The Minger Foundation has been highly active in the development of new laws to help protect student with disabilities. Some of our successful legislative accomplishments are highlighted below. Make a donation today to help support our important legislative work!

Enacted Legislation

Michael Minger Act

The Michael Minger Act is a Kentucky state law that requires public colleges and universities as well as private institutions licensed by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) to report campus crimes to their employees, students and the public on a timely basis. It was championed by Gail Minger after her 19 year-old son Michael was killed in an arson fire at Murray State University on September 18, 1998. Information about an earlier arson fire in Minger’s residence hall had been kept from students and their parents. The law took effect July 14, 2000, and additional provisions dealing with student housing fire safety took effect on July 13, 2004.

Learn more about the Michael Minger Act »

Campus Fire Safety Right-to-Know

The provisions of the Campus Fire Safety Right-to-Know Act were signed into law in 2008. This legislation had first been introduced in 1999 following the horrific fire at Seton Hall University that claimed the lives of three freshman. It requires that all schools report make publicly available fire safety information such as the number of fires that have occurred and any deaths, injuries, and damage that has occurred. It also requires that they report this information to the U.S. Department of Education along with information on the level of fire protection in their residence halls.

Read more about the Campus Fire Safety Right-to-Know Act »

Pending Legislation

Campus Fire Safety Education Act of 2010

Introduced in Congress (Senate Bill S620 and House Bill HR1199), this legislation calls for providing $15,000,000 in matching grants to schools to develop and deliver campus fire safety education programs with an emphasis on fire safety for students with disabilities. More information can be found by searching for these bills at the legislative information site from the Library of Congress.

Campus Fire Safety Month, 2011

First introduced in 2005, this program has grown each year with more governors issuing proclamations recognizing September as National Campus Fire Safety Month. In addition, resolutions have been introduced and passed in Congress, supporting it as well. You can follow what states are issuing proclamations at Campus Firewatch.

Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act

Automatic fire sprinklers are known to save lives. Unfortunately, there are so many buildings that do not have them, especially where students are living. According to Campus Firewatch, over 80% of campus-related fire fatalities occur in off-campus housing (PDF download), which is where 2/3 of the students across the nation live.

This bill will provide a significant tax incentive for landlords and property owners to install sprinklers in these buildings. Learn more about this important legislation and what you can do.