HB 5979 Michigan House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Education: athletics; children who are homeschooled or attending nonpublic school; require the board of a school district or intermediate school district to allow to participate in certain extracurricular activities. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1290.

This bill requires school district boards in Michigan to allow homeschooled and nonpublic school students to join extracurricular activities like sports and clubs if they live within the district. To participate, these students must meet the same academic, conduct, and competitive selection standards as public school students without being forced to enroll in public school classes. The law also prohibits schools from denying participation based on capacity limits unless those limits apply equally to all students and are based on objective criteria. Additionally, districts must report annually on how many nonpublic students apply, are approved, or are denied participation, and they face potential fines for violating these rules.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
May 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced May 14, 2026 Last action May 19, 2026
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Full legislative history

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Total actions
4
Key actions
0
Committee
1
May 14, 2026
Committee
referred to Committee on Education and Workforce
lower
May 14, 2026
Introduced
introduced by Representative Rep. Matt Maddock
lower
1 primary · 11 co-sponsors

Sponsors