Rep. Mike Harris, R-Waterford, addressed the Michigan State Capitol on May 14 to support new legislation focused on school safety and student mental health. The initiative emerged from a bipartisan task force formed after the Oxford High School shooting in 2021. It integrates insights from educators, parents, mental health experts, and law enforcement to enhance statewide coordination and standards for school safety.
Harris emphasized the importance of schools being secure environments where students can learn and thrive. “School should be safe places — protective environments where students can learn from their teachers, make friends, and achieve their full potential,” he stated. Drawing on his experience as a former school resource officer, Harris stressed the Legislature’s responsibility to maintain community safety.
The plan has already seen four bills become law earlier this year after passing through the Legislature in December. These laws have established a School Safety and Mental Health Commission tasked with coordinating with local schools and recommending best practices for safety and mental health.
Harris’s House Bill 4223 is part of the newly passed measures requiring standardized training on safety protocols for all school staff. “My plan will create standard emergency response training for school resource offices, teachers, and other staff,” Harris explained.
Key elements of the plan include regular updates to school safety plans every three years in consultation with ISD-level safety managers; comprehensive training for responding to crises; mandatory drills; and enhancements to OK2SAY, a confidential tip line for reporting threats or crises.
The package of bills—HBs 4222-4223, 4225-4226, 4229, 4258-4259, and 4315—received strong bipartisan support in the House and now proceed to the Senate for further consideration. Harris highlighted this development as crucial progress towards safer educational environments: “Let’s continue finding ways to support students and keep them safe,” he urged.
