SCHOOL LOCKDOWN DRILLS

House Bill 4460

Sponsor:  Rep. William Van Regenmorter

Committee:  Education

Complete to 10-31-05

A REVISED SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4460 AS INTRODUCED 3-8-05

House Bill 4460 would amend the Fire Prevention Code to require that school officials conduct two lockdown drills each school year. 

A lockdown drill would be conducted so as to require the confinement of the students, the securing of the premises, and other security measures as appropriate to an emergency such as the release of a hazardous material or the presence of an armed individual near the premises.

Currently the code requires all schools, including state supported schools, colleges and universities, and the owners of all school dormitories, to have a fire drill each month.  The code specifies that a minimum of eight fire drills must be held each year.  However, if weather conditions do not permit fire drills to be held once per month, then at least five fire drills must be held in the fall of each year and three in the remaining part of the year.  Two tornado drills are also required.  The bill would reduce the minimum number fire drills from eight to six, with at least four in the fall and two in the remainder of the year.

MCL 29.19

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would have no fiscal impact on the state.  There would be indeterminate fiscal impact to school districts for the initial cost of training teachers and staff on the lock down procedures.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   J. Hunault

                                                                                                 Fiscal Analysts:   Mary Ann Cleary

                                                                                                                           Bethany Wicksall

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.