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.
HB 4773 requires the Michigan Auditor General to conduct an annual audit of all funds spent through SOAR (Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve) programs and projects. The audit checks whether money needs repayment to the strategic fund, whether unspent SOAR funds were returned to the state's general fund, and if canceled projects properly reverted funds. It also verifies compliance with repayment rules and project documentation. These audits apply directly to SOAR-funded economic development projects, ensuring accountability for state funds allocated through these programs. The results must be reported to state agencies within 30 days of completion.
HB 4772 would require unspent funds in Michigan's Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve Fund to be returned to the state's general fund at year-end, rather than remaining in the reserve as currently allowed. This affects the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, which manages the fund, and applies to money restricted for two specific programs: the Critical Industry Program and the Michigan Strategic Site Readiness Program. The bill amends existing law to change the fund's handling of unspent balances, ensuring they flow back to the general fund instead of being retained. This is a procedural change to fund management, not a new policy or program.
HB 4801 would exempt property used as a principal residence by licensed in-home childcare providers (family or group child care homes) from Michigan property taxes starting in 2026. To qualify, owners must file an application with their local tax office, proving the property is their primary home and hosts licensed childcare under Michigan law. The exemption applies only to properties where a household member operates a childcare business meeting specific licensing requirements. This change directly affects homeowners running licensed childcare services in their homes, reducing their property tax burden after 2025.
HB 4838 provides supplemental funding to Michigan state departments, the judicial branch, and the legislative branch for the 2024-2025 fiscal year (ending September 30, 2025). It allocates additional resources to cover budget needs beyond initial appropriations, ensuring continued operations for state services. This bill directly affects state agencies and branches by authorizing specific spending for the upcoming fiscal year.
HB 4872 requires Michigan public schools to receive at least $210 per student annually starting in fiscal year 2026 for mental health and safety programs. It directly affects all public schools in the state by mandating this minimum per-pupil funding level, defined using the standard "membership" calculation from Michigan's school aid law. The bill creates a new funding mechanism within the School Code to address school safety and student mental health needs. This is a concrete policy change that would allocate state funds specifically for these purposes, not a procedural or commemorative measure.
HB 4877 requires Michigan's legislature to appropriate annual funds starting in fiscal year 2026 for public schools to support at-risk pupils, as defined under existing law. Each school would receive 35% of its base foundation allowance (the standard funding amount under the State School Aid Act) specifically for these students. The bill directly affects all public schools in Michigan by mandating dedicated supplemental funding for at-risk pupils, tied to their existing state funding allocation. This policy change creates a new, recurring funding mechanism for targeted student support beginning in 2026.
HB 4868 creates supplemental funding for Michigan school districts to support English language learners (ELLs) starting in the 2026 fiscal year. To qualify, districts must administer the WIDA ACCESS or WIDA Alternate ACCESS proficiency test to ELLs. Funding is distributed based on test scores: 75% of the target foundation allowance for scores 1.0-1.9, 50% for 2.0-2.9, and 35% for 3.0-3.9. This directly affects school districts serving ELLs who meet the assessment requirements under Michigan’s School Code.
SB 208 creates the Michigan Veterans Coalition Grant Program, which provides state funding to veteran service organizations (VSOs) to support their operations. To qualify, VSOs must certify they provide accredited veteran service officer hours to help veterans access federal benefits like healthcare and financial aid. Grants come from the existing Michigan Veterans Coalition Fund and cover allowable costs directly tied to veteran service operations, such as staffing and outreach. The program requires approval from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency and depends on SB 207 becoming law. The bill passed the Senate on June 3, 2025, but remains pending legislative action.
SB 247 imposes a fee of 0.417 cents per gallon on hazardous waste injected into "class I multisource commercial hazardous waste disposal wells" (special wells serving multiple generators). Owners/operators must pay this fee quarterly, adjusted annually using the Consumer Price Index, and forward revenue to a community fund. Exemptions apply for certain cleanup waste, site cleanups, and specific waste types, requiring written certification from generators. The collected fees fund annual grants to cities and townships hosting these wells, distributed based on the percentage of fees collected from that area.
