LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The House Education Committee hosted a meeting on Wednesday, but has not voted on a string of “School Safety” bills that were developed based on recommendations as a result of the Oxford School Shooting in 2021.
House Bills 4088-4100, were the fruit of a bipartisan commission’s report following the Oxford School Shooting that left four students dead, and have remained in committee for over a year, most of which have not received a hearing.
House Education Committee take up some of the bill package.
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State Representative Kelly Breen (D-Novi) testified on behalf of part of the package, including her House Bill 5549.
“I think we can agree, all of us, no matter what side of the aisle you sit on, that our kids have a fundamental right to a safe and respectful learning environment,” Rep. Breen said to the committee, “And we know now, that when our kids are not physically and mentally secure, they cannot learn academically.”
State Rep. Luke Meerman (R-Coopersville), praised the committee for discussing some of the bills in the School Safety Package.
“I’m grateful to see portions of the bipartisan school safety package moving forward, and hopeful that the whole package will soon move out of committee and to the House Floor for a vote,” Rep. Meerman said in a statement. “The steadfast commitment to bipartisan collaboration by Reps. Breen and Kolezar on this issue is not something I take for granted – but there is much more to be done.”
Also a member of the Bipartisan Taskforce, Rep. Meerman supported the movement of the entire bill package.
“Every part of this package is valuable and, once enacted, the bills will work together to help support students across the state,” he said in a statement. “I look forward to continued movement on this package. In particular, Rep. Glanville’s HB 4098, which would fulfill the immediate need of better training school staff to support our students. It’s time to get these important measures across the finish line.”
Other Republicans weigh in on what has not been discussed in committee.
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Though it received bipartisan support before it was introduced, House Bill 4093 was passed over during the committee hearing. The bill would require contact information for OK2SAY, a confidential criminal or harmful activity reporting program, to be included on all student ID cards.
“I feel like I’m still in high school being forced to play political games just so we can keep kids safe in school,” said Steele, R-Orion Township. “I’ve been an outspoken advocate for passing legislation that would secure school safety resources, improve and expand access to OK2SAY, and guarantee schools have quality crisis plans.”
Rep. Steele criticized the majority for not working together and instead “embracing the ugliest part of politics.”
“My bill would ensure kids can access expert help when they or a friend is facing a crisis,” she said in a statement. “Yet, the legislation will likely die in committee so the Democrats can score some political points.”
Previously, Republican Minority Leader Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) sent a letter to Speaker Joe Tate regarding the package and making it a priority during the time when the legislature has an equal number of Republican and Democrat Representatives.
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