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Bill

SB 907

Construction: other; exclusion of temporary locking devices or systems installed in child care centers; update under the fire prevention code. Amends sec. 22 of 1941 PA 207 (MCL 29.22).

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Mallory McMorrow and 1 co-sponsor

Michigan exempts temporary locking devices in child care centers from fire prevention code requirements to balance security and safety without costly construction compliance delays.

referred to second reading
#children:childcare #construction:other
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 907

Legislative bill overview

SB 907 amends Michigan's fire prevention code to create an exemption allowing temporary locking devices or systems to be installed in child care centers without triggering standard construction code requirements. The bill specifically excludes these temporary safety devices from being classified as permanent structural modifications that would require full compliance with building codes.

Why is this important

Child care facilities face a tension between security concerns (preventing unauthorized access or abductions) and fire safety regulations (ensuring rapid evacuation). This bill addresses that tension by allowing centers to use temporary locking mechanisms—such as buzzer entry systems or temporary barriers—without triggering expensive and time-consuming code compliance reviews that could delay installation of security measures.

Potential points of contention

  • Fire safety vs. security tradeoff: Critics may argue that exempting locking devices from fire code review could compromise emergency evacuation procedures, particularly if locks malfunction during actual emergencies
  • "Temporary" definition ambiguity: The bill doesn't clearly define what constitutes "temporary," potentially allowing indefinite use of devices that were meant to be provisional
  • Equity concerns: Smaller, under-resourced child care centers might over-rely on temporary rather than properly engineered solutions if permanent upgrades seem cost-prohibitive

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

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