HB 4157 creates a pilot program for a state-administered assessment system in Michigan public schools, replacing the current M-STEP testing. It requires item analysis for all tests (showing which questions students answered correctly and common mistakes) and mandates that districts use only student enrollment data from the time of testing when calculating school performance scores. The bill allocates $500,000 for an online tool to provide secure, immediate access to student-level assessment data for educators and parents. This bill directly affects public school districts receiving state aid and their students in grades 11-12, as it modifies assessment requirements under the State School Aid Act.
HB 4156 amends Michigan's high school graduation requirements for diplomas. It modifies mathematics credit rules by allowing students to fulfill algebra II requirements through approved career and technical education programs (e.g., engineering, computer science) that cover equivalent content, rather than solely through traditional math courses. The bill also clarifies social science requirements, specifying that students entering grade 8 before 2023 may satisfy the economics credit with a personal economics course containing financial literacy, while maintaining core history and civics requirements for all students. These changes directly affect Michigan high school students and school districts by altering diploma eligibility criteria.
HB 4154 amends Michigan's Postsecondary Enrollment Options Act to explicitly include trade schools as eligible institutions for high school students to take college-level courses at reduced cost. This change directly affects Michigan high school students who want to enroll in career-focused programs at trade schools, allowing them to access the same tuition support previously available only at community colleges and universities. The bill updates the definition of "eligible postsecondary institution" to specifically list trade schools, without altering existing rules about course limits, fees, or student eligibility. This clarifies that trade schools can now participate in the program, expanding educational pathways for students seeking vocational training.
HB 4185 changes how Michigan's general sales tax revenue is distributed. It directs 15% of the 4% sales tax to cities, villages, and townships through the Glenn Steil Revenue Sharing Act. Sixty percent goes to the state school aid fund (including all 2% tax from aviation fuel sales), while 27.9% of 25% from vehicle/fuel sales funds the transportation system. Additionally, it requires $9-12 million annually from computer software sales to the Michigan health initiative fund.
HB 4150 eliminates application evaluation fees for school-related processes under Michigan's Revised School Code. It directly affects individuals applying for educational certifications, programs, or school-related services by removing a requirement to pay fees when their applications are reviewed. The bill amends two specific sections (MCL 380.1531h and 380.1538) to delete the fee mandate, streamlining the application process. This change applies statewide to all relevant school applications governed by the revised code. The bill passed the Michigan House with strong support (83-26) on March 12, 2025, and is now awaiting further legislative action.
HB 4153 creates a new "local teaching certificate" pathway for educators in Michigan. It amends the Revised School Code to define a "certificated teacher" as including individuals holding either a standard teaching certificate or this new local certificate (under added Section 1531l). The bill directly affects teachers seeking certification through local school districts or authorized entities, rather than the standard state-issued process. Key provisions establish that local certificates must meet state standards but can be issued by districts or approved entities, expanding certification options for schools. This change modifies existing sections (501, 521, 551, etc.) to incorporate the new local certificate type into teacher certification requirements.
HB 4162 allocates $17.77 billion in state and federal funds for Michigan's K-12 public schools for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, primarily from the state school aid fund and other designated trust funds. It sets a new target per-student funding level of $10,025 and establishes a formula to calculate each school district's foundation allowance based on the previous year's funding, inflation (using the Consumer Price Index), and the target amount. School districts with funding below the target receive adjusted increases, while those above the target see smaller raises tied to inflation. The bill directly affects all public school districts by determining their state funding allocation through this updated formula.
