A new Michigan law allows child care centers in Michigan to install temporary door locks to keep children safe in the event of a shooting.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Senate Bill 96, sponsored by Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield), Senate Bill 97, sponsored by Sen. Roger Hauck (R-Mount Pleasant) and Senate Bill 98, sponsored by Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak), on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025.
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This legislation allows child care centers to install temporary locks on classroom and other doors, similar to schools, to help keep children and staff safe in the event of a shooting or other threat.
“Our Senate majority has worked to prevent mass shootings by enacting gun safety laws that are saving lives. 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,” said state Sen. Jeremy Moss. “These bills reflect the sad but necessary reality of what we need to do to keep Michigan kids safe.”
A firefighter, law enforcement officer or staff member at the child care center must be able to release the temporary locking system from outside of the room, according to the legislation.
“Parents in Michigan deserve peace of mind when they drop their kids off at preschool or daycare,” said state Sen. Mallory McMorrow. “They shouldn’t have to wonder if their children are truly safe. That’s why I’m proud to work with Sen. Moss on this — we’re making it possible for child care centers to install automatic door locks that can help protect kids if the worst happens.”
Whitmer also signed House Bill 4285 into law. This bill, sponsored by Rep. Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington) requires the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Department of Education to offer firearm safety courses to students in grades six to 12. The course will use fake firearms, with real guns not permitted in the classroom.
“In Michigan, hunting isn’t just a pastime, it’s a tradition,” said VanderWall. “Protecting this sport across the state starts with training young, aspiring hunters. What better way to educate them than to give them the option to learn it right at their own school? Empowering schools to teach responsible firearm handling in a safe, structured way will give students valuable skills that protect them during hunting season and teach respect for weapons. It’s great to have bipartisan support on this.”