Governor Whitmer Signs Bills to Enhance School Safety and Technological Upgrades

Photo byKatie Sergent

LANSING, Mich. — In a significant move to bolster educational infrastructure, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed a series of bills aimed at improving school safety, upgrading technology, and providing financial relief for property used in construction and recycling. The new legislation also seeks to increase transparency in insurance corporation operations.

Enhanced School Safety and Upgrades

The cornerstone of the legislative changes is Senate Bill 63, which amends the Revised School Code to introduce a sinking fund tax. This tax will be utilized for a range of essential improvements within Michigan schools, including:

• Enhanced Security Measures: Funds will support initiatives to bolster school safety.
• Technology Upgrades: Schools can invest in modern technology to enhance learning environments.
• Vehicle Purchases: New vehicles for both school use and maintenance can be acquired.
• Real Estate Acquisition: Schools may purchase additional properties to expand their facilities.

“By improving campus security, upgrading technology, and investing in vehicles and infrastructure, we’re providing schools with the tools they need to better serve students,” Governor Whitmer stated. “This legislation ensures that our schools can create safer and more effective learning environments.”

Economic Relief and Transparency Measures

In addition to school-focused reforms, Governor Whitmer signed several other bills aimed at reducing costs and increasing transparency:

• Senate Bill 97 and House Bill 4054: These bills amend the Use Tax Act to exempt from taxation the sale of property used in the production, manufacturing, or recycling of materials for construction or maintenance in Michigan. This move is expected to lower costs for construction and property maintenance.
• Senate Bill 160: This bill continues the progress made in Public Act 21 of 2023, extending the exemption of delivery and installation charges from taxable value in specific situations.
• Senate Bill 101: This amendment to Chapter 52 of the Insurance Code eliminates sunset provisions on electronic meeting regulations for insurance corporations. It enhances transparency by allowing stockholders and directors to conduct meetings electronically, thereby improving access for members and shareholders.

“By lowering property taxes for essential production and recycling activities, and increasing transparency in insurance board meetings, we are taking important steps to reduce costs and ensure Michiganders have better access to information that impacts their lives,” Whitmer added.

These legislative changes reflect a concerted effort to address both immediate needs in the education sector and broader economic and transparency issues across Michigan.