HOUSE BILL NO. 5549

March 06, 2024, Introduced by Reps. Breen, Meerman and Koleszar and referred to the Committee on Education.

A bill to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled

"The revised school code,"

(MCL 380.1 to 380.1852) by adding section 1308c.

the people of the state of michigan enact:

Sec. 1308c. (1) By not later than July 1, 2024, the board of a school district or intermediate school district or board of directors of a public school academy shall ensure that each school operated by the board or board of directors has a behavior threat assessment and management team. The behavior threat assessment and management team must include, but is not limited to, the following individuals:

(a) A school administrator. The school administrator shall ensure that the behavior threat assessment and management team fulfills the duties described in subsection (2).

(b) A mental health professional.

(c) A school resource officer or other law enforcement official.

(2) The behavior threat assessment and management team's duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

(a) Defining prohibited and concerning behavior and educating the school community on when someone is at risk for potential harm to themselves or others.

(b) Monitoring, assessing, and performing inquiries into concerning behavior.

(c) Distinguishing between credible and noncredible threats.

(d) Developing a central reporting mechanism and educating students, parents, legal guardians, and school personnel on how to report concerning behavior and what is appropriate to report.

(e) Outlining the relationship between school personnel and law enforcement and determining the threshold for when a situation requires the intervention of law enforcement.

(f) Developing a written plan to assist a student who is engaging in concerning behavior. A written plan created under this subdivision must consider using supportive measures in addition to any punitive measures imposed.

(3) As used in this section:

(a) "Mental health professional" means that term as defined in section 100b of the mental health code, 1974 PA 258, MCL 330.1100b.

(b) "Supportive measures" means interventions involving school-based and community-based support structures that focus on building resiliency and protecting the student while also addressing any safety concerns.