evolving, schools would be required to review and update their safety plans every three years in consultation with their ISD-level emergency & safety manager.
• Implement training for responding to school safety crises. Schools would be required to provide uniform, comprehensive school safety and security training for school resource officers and all staff. The plan would also require necessary safety drills for staff and students.
• Expand and improve OK2SAY, the state’s confidential tip line for reporting school-related threats, misconduct, or mental health crises. Contact information for OK2SAY would be placed on school ID cards for easy student access. Reporting and tips received by OK2SAY would be promptly shared with school officials and local law enforcement; tips would also be provided quarterly to the School Safety and Mental Health Commission to inform ongoing research. The plan also lays out higher standards and new reporting definitions for OK2SAY.

HBs 4222-4223, 4225-4226, 4229, 4258-4259, and 4315 advance to the Senate for consideration.

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