Michigan House Bill HB4093

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/23
• Refer: 2/14/23

Caption

Education: safety; OK2SAY program contact information; require inclusion on certain student identification cards. Amends sec. 3 of 2020 PA 211 (MCL 380.1893).

Impact

The bill is poised to strengthen the legal framework surrounding mental health measures in Michigan schools, aligning with broader educational policies aimed at increasing awareness and support for student mental health. By embedding critical resources directly on identification cards—an item regularly used by students—the legislation intends to normalize help-seeking behaviors among young individuals. Schools operating under this mandate will also have the challenge of adapting their systems to fulfill the new requirements, which may necessitate collaborations between educational institutions and mental health organizations.

Summary

House Bill 4093 amends the Save Our Students Act by mandating that all school identification cards for students in grades 6 to 12 include a local, state, or national suicide prevention hotline number. This provision aims to enhance student access to mental health resources in a critical moment when they may need help. Moreover, starting July 1, 2024, schools are required to include contact information for the OK2SAY program, which allows students to report on potential threats or harmful situations confidentially. This initiative reflects a growing commitment to prioritize student mental health and safety in educational environments.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB 4093 may raise questions regarding the responsibilities of schools and potential liabilities. While the bill includes a provision that protects schools from civil damages related to the omission of hotline numbers on ID cards, there could be disagreements on whether this is sufficient to ensure accountability in safeguarding student welfare. Critics may argue that simply providing hotline information is not a robust enough response to the mental health crisis among youth, calling for more comprehensive support systems and resources in schools rather than merely informational policies.