Last Tuesday, the Michigan House of Representatives passed legislation introduced by State Rep. Joseph Pavlov (R-Smiths Creek) that would require safety and security training for school personnel. Pavlov’s House Bill 4315 would direct the Michigan State Police to develop training materials and distribute them to school resources officers, security personnel, and all other school staff members in both public and private schools.

“Keeping our kids safe while in school ought to be one of the highest priorities of our state’s lawmakers,” Pavlov said. “No parent should have to fear for their child’s safety while they are at school. Ensuring every school has able, well-trained staff that know how to appropriately respond to emergency situations will go a long way in making our schools safer and giving every parent in Michigan greater peace of mind.”

Pavlov’s legislation is part of a larger bill package aimed at improving school safety by updating safety plans, enhancing school security, and increasing mental health services for students. The legislative plan is the product of recommendations made by the Michigan House’s School Safety Task Force, which was formed after the 2021 shooting at Oxford High School.

The school safety legislative proposals now move to the Senate for further consideration.