OFFICE OF SCHOOL SAFETY S.B. 982 (S-1):
SUMMARY OF SUBSTITUTE BILL
IN COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 982 (Substitute S-1)
CONTENT
The bill would create a new law to establish the Office of School Safety within the Michigan Department of State Police (MSP), and require the Office to create model practices for school safety, apply for Federal funding, create and administer a school safety grant program, and offer safety training to school staff.
The Director of the MSP would have to appoint the Director of the Office of School Safety in accordance with civil service procedures.
The Office would have to do all of the following:
-- In conjunction with the Department of Education, create model practices for school safety, including engaging with local law enforcement agencies to assess school buildings for which emergency operation plans were being developed.
-- In conjunction with the Department of Education, seek and apply for Federal funds relating to school safety and reducing violence and disruptions in schools, including Federal funding for alternative schools or programs described in Section 1280a of the Code (i.e., alternative education programs, vocational-technical skills centers, or other specialized or alternative schools or programs).
-- Create and administer a grant program to disburse competitive school safety grants as appropriated by the Legislature to public schools, nonpublic schools, school districts, and intermediate school districts to improve the safety and security of school buildings, students, and staff.
In addition, the Office would have to develop and offer training to school staff on school safety. The Office could contract with another party to develop and offer school safety training.
Subject to appropriation, the MSP would have to provide the Office with staff and resources necessary for it to comply with the proposed Act.
The bill would take effect 90 days after its enactment.
Legislative Analyst: Jeff Mann
FISCAL IMPACT
Subject to appropriation, the bill would result in annual costs totaling approximately $681,000 for the MSP's Grants and Community Services Division, according to a budget proposed by the Department. The establishment of an Office of School Safety within that Division would
accomplish the bill's objectives of providing schools with model practices, safety assessments, training, and grant acquisition and distribution through the addition of 4.0 FTEs, which would include 1.0 First Lieutenant, 1.0 Department Analyst - 12, and 2.0 Department analysts of the 9-11 level. The Division currently addresses statewide school security safety and prevention issues through the Teaching, Educating and Mentoring (TEAM) model and handles grant writing and administration.
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.