Education

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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signed · Michigan · Senate Jul 29, 2026

SB 989: Education: teachers and administrators; interim teaching certification process; modify. Amends sec. 1531i of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1531i).

This bill modifies Michigan's interim teaching certification process to establish stricter requirements for individuals seeking to teach without a full teaching certificate. It mandates that all candidates complete an approved alternative program with intensive training equivalent to at least 12 college credits, including coursework in child development, diverse learners, and classroom experience. A significant change is the prohibition of new interim certificates for special education teaching starting July 21, 2027, which requires applicants to complete an additional 32-credit specialized training program unless they already hold a full teaching certificate. The legislation also ensures that teachers holding these interim certificates receive intensive observation and coaching while they work toward earning a permanent Michigan teaching certificate.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill strengthens teacher qualifications by requiring intensive training and prohibiting interim certs for special education, enhancing educational standards.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Special Education Teachers

in committee · Michigan · Senate May 20, 2026

SB 990: 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 the Michigan Department of Education to establish a list of approved elementary reading curriculum materials that schools must use. It mandates the department to approve specific screening and progress-monitoring assessments while also developing a literacy coach model to support teachers in implementing evidence-based reading instruction. The legislation outlines detailed duties for literacy coaches, such as modeling strategies and providing data-driven intervention, and sets a deadline for districts to report on individual reading improvement plans by the 2027-2028 school year. Additionally, the bill directs the department to create dyslexia expertise and regularly update a dyslexia resource guide to assist schools in addressing reading difficulties. These changes directly affect public school districts, academies, and the educators who work within them.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates evidence-based reading curriculum and literacy coaches to improve instruction and student outcomes.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum

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in committee · Michigan · Senate May 21, 2026

SB 1002: Military affairs: other; high school diploma award for certain women supporting the war effort during World War II; provide for. Amends title of 2001 PA 181 (MCL 35.341 - 35.343) & adds sec. 341a.

Senate Bill 1002 allows school districts in Michigan to issue high school diplomas to women who left school between 1940 and 1946 to work or support the war effort during World War II. To receive a diploma, these individuals must apply through the Michigan veterans affairs agency, and the application can be submitted by family members or designated representatives. The bill amends existing legislation that currently provides diplomas to male veterans of World War II and the Korean conflict.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands educational access by allowing eligible women to receive high school diplomas, directly strengthening educational equity.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill grants high school diplomas to women who supported the war effort, explicitly recognizing their service and expanding benefits to include female veterans.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Veteran Education

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passed both · Michigan · House Jun 23, 2026

HB 6016: Education: teachers and administrators; interim teaching certification process; modify. Amends sec. 1531i of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1531i).

HB 6016 modifies Michigan's interim teaching certification process to establish stricter requirements for individuals seeking temporary teaching credentials. The bill mandates that all applicants must hold a degree from an accredited institution, pass subject exams, and complete an intensive training program equivalent to at least 12 college credit hours. A key provision eliminates the ability to grant new interim certificates for special education teaching beginning July 21, 2027, while allowing those currently holding such certificates to continue teaching. Additionally, the law requires school districts to provide intensive observation and coaching to anyone teaching under an interim certificate while they work toward full certification.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill strengthens teacher qualifications by requiring degrees, exams, and training, and restricts interim special ed certs to improve educational standards.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Special Education Teachers

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passed · Michigan · House Apr 16, 2026

HR 281: A resolution to declare April 16, 2026, as National Pathway Day in the state of Michigan.

This bill designates April 16, 2026, as National Pathway Day within Michigan to honor students involved in career-focused education programs. The resolution aims to recognize the efforts of educators, employers, and community partners who support these initiatives. By officially naming the date, the bill provides a formal opportunity to celebrate career-connected learning and its role in student success. The measure does not alter existing laws or funding but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of the state's workforce preparation efforts.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill honors career-focused education programs and celebrates career-connected learning, symbolically supporting educational initiatives.75% confidence

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passed · Michigan · House Apr 21, 2026

HR 290: A resolution to declare April 2026 as Community College Month in the state of Michigan.

This bill designates April 2026 as Community College Month in Michigan to honor the state's thirty-one community and tribal colleges. It aims to raise awareness of the role these institutions play in providing postsecondary education, workforce training, and dual enrollment opportunities for high school students. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic declaration to highlight the colleges' contributions to the state's economy and education system. A copy of the resolution will be sent to the Michigan Community College Association.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill raises awareness of community colleges' role in postsecondary education and workforce training, highlighting their contributions to the education system.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education

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passed both · Michigan · House Jun 2, 2026

HB 5873: Property tax: state education tax; state education tax; eliminate. Repeals 1993 PA 331 (MCL 211.901 - 211.906). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5880'26

This bill repeals Michigan's 1993 State Education Tax Act, which previously imposed a tax on property owners to fund public schools. The legislation is contingent upon the simultaneous passage of a companion bill (HB 5880) that mandates the state to use general funds to fully replace any revenue lost from eliminating the tax. If enacted, the change would remove the specific tax requirement while ensuring that school funding levels remain unchanged through state appropriation. The law is scheduled to take effect 90 days after it is signed into law.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill repeals a property tax to fund education, which restricts the state's ability to levy this specific tax, aligning with the 'oppose' indicator for limiting tax collection.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill eliminates a specific property tax while mandating full replacement funding via state appropriations to maintain school funding levels.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Property Tax School Funding

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in committee · Michigan · House Apr 15, 2026

HB 5776: Property tax: exemptions; exemption of certain facilities of a public university; prohibit if used solely to operate a data center. Amends sec. 7n of 1893 PA 206 (MCL 211.7n).

This bill modifies Michigan's property tax laws to exclude certain university data centers from tax exemptions. It specifically targets public universities, defined as those receiving state school aid, by removing their tax-free status for facilities used solely to operate data centers. The legislation defines a data center as a building housing infrastructure for third-party commercial data processing. This change directly affects public universities in Michigan that currently rely on property tax exemptions for their data center operations.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill removes tax exemptions for university data centers, increasing state revenue and promoting fiscal responsibility.90% confidence ✗ EducationOpposes EducationBill removes tax exemptions for public university data centers, effectively increasing costs and reducing resources for higher education institutions.85% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill removes tax exemptions for university data centers, increasing operational costs and potentially limiting access to affordable cloud computing and digital infrastructure for research and education.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Higher Education

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passed · Michigan · House Apr 15, 2026

HR 275: A resolution to declare April 2026 as Financial Literacy Month in the state of Michigan.

This bill designates April 2026 as Financial Literacy Month throughout the state of Michigan. It encourages parents, schools, businesses, and financial institutions to organize programs and activities focused on personal finance education during that month. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about the importance of financial knowledge to help citizens manage money effectively.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill designates Financial Literacy Month to encourage schools and educators to organize personal finance education programs, enhancing student learning.75% confidence

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