LANSING – New legislation would bring an emergency communication app to teacher and school staff mobile phones.

Under the proposal from Sens. Michael Webber, R-Rochester Hills, and John Damoose, R-Harbor Springs, the state would fund an alert system for public and non-public schools.

Existing safety networks in some districts would have to meet standards set in the legislation or risk losing access to other grants.

According to Damoose, the bills were inspired by Alyssa’s Law, passed in seven states to require schools to use a silent panic alert app that connects users with emergency services.

Other states, including Ohio and Illinois, have introduced similar legislation.

The law was named after a 14-year-old girl who was killed in the 2018 Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida.

“It’s an app with a one-touch button that you have to hold down for a few seconds – that way it doesn’t accidentally go off,” said Damoose.

“It has several different selections: one if an active threat, two is medical and there’s a number of other suggestions,” he said.

The app could be used “during security emergencies, such as non-fire evacuations, lockdowns and active shooter situations,” Webber said in a press release.

One of the most common uses of the alert system is for medical emergencies, said Damoose.

The network would make communication more efficient by immediately connecting to 911 and other staff and supervisors, he said.

“Depending on the type of emergency, it can start a chat with the person who sent the original notification or others involved,” said Damoose.

Under the proposal, the program would receive $6.7 million during the first year, and the cost would be adjusted for future budgets if needed.

As for possible opposition, Damoose said, “Everybody is concerned about school safety. That’s not a partisan matter.”

Some districts have not implemented an app, but instead have a silent panic button on badges for teachers and staff, including Hazel Park Schools and North Branch Area Schools, according to Centegix, a safety company.

Some experts say they are worried about how use of the app might impede current school safety procedures.

Don Wotruba, the executive director of the Michigan Association of School Boards, said his organization usually advises leaving such matters to local districts to create solutions tailored to their own schools.

“I think it’s a good idea for a school district and local law enforcement to have ease of communication,” said Wotruba.

Wotruba said schools have different needs that require different funding. “If the bill doesn’t specify what that is and leaves it up to the law enforcement and school district, that’s okay.”

The legislation says if a district does not comply with the requirement or receive an exemption, the State Police could determine if it “is ineligible to receive any school safety grants” for that year.

However, Damoose said legislators can discuss the failure-to-comply language to understand what works for each district.

The legislation is awaiting action in the Senate Appropriations Committee.