Michigan school officials would be required to report “credible” threats to law enforcement under a proposed state law.
The state Senate Judiciary Committee approved Senate Bill 1032 this morning.
The bill would require school officials to report “credible” threats immediately to police. The threats could be verbal, non-verbal, or electronic.
Ingham County Sheriff Scott Wriggelsworth says threats to schools need to be taken “seriously” and investigated.
“Mandatory and immediate reporting are often times the only thing that stops tragedies from occurring,” says Wriggelsworth.
Michigan schools recorded an increase in threats after the fatal shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida in February.
“We owe it to every Michigan student that we do everything we can to ensure they have a safe place to learn the skills needed to achieve the American dream,” says Sen. Rick Jones (R-Grand Ledge).
The bill is supported by several different school groups, though the ACLU-Michigan has concerns about the legislation.
