By state Rep. Ryan Berman of Commerce Township 

As parents, when we have young children, we make sure things are safe for them. It’s instinctual.

Countless things are examined every hour of every day. We read up on defective toys and car seats. We make sure cupboards are secure, things that may become choking hazards are picked up off the floor and gates are up in doorways or stairways to prevent entrance to dangerous areas.

Shouldn’t we expect our schools to have similar safe environment standards?

In my first term in the Michigan House, I am proud to sponsor a proposal that requires the Department of Health and Human Services to set clear health and safety inspection guidelines for all public and private schools in the state.

The bill has been referred to as ‘Lilliana’s Law’ in memory of 3-year-old Lilliana Kerr. Her life was tragically taken when she was struck by a falling folding table at a Wayne County Head Start school program in 2017. The table was a recalled version that was supposed to be removed, yet went unnoticed until tragedy struck. Any small lapses have tremendous consequences and we can do better.

Lilliana’s mother, Tabitha Kerr, joined me when I introduced House Bill 4739 in June and she continues to courageously fight for what should be a common-sense, straightforward change. This legislation is not a knee-jerk reaction. It promotes greater responsibility to ensure our schools – which we entrust with the safety of our kids – don’t systematically fail others in the fashion Lilliana was failed.

I was honored to testify with Tabitha on HB 4739 before the House Education Committee on Tuesday, Oct. 8. As a father to middle school students myself, opposition to these inspections due to monetary reasons is very concerning. I hope to see this legislation become law before the next school year begins, so we can help keep our children safer when we drop them off for the day.

Rep. Ryan Berman, of Commerce Township, is in his first term in the Michigan House serving residents in the 39th District, which includes the city of Wixom, Commerce Township, a portion of West Bloomfield Township and the village of Wolverine Lake.