This bill modifies Michigan's interim teaching certification process to establish stricter requirements for individuals seeking to teach without a full teaching certificate. It mandates that all candidates complete an approved alternative program with intensive training equivalent to at least 12 college credits, including coursework in child development, diverse learners, and classroom experience. A significant change is the prohibition of new interim certificates for special education teaching starting July 21, 2027, which requires applicants to complete an additional 32-credit specialized training program unless they already hold a full teaching certificate. The legislation also ensures that teachers holding these interim certificates receive intensive observation and coaching while they work toward earning a permanent Michigan teaching certificate.
This bill requires Michigan school districts and public academies receiving specific weighted funding to use those funds for student achievement, including literacy, math, and direct English language development instruction. To qualify for this aid, districts must administer standardized English proficiency tests, implement a data-driven multi-tiered support system for all grades, and report detailed information to parents and the state department about how the money is spent. The legislation also mandates that districts allow state audits of their records and permits up to 2% of the funds to cover administrative costs related to compliance. Importantly, the bill will only take effect if a companion bill establishing the specific funding formula is also passed into law.
This bill would require Michigan teacher preparation programs to mandate specific literacy training for all participants by September 2027. The legislation adds new requirements to the state's school code, making completion of LETRS training and comprehensive knowledge of the science of reading mandatory for graduation from these programs. Specifically, all individuals in teacher preparation programs must complete LETRS training, and those who teach literacy or reading methods courses must also demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of reading science. The bill applies to both traditional teacher preparation programs and alternative teaching programs, with the state department responsible for enforcing these new approval standards.
HB 5630 allocates funding for Michigan's public K-12 schools and community colleges for fiscal years 2026-2027. It provides $18.37 billion for K-12 schools from the state school aid fund, general fund, and other education trust funds, plus $493 million for community colleges across 12 institutions. The bill specifies exact funding amounts for each community college's operations and includes provisions for unused funds to transfer to a stabilization fund. This omnibus appropriations bill directly affects all public school districts and community colleges statewide by setting their state funding levels for the next two fiscal years.
SB 517 amends Michigan's school code to clarify how school districts can use bond funds. It allows districts to borrow for physical infrastructure (like buildings, playgrounds, and initial technology hardware/software purchases) but explicitly prohibits using bond proceeds for ongoing technology costs - such as software upgrades, maintenance, training, or repairs. The bill directly affects school districts by restricting their borrowing options for technology-related expenses. It also requires independent audits of bond spending and permits residents to sue if districts violate these rules.
This bill appropriates state funding for K-12 public schools, community colleges, and higher education institutions for the 2025-2027 fiscal years. It allocates specific dollar amounts from various state funds to support public school operations, including general funds, transportation, meals, and student support reserves, while also distributing $493 million to community colleges for operational expenses. The legislation establishes spending priorities that require general fund allocations to be used before state school aid funds, and directs any unspent general fund money to a stabilization fund at the end of each fiscal year.
This bill establishes funding for fiscal year 2026-2027 to support construction, renovation, demolition, and equipment projects for state buildings and facilities. It directly affects state agencies, institutions of higher education, community colleges, and the state building authority by authorizing capital outlay expenditures. The legislation creates an appropriation act to provide the necessary financial resources for these infrastructure projects during the specified fiscal year.
HB 4576 is the fiscal year 2025-2026 appropriations bill for the Michigan Department of Education. It authorizes specific funding levels for the department's operations and programs during the upcoming state fiscal year. The bill passed the House on June 11, 2025, with 56 ayes, 53 noes, and 1 excused. As a procedural appropriations act, it establishes the legal funding framework but does not detail specific programs or spending items beyond the authorized amounts.
SB 495 requires Michigan public schools, districts, and academies to develop and biennially review comprehensive emergency operations plans. These plans must address school violence, threats, fire, intruders, mental health training for teachers, security improvements, active violence protocols, and pupil reunification. The bill mandates that plans include specific guidelines listed in subsection (3), such as vulnerability assessments and protocols for wireless device use during emergencies. It applies directly to all public school buildings and requires collaboration with local law enforcement agencies.
HB 4285 requires Michigan schools to offer firearm safety instruction for students in grades 6-12 by September 2025. The state must create a model program (based on existing hunter safety standards) covering safe handling, cleaning, firearm types, and hunting practices, taught by certified instructors - **without bringing firearms into school buildings**. Schools may offer this as an optional extracurricular class or integrate it into existing courses, and students or parents may opt out without penalty. Completing the program counts toward the hunter safety certification needed for a hunting license. The bill directly affects all Michigan public schools and students in grades 6-12.
