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HB 4224

Construction: code; safety guidelines for lockdown procedures of a school building and installation of emergency responder radio coverage systems in K-12 educational facilities; require. Amends title of 1937 PA 306 (MCL 388.851 - 388.855a) & adds secs. 1e & 3a.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kelly Breen and 10 co-sponsors

HB 4224 requires K–12 schools to install interoperable emergency radio coverage and issues lockdown safety guidelines to align procedures with building and fire codes.

bill electronically reproduced 03/12/2025
#construction:code #construction:firesafety #construction:safety #education:safety #education:schooldistricts #fire:other
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Bill Summary · HB 4224

Summary — HB 4224 (introduced March 12, 2025)

Title: Construction code; safety guidelines for lockdown procedures of a school building and installation of emergency responder radio coverage systems in K‑12 educational facilities; require. (Amends title of 1937 PA 306; adds secs. 1e & 3a)

Main purpose

HB 4224 requires K–12 school buildings to install interoperable emergency responder radio coverage systems and directs the state bureau of construction codes to produce and distribute school lockdown safety guidelines. The bill is intended to improve on‑site radio communications for first responders and to clarify safe lockdown procedures consistent with building and fire codes.

Key provisions

  • Emergency responder radio coverage systems (Sec. 1e)

    • If an existing school building does not already have a system that operates and integrates with the state public safety communications system, the school's administrative authority must install such a system within 10 years of the bill’s effective date.
    • Installation must be coordinated with the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB), the Public Safety Communications Interoperability Board, Michigan State Police, and local first responders to ensure interoperability.
    • DTMB and the Interoperability Board are responsible for coordinating integration with wireless public safety broadband providers.
    • Required system performance:
    • Meet minimum signal strength based on the jurisdiction’s public safety communication exterior coverage levels.
    • Be receivable and transmittable from all areas within the building.
    • Be evaluated/tested in accordance with: the State Construction Code (Stille‑DeRossett‑Hale single state construction code act), the Fire Prevention Code (1941 PA 207), and either the International Fire Code or the National Fire Protection Life Safety Code prior to being installed, tested, or maintained.
    • “Administrative authority of a school building” is defined (superintendent, principal, chief administrative officer, or other supervisory person).

  • Lockdown safety guidelines (Sec. 3a)

    • Within 90 days of the bill’s effective date, the Bureau of Construction Codes must establish safety guidelines to assist schools with lockdown procedures during a credible threat.
    • Guidelines must be developed after consultation with the School Safety and Mental Health Commission, the State Fire Marshal, and Michigan State Police.
    • Required content must include at least one of: (a) the impact of state fire and building codes on lockdown and evacuation procedures; or (b) guidance on removing a manual fire alarm box from a vestibule at a school entrance.
    • Guidelines must comply with the State Construction Code and Fire Prevention Code.
    • The bureau must publish the guidelines on its website, send copies to all school districts and law enforcement agencies, and review/update as needed.

  • Enacting condition

    • The amendatory act does not take effect unless another related House bill (request no. H00074'25) is enacted.

Who is affected

  • Public and private K–12 school buildings and their administrative authorities (superintendents/principals).
  • Local first responders, Michigan State Police, DTMB, and the Public Safety Communications Interoperability Board (for coordination and integration).
  • School districts (responsible for installation, testing, and compliance) and local law enforcement (recipients of the guidelines).

Timeline & procedural status (as introduced)

  • Installation deadline: within 10 years of the bill’s effective date.
  • Guidelines deadline: within 90 days of the bill’s effective date.
  • As introduced March 12, 2025; referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce (status at time of introduction).

Potential impacts (practical considerations)

  • Safety benefits: improved in‑building radio coverage for first responders and clarified lockdown procedures aligned with fire/building codes.
  • Costs: districts may face capital and operational costs to purchase, install, certify, and maintain radio systems and to coordinate testing with state/local agencies.
  • Implementation complexity: technical integration with statewide public safety systems and compliance testing against multiple codes will require coordination and technical expertise.
  • Administrative: bureau and state agencies must develop and distribute guidance promptly (90‑day requirement).

Note: Legislative record shows the HB 4224 bill number has been used in prior sessions for different measures (including a 2023–2024 bill that repealed certain Medicaid “work requirement” provisions). This summary addresses the construction/school‑safety version introduced in 2025.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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