Sen. Roger Hauck’s legislation to allow child care facilities to install temporary door locking devices in their buildings is on its way to the governor to be signed.

“This is about protecting our children in a world that is increasingly dangerous,” said Hauck. “Once signed into law, these bipartisan measures will enable Michigan child care centers to employ the same door locking systems our schools can use to keep out people intent on doing harm. They will also ensure staff members are trained on how to use the system to protect the children in their care.”

Senate Bills 96-98 would permit child care or day care centers to install temporary locking systems on doors that are designed to block a hostile person, such as an active shooter, from getting into a building. 

The bills also outline standards for the functionality and installation of temporary door locking devices, direct child care operators to notify law enforcement when the systems are in use and require staff training on the proper use of the devices.

Legislation passed in 2020 permitted the installation of temporary door locking devices in school buildings to increase student safety. The intention was to also permit child care facilities to use the devices, but it was determined that child care organizations located outside of a school building were not covered under the 2020 laws.

Hauck's other bill regarding liquor control laws also reach Gov. Whitmer's desk last week. He represents the 34th Senate District, which includes Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Osceola, Mecosta and Isabella counties and parts of Bay, Clinton, Lake, Midland and Saginaw counties.

_{Release courtesy of Sen. Roger Hauck.}