‘Michael’s Law’ school safety bill has bipartisan support in Arizona Legislature

PHOENIX – A school safety bill known as “Michael’s Law” is working its way through the Arizona Legislature with bipartisan support.

If HB4109 becomes law, school districts would be mandated to develop public safety plans that include certain protocols.

For example, districts would be required to notify parents and employees in writing within 24 hours of any incident involving life-threatening violence or threat of life-threatening violence with a deadly weapon.

Democratic Rep. Lydia Hernandez is the primary sponsor of the bill, which passed the House by a 35-17 vote last week and has been assigned to two Senate committees. Hernandez and five other Democrats were in the yes column.

Why did lawmakers introduce “Michael’s Law” school safety bill?

The legislation includes criminal penalties, with violations considered Class 1 misdemeanors.

Hernandez told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Arizona’s Morning News on Thursday that “Michael’s Law” is a response to last year’s deadly classroom stabbing at Maryvale High School.

On Aug. 19, Chris Aguilar allegedly attacked 16-year-old classmate Michael Montoya II, the bill’s namesake, with a pocketknife.

“It was brutal,” Hernandez said. “This happened in one of my neighborhood schools. I just happened to live right across the street.”

Hernandez said parents weren’t notified by authorities as news of the incident spread through media outlets and on social media.

The legislation also forbids districts from retaliating against employees who blow the whistle on unreported incidents. Hernandez alleged that this has been an issue with the Phoenix Union High School District.

“When districts are hiding the fact that these situations are occurring, they need to be taking actions to ensure the safety and well-being of our kids,” she said.

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