Michigan Senate Bill SB1177

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/4/24
• Refer: 12/4/24

Caption

Education: safety; behavioral threat assessment and management program; require department to create and implement. Amends title of 2018 PA 548 (MCL 28.801 - 28.809) & adds sec. 6. TIE BAR WITH: SB 1176'24

Impact

One of the significant impacts of SB1177 is its establishment of a systematic approach that will allow schools to identify and document student risk levels. The program is designed to gather evidence-based data, manage student intervention plans, and secure sensitive information in a centralized database. This could lead to more coordinated and informed interventions across various educational institutions, enhancing the ability to create safer learning environments for all students in Michigan.

Summary

Senate Bill 1177 aims to amend the Comprehensive School Safety Plan Act by establishing a statewide behavioral threat assessment and management program in Michigan. This bill mandates comprehensive guidelines and strategies to better identify and manage potential threats to school safety. Under the bill, the Department will have 180 days to create and implement a program that incorporates best practices in behavioral threat assessment, with a focus on both prevention and intervention efforts for threats to school environments.

Contention

The bill has prompted discussions regarding privacy and the handling of sensitive student data. With the integration of multiple data sources—including law enforcement, mental health, and school records—there are concerns about data sharing and the potential breach of confidentiality. Critics argue that while the bill addresses safety, it may infringe on the privacy rights of students and their families, raising questions about the extent to which personal information could be accessed by various authorities.

Notable_features

The legislative proposal emphasizes role-based training for school personnel and is designed to establish systematic quarterly audits to maintain program efficiency and security. It also includes provisions for a secure platform to facilitate communication between schools and local behavioral health providers, enabling timely intervention for at-risk students.