State Rep. Donni Steele (R-Orion Township) today introduced a bill to expand and improve Michigan’s student safety tip line, known as OK2SAY. The bill is part of a larger bipartisan school safety package introduced this week. Steele’s bill, House Bill 4225, would place the phone number and additional contact information for the OK2SAY confidential tip line on student ID cards. Tips and reports received by the line would be passed on to the local school safety coordinators and local law enforcement. Tips and reports would also be provided quarterly to the School Safety and Mental Health Commission, which coordinates statewide efforts.

“The safety of our children is paramount,” Steele said. “By putting the OK2SAY tipline on student ID cards, kids will have a more immediate resource if they need to file a report. If they feel they’re in danger or there’s something they need to report, I want them to be able to call it in at any time and in any place.”

K-12 students can send reports of suspected violence or potential harm to OK2SAY 24/7. OK2SAY also takes tips from parents, school personnel, and concerned citizens.

“We have a duty to protect all our kids,” Steele said. “Every student should know how to submit a tip and be encouraged to do so if they feel even the slightest danger.”

Tips can be submitted to OK2SAY via their website at ok2say.state.mi.us, by texting OK2SAY (652729), by calling 8-555-OK2SAY (855) 565-2729, by emailing ok2say@mi.gov, or by downloading the app on Apple or Google Play. In the event of an emergency, callers should dial 911.

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