Education

HB 4922 removes a requirement that school librarians in Michigan public schools must obtain additional certifications beyond a standard teaching certificate. The bill directly affects school librarians, school districts, and public school academies by prohibiting them from mandating extra endorsements or certificates for librarian positions. Key provision: Section 1531k of the Revised School Code explicitly states that no school entity may require such additional credentials. This change simplifies hiring for school libraries while maintaining the baseline teaching certificate requirement. The bill is currently pending second reading after committee review.

HB 4813 modifies Michigan's participation in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, amending sections of the 2008 law (MCL 3.1041 & 3.1042). The bill updates how Michigan schools and education agencies coordinate with other states to support military-connected students during school transitions. It directly affects military children, their families, and schools across participating states by adjusting administrative procedures for educational continuity. The bill is currently pending referral to the Committee on Rules after being reported with a committee recommendation.

HB 5050 allows schools, camps, sports leagues, and similar organizations to stock and administer EpiPen-like epinephrine auto-injectors for severe allergic reactions. It permits trained staff (not just nurses) to use these devices in emergencies without needing a specific prescription for the individual, provided they believe someone is experiencing anaphylaxis. The bill requires staff to complete initial and biennial training on recognizing allergic reactions, storing, and using epinephrine devices. It also provides legal protection for organizations and trained individuals who follow these guidelines in good faith.

SB 350 would allow Michigan public school students to opt out of the workforce readiness assessment portion of the Michigan Merit Examination. Currently required for high school graduation, this section tests job skills and career readiness; the bill would give students the choice to skip it without academic penalty. The change directly affects students in Michigan public schools who take the exam, which is mandatory for graduation. The bill amends state law (MCL 388.1704b) to create this opt-out option, focusing on student choice in a specific assessment component.

HB 5242 prohibits accrediting agencies from considering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, programs, or practices when making accreditation decisions for Michigan's public and private colleges and universities. The bill directly affects higher education institutions, accrediting agencies, and their students and employees by requiring accreditation decisions to focus solely on academic standards. Key provisions ban agencies from reviewing DEI-related information, collecting such data, or requiring diversity statements, with enforcement through lawsuits by students, employees, or the Attorney General. Violations could result in triple damages, attorney fees, and up to $1,000 per affected student in penalties.

HR 216 is a procedural resolution urging Congress to support a National Infrastructure Bank as described in H.R. 5356. It does not create new funding but proposes a public bank capitalized through existing Treasury debt to finance infrastructure projects like road repairs, school upgrades, lead pipe replacement, and affordable housing. The resolution highlights Michigan's infrastructure challenges - such as 33% of roads in poor condition and 11% of bridges deemed structurally deficient - and cites widespread support from state legislatures and organizations. As a non-binding resolution, it formally requests congressional action but does not enact policy changes itself.