Education (Higher Education)

passed · Michigan · House Apr 21, 2026

HR 290: A resolution to declare April 2026 as Community College Month in the state of Michigan.

This bill designates April 2026 as Community College Month in Michigan to honor the state's thirty-one community and tribal colleges. It aims to raise awareness of the role these institutions play in providing postsecondary education, workforce training, and dual enrollment opportunities for high school students. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic declaration to highlight the colleges' contributions to the state's economy and education system. A copy of the resolution will be sent to the Michigan Community College Association.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill raises awareness of community colleges' role in postsecondary education and workforce training, highlighting their contributions to the education system.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education

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in committee · Michigan · House Apr 15, 2026

HB 5776: Property tax: exemptions; exemption of certain facilities of a public university; prohibit if used solely to operate a data center. Amends sec. 7n of 1893 PA 206 (MCL 211.7n).

This bill modifies Michigan's property tax laws to exclude certain university data centers from tax exemptions. It specifically targets public universities, defined as those receiving state school aid, by removing their tax-free status for facilities used solely to operate data centers. The legislation defines a data center as a building housing infrastructure for third-party commercial data processing. This change directly affects public universities in Michigan that currently rely on property tax exemptions for their data center operations.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill removes tax exemptions for university data centers, increasing state revenue and promoting fiscal responsibility.90% confidence ✗ EducationOpposes EducationBill removes tax exemptions for public university data centers, effectively increasing costs and reducing resources for higher education institutions.85% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill removes tax exemptions for university data centers, increasing operational costs and potentially limiting access to affordable cloud computing and digital infrastructure for research and education.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Higher Education

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passed · Michigan · Senate Apr 16, 2026

SR 109: A resolution to designate April 2026 as Community College Month.

Senate Resolution 109 designates April 2026 as Community College Month to honor Michigan's 31 community and tribal colleges. This resolution does not change any laws or policies but serves as a formal recognition of the role these institutions play in education and workforce development. A copy of the resolution will be sent to each community college to highlight their contributions to the state.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill designates a month to honor community colleges, highlighting their role in education and workforce development.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · Michigan · House May 20, 2026

HB 5822: Individual income tax: other; qualified higher education expenses under the Michigan education savings program; include qualified postsecondary credentialing expenses. Amends sec. 2 of 2000 PA 161 (MCL 390.1472).

This bill expands the Michigan Education Savings Program to allow withdrawals from education savings accounts for qualified postsecondary credentialing expenses, such as those for professional certifications or licenses. The change directly affects account owners and designated beneficiaries who wish to use their savings for these specific costs in addition to traditional tuition and fees. By updating the state's definition of qualified higher education expenses to align with federal rules, the legislation enables families to access their savings for a broader range of career training without incurring penalties. The bill amends existing state law to incorporate these new expense categories into the program's guidelines.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill expands tax-advantaged savings for education, providing tax relief and promoting fiscal responsibility by allowing funds for postsecondary credentials.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands qualified expenses for education savings accounts to include postsecondary credentials, enhancing access to professional development and higher education funding.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Higher Education

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passed · Michigan · Senate Mar 4, 2026

SR 98: A resolution to urge the public institutions of higher education in Michigan to establish a consistent policy for awarding postsecondary-level academic credit for International Baccalaureate coursework.

This Senate resolution urges Michigan's public colleges and universities to create a consistent statewide policy for awarding academic credit to students who complete International Baccalaureate coursework. The bill recommends that institutions grant credit for IB exam scores of four or higher, allowing such credit to count toward elective degree requirements while permitting schools to set higher standards for major-specific courses. By establishing uniform standards, the resolution aims to reduce uncertainty for students, improve college affordability, and help retain high-achieving Michigan graduates who might otherwise transfer to states with clearer credit policies. The resolution is non-binding and serves as a formal recommendation to state universities rather than a law that mandates specific actions.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill promotes educational access by establishing consistent credit policies for International Baccalaureate coursework, expanding postsecondary opportunities for students.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Apr 21, 2026

SB 874: Appropriations: higher education; appropriations for fiscal year 2026-2027; provide for. Amends secs. 236 & 241 of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1836 & 388.1841).

This bill allocates $2.34 billion in state funding for Michigan's higher education system for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, directly affecting public universities and students accessing financial aid. The legislation specifies exact dollar amounts for each of the 15 state universities, covering operational costs, retirement system support, and Native American tuition waivers. Funding sources include the state general fund, state school aid fund, and federal revenues, with significant portions designated for scholarships like Michigan Achievement Scholarships and the Tuition Incentive Program. The bill also provides $322,100 for state and regional programs and $2.69 million for student support services including the Martin Luther King Jr. program.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $2.34 billion in state funding for higher education, directly strengthening public university operations and student financial aid access.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill allocates $2.34 billion for higher education funding, supporting public universities and student access to financial aid.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Pensions State Budget Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Apr 21, 2026

SB 873: Appropriations: community colleges; appropriations for fiscal year 2026-2027; provide for. Amends secs. 201 & 206 of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1801 & 388.1806).

This bill appropriates $493 million from the state school aid fund to support Michigan community colleges for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The funding is distributed among 27 specific community colleges, with amounts allocated for operations and costs related to the North American Indian tuition waiver. The legislation amends existing state school aid statutes to authorize these specific financial allocations without introducing new program requirements or performance funding mechanisms.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates $493M to fund community colleges, directly increasing public education funding and supporting essential government services.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill appropriates $493 million to support Michigan community colleges, directly funding educational institutions and expanding access through tuition waiver programs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Higher Education

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in committee · Michigan · House Jun 16, 2026

HB 5651: Traffic control: speed restrictions; enforcement of speed restrictions in school zones; modify. Amends sec. 627a of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.627a).

This bill modifies Michigan's vehicle code to update rules for speed limits and enforcement in school zones. It clarifies definitions for school zones and adjusts the timing of when lower speed limits must be enforced, expanding the window before and after school sessions to 60 minutes instead of 30. The legislation also allows school superintendents to set additional enforcement periods for times like off-campus lunch and field trips, while maintaining a minimum speed limit of 25 mph in these zones. Additionally, it permits the use of digital signs and flashing lights to display school zone speed limits and requires specific signage for year-round schools.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill enhances student safety in school zones by expanding enforcement periods and allowing superintendents to set additional safety measures, indirectly supporting educational access and environment.75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances transportation safety by expanding school zone speed restrictions and enforcement periods, protecting vulnerable road users.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education School Transportation Traffic Safety

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in committee · Michigan · House Mar 4, 2026

HR 254: A resolution to urge the public institutions of higher education in Michigan to establish a consistent policy for awarding postsecondary-level academic credit for International Baccalaureate coursework.

This bill urges Michigan's public universities and community colleges to create a consistent statewide policy for awarding college credit to students who complete International Baccalaureate coursework. It recommends that institutions grant credit for IB exam scores of four or higher, which can count toward elective degree requirements, while allowing schools to set higher standards for major-specific courses. The resolution aims to reduce uncertainty for students, improve college affordability, and help retain Michigan's IB graduates by providing clear, publicly available credit policies. Copies of the bill will be sent to state university leaders and higher education associations for their consideration.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill promotes college credit for IB coursework, expanding educational access and reducing barriers for students.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · Michigan · House Mar 3, 2026

HB 5629: Appropriations: school aid omnibus; fiscal year 2027-2028 appropriations for K-12 school aid, higher education, and community colleges; provide for. Amends secs. 11, 201 & 236 of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1611 et seq.).

HB 5629 is a proposed budget bill that allocates funding for Michigan's K-12 schools, community colleges, and higher education for fiscal years 2027-2028. It specifies detailed appropriations from multiple state funds, including $18.37 billion for K-12 schools (from the state school aid fund and general fund) and $493 million for community colleges across 12 institutions. The bill outlines specific allocations for operational costs at each community college, with no performance-based funding included in the proposed amounts. This omnibus appropriations bill is currently in committee review (introduced February 2026) and has not yet been enacted.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $18.37B for K-12 schools and $493M for community colleges from state funds, directly advancing public education funding under budget appropriations.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAllocates $18.37B for K-12 schools and $493M for community colleges in FY2027-28, explicitly funding education infrastructure and operations without restrictions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Higher Education K-12 Education School Funding

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