This resolution urges Congress to maintain funding for the Federal TRIO programs, which support low-income, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities. It highlights that TRIO provides academic tutoring, counseling, financial guidance, and other assistance through eight specific programs (like Upward Bound for high school students and the McNair Program for doctoral preparation). The resolution responds to a proposed budget cut that would eliminate all TRIO funding, potentially affecting over 880,000 participants annually, including 6,000 veterans. The measure has been introduced and referred to committee but does not create new law.
HB 4020 creates a temporary commission to update African-American history curriculum for Michigan K-12 schools. The commission, appointed by the governor and including university representatives, NAACP, and museum staff, must review current standards within 365 days and recommend age-appropriate instruction covering Reconstruction, the Civil Rights Era, and African-American contributions to U.S. development. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, Michigan school districts must provide this instruction, and state assessments will include related questions. The bill mandates curriculum updates to the state board within two years of the commission's recommendations. This directly affects all public K-12 schools in Michigan and their required social studies curriculum.
HB 4036 removes an expiration date (sunset provision) from Michigan's distance education reciprocal exchange program, which allows colleges and universities to share courses across state lines. The bill repeals Section 7 of the 2015 Higher Education Authorization and Distance Education Reciprocal Exchange Act (MCL 390.1697), making the program permanent. This directly affects Michigan colleges and out-of-state institutions participating in the reciprocal course-sharing agreement, ensuring the program continues without needing annual renewal.
SB 471 creates a dedicated $13 million behavioral threat assessment and management program fund within Michigan's Department of Treasury for the 2025 fiscal year. The fund, administered by the Treasury Department, will finance developing, implementing, and maintaining school safety programs to assess student behavioral threats. It requires all funds to remain in the program (not lapse to the general fund) and be used exclusively for these school safety purposes. The bill directly affects Michigan public schools by providing targeted funding for this specific safety initiative, with the program expected to be fully operational by September 2026.
HB 4082 modifies how Michigan school districts count students enrolled in work-based learning programs (like internships or apprenticeships) for state funding purposes. It adjusts the "membership" calculation - used to determine school aid - so these students are properly counted in the district where they receive their primary education, rather than being excluded due to their off-site learning. This change directly affects school districts, public school academies, and students participating in approved work-based learning experiences. The bill amends existing school aid law to ensure these students contribute to membership counts for funding, aligning with the state's goal of fair resource allocation.
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.
SB 493 creates a $65 million grant program for Michigan school districts to reduce K-3 class sizes, targeting high-need areas (Opportunity Index Band 4+). Districts must use at least 30% of their existing state aid funds to support these small classes, with average class sizes capped at 17 students (max 19 per class). The program prioritizes geographic diversity and specifically allocates funds to Muskegon Heights, Benton Harbor, Flint, and Wayne-Westland school districts for the 2025-2026 school year. Funds are a temporary two-year initiative, with unspent money carrying over to 2026-2027 to lower K-3 class sizes by 2030.
SB 494 appropriates $17.77 billion for Michigan public schools in fiscal year 2025 and $65 million for fiscal year 2026 from multiple state funds, including the state school aid fund and dedicated education reserves. It specifies how these funds must be allocated across education programs and requires unspent general fund money to transfer to a school aid stabilization fund. The bill does not create new programs but adjusts funding allocations for existing state education budgets. This legislation directly affects all public school districts receiving state education funding under Michigan's school aid system.
SB 506 prevents schools in Michigan from unenrolling a student solely because another school requested their records. It also requires school administrators to obtain written confirmation from the receiving school before unenrolling a student, including specific details like the student's full name, date of birth, grade level, school name/address, enrollment date, and an authorized signature. This applies to both public and nonpublic schools and directly affects students transferring between schools. The law creates a clear, documented process to ensure smooth transitions and prevent arbitrary unenrollment during transfers.
HB 4818 amends Michigan school district bonding rules to clarify what bond proceeds can fund. It prohibits using bonds for technology-related expenses like software upgrades, training, maintenance, consumables (e.g., ink, toner), or repairs outside warranties. School districts can still use bonds for physical infrastructure - such as building construction, buses, athletic fields, or facility upgrades - but only for the initial purchase and setup of technology hardware and software, as narrowly defined in the bill. The amendment also requires independent audits of bond spending within 120 days of project completion.
