State Rep. Kelly Breen (D-Novi) speaking on the House floor in the Michigan Capitol Building in Lansing.
LANSING, Mich., Jan. 29, 2025 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the ‘School Safety’ package into law last week, enhancing schools’ ability to respond effectively in emergency situations. House Bills 4095-96 require the Michigan State Police to create a standardized terminology response plan for schools to use in emergencies, and House Bill 5549 mandates all schools to have a behavioral threat assessment and management team. The bipartisan package also includes House Bills 5659-60, which requires by law that the School Safety and Mental Health Commission make recommendations to the Office of School Safety. In response to the package’s signing into law, state Rep. Kelly Breen (D-Novi), sponsor of House Bill 5549, issued the following statement:
“All we want is for our kids to come home at the end of the day. They deserve to learn in a safe and nurturing environment. These crucial school safety laws will help ensure that, equipping schools and first responders with the proper terminology, as well as behavioral threat assessment and management tools to keep students safe.
“These laws will help schools identify potential threats before they start, making Michigan’s classrooms spaces where kids don’t have to focus on anything but their learning. We worked across the aisle to better support our schools, kids and parents. Together, we will continue to fight for policies that promote healthier schools and safer kids.”
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