Education

in committee · Michigan · House Jun 2, 2026

HB 6012: Education: graduation requirements; civics examination; require. Amends sec. 1166 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1166).

This bill requires Michigan high schools to mandate a one-semester civics course and eventually require students to pass the civics portion of the U.S. naturalization test to earn graduation credit. It directs the state to update social studies curriculum standards and assessments to align with the current naturalization test questions by May 2018. The law applies to all public and nonpublic schools but includes exemptions for students with specific educational needs or those in military service.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates a civics course and aligns curriculum with naturalization tests, enhancing student programs and educational requirements.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum Testing & Assessment

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passed both · Michigan · House Jun 16, 2026

HB 5821: Education: curriculum; adoption of elementary reading curriculum materials from department-approved list; require. Amends sec. 1280f of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1280f).

This bill requires Michigan school districts and public academies to adopt elementary reading curricula from a list approved by the state education department. To support this goal, the legislation mandates that the department approve specific reading assessments designed to monitor student progress while minimizing disruptions to instructional time. Additionally, the bill outlines detailed duties for district literacy coaches, ensuring they focus on evidence-based reading instruction and data analysis rather than administrative tasks. These changes aim to help more third-grade students achieve proficient scores on state English language arts assessments through structured curriculum adoption and targeted teacher support.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates adoption of evidence-based reading curricula and supports literacy coaches to improve student outcomes.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum K-12 Education Libraries

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in committee · Michigan · House Aug 26, 2026

HB 5919: Education: other; learner-first district; create. Amends secs. 4 & 5 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.4 & 380.5) & adds (See bill).

HB 5919 creates a new statewide school district called the Learner-First District to offer parents and students additional educational choices beyond traditional local school districts. The bill defines this new district as a public entity that covers the entire state and allows parents to hire independent contractors, such as teachers, directly to provide instruction to their children. Key provisions establish rules for mastery-based learning, where students progress based on demonstrating knowledge rather than time spent in class, and outline how the district will operate under the supervision of the state board of education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates a statewide district to expand educational choices and access, allowing parents to hire independent contractors for instruction.85% confidence

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signed · Michigan · Senate Jul 29, 2026

SB 903: School aid: other; requirements for districts to receive weighted funding; provide for. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1280h.

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill mandates the use of weighted school aid for student achievement and requires reporting on fund usage, promoting fiscal accountability and ensuring funds support essential educational programs.75% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates weighted funding be used for student achievement and literacy, requiring data-driven support systems and transparency.85% confidence

Sub-Topics School Funding

in committee · Michigan · House Apr 15, 2026

HB 5775: Individual income tax: exemptions; exemption for post-graduation scholarship grants; provide for. Amends sec. 30 of 1967 PA 281 (MCL 206.30).

HB 5775 amends Michigan's individual income tax law to create a new tax exemption for post-graduation scholarship grants. This change directly affects individuals who receive these specific scholarship awards, allowing them to exclude that income from their state taxable income. The bill modifies Section 30 of the Income Tax Act by adding a new provision that treats post-graduation scholarship grants similarly to other educational benefits currently exempt from taxation. By removing these grants from taxable income, the legislation reduces the amount of state tax residents must pay on this specific source of funding.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates a tax exemption for scholarship grants, providing tax relief to students and supporting higher education financial aid.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates a tax exemption for post-graduation scholarship grants, effectively increasing financial resources for higher education students and reducing their tax burden.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Incentives Student Financial Aid

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passed · Michigan · Senate Apr 15, 2026

SR 108: A resolution to designate April 2026 as Financial Literacy Month.

Senate Resolution 108 officially designates April 2026 as Financial Literacy Month in Michigan. This resolution aims to raise public awareness about the importance of personal financial education and encourages various groups, including schools and businesses, to hold related programs during the month. The bill does not create new laws or change existing regulations but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight financial education initiatives already supported by state law and community organizations.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill promotes financial literacy education by encouraging schools to host programs, aligning with educational access and student programs.85% confidence

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passed both · Michigan · House Jun 16, 2026

HB 5820: Education: curriculum; science of reading requirements; modify. Amends sec. 1531e of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1531e).

This bill requires teacher preparation programs in Michigan to include specific training on the science of reading and dyslexia by September 2027. Programs preparing educators for reading, language arts, special education, or school psychology roles must teach evidence-based methods grounded in structured literacy for students with dyslexia and for the general student population. The legislation also mandates that all teacher training programs cover the characteristics of dyslexia, its secondary effects on learning and behavior, and how to use multi-tiered support systems in classrooms. If a program does not focus on these specific subject areas, the state department may grant a waiver for some requirements, provided the waiver is reviewed every two years.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates teacher training on evidence-based reading methods to improve student outcomes and support educators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum Special Education Teachers

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in committee · Michigan · House Apr 21, 2026

HB 5808: School aid: penalties; exception to minimum days of pupil instruction requirement for certain closures; modify. Amends sec. 101 of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1701).

This bill modifies Michigan's school aid act to adjust how state funding is withheld from school districts that fail to meet minimum instructional day requirements due to closures. It specifically creates an exception for districts losing instructional days to conditions beyond their control, allowing them to avoid penalties for those specific days while maintaining a lower attendance threshold of 60% instead of the standard 75% for added calendar days. The legislation also clarifies that hours or days lost during strikes or teacher conferences do not count toward the minimum instructional requirements. By updating these rules, the bill aims to provide flexibility for districts facing unexpected closures while ensuring they still adhere to core accountability standards for student attendance and instruction.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates an exception to funding penalties for districts affected by closures beyond their control, protecting school aid and ensuring continued operations.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers

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passed · Michigan · House Apr 30, 2026

HR 300: A resolution to declare May 4-8, 2026, as Teacher Appreciation Week in the state of Michigan.

This bill designates the week of May 4-8, 2026, as Teacher Appreciation Week throughout Michigan. It directly affects teachers, students, parents, and the general public by encouraging them to recognize and thank educators for their contributions. The resolution contains no new laws or funding, but rather serves as a formal declaration to honor the teaching profession.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill honors teachers and encourages recognition of educators, aligning with support indicators for supporting teachers.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers

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in committee · Michigan · House Jun 24, 2026

HB 5977: Vehicles: driver training; homeschool driver training; provide for. Amends 2006 PA 384 (MCL 256.621 - 256.705) by adding sec. 40. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5978'26

This bill creates a new exemption from standard teen driver training for home-schooled students in Michigan who are seeking a learner's permit or intermediate license. Under the law, parents or guardians can administer their own driving curriculum as long as it meets the state's minimum instructional and driving standards. To qualify, the parent must submit a signed certificate to the Secretary of State confirming the student completed the required hours, including specific behind-the-wheel experience and nighttime driving. The bill also establishes a process where the Secretary of State must approve or reject the certificate within 10 business days, and if no response is received or specific defects are not listed, the certificate is automatically considered approved. Additionally, the legislation grants parents immunity from civil liability and administrative penalties if they submit a certificate in good faith, while prohibiting the state from adding extra documentation requirements beyond those specified.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands educational access by allowing home-schooled students to obtain driver's licenses, reinforcing parental choice in education.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum

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