LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — Michigan lawmakers have decided that emergency preparedness shouldn’t start at kindergarten, and this week, they rewrote the rules accordingly.

Michigan’s House and Senate unanimously approved legislation this week allowing child care centers to install temporary door-locking devices during emergencies, extending rules that previously applied only to K–12 schools.

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The three-bill package, Senate Bills 96 through 98, updates state building and fire codes so preschools and daycare facilities can secure entrances to block intruders during events such as an active shooter situation.

Supporters framed the move as a practical expansion of existing safety policy rather than a new regulatory mandate.

“In the event that an active shooting does occur, our legislation allows child care facilities to install automatic door locks—just like schools can—to protect those inside,” Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Bloomfield) said, calling the change “sad but necessary.”

The Legislature had previously revised state codes to permit similar locking devices in school buildings. This package places child care centers under the same framework. The bills now await action from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

“Parents in Michigan deserve peace of mind when they drop their kids off at preschool or daycare,” Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak) said.