Education

passed · Michigan · House Aug 26, 2026

HB 5648: Education: graduation requirements; credit for working certain trades; provide for. Amends sec. 1278a of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1278a) & adds sec. 1279i.

This Michigan bill updates high school graduation requirements by allowing students to earn math credits through approved career and technical education programs in trades like welding, construction, and engineering. It adds a new section to the state school code that recognizes formal CTE programs as equivalent to traditional math courses when they cover the same content as state assessments. The legislation also clarifies how personal finance courses can count toward multiple subject requirements, including math, arts, and foreign language credits. These changes directly affect public school districts and academies in Michigan by providing more flexibility in how students meet graduation standards while maintaining core academic expectations.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands graduation requirements by allowing math credits through CTE programs, enhancing educational access and student program flexibility.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Curriculum K-12 Education

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signed · Michigan · House Jul 29, 2026

HB 5646: Education: other; certain requirements for the approval of teacher preparation programs; create. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1531l.

This bill would require Michigan teacher preparation programs to mandate specific literacy training for all participants by September 2027. The legislation adds new requirements to the state's school code, making completion of LETRS training and comprehensive knowledge of the science of reading mandatory for graduation from these programs. Specifically, all individuals in teacher preparation programs must complete LETRS training, and those who teach literacy or reading methods courses must also demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of reading science. The bill applies to both traditional teacher preparation programs and alternative teaching programs, with the state department responsible for enforcing these new approval standards.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates literacy training for teacher preparation programs, enhancing teacher qualifications and student reading outcomes through science of reading requirements.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers

passed · Michigan · Senate Mar 4, 2026

SR 98: A resolution to urge the public institutions of higher education in Michigan to establish a consistent policy for awarding postsecondary-level academic credit for International Baccalaureate coursework.

This Senate resolution urges Michigan's public colleges and universities to create a consistent statewide policy for awarding academic credit to students who complete International Baccalaureate coursework. The bill recommends that institutions grant credit for IB exam scores of four or higher, allowing such credit to count toward elective degree requirements while permitting schools to set higher standards for major-specific courses. By establishing uniform standards, the resolution aims to reduce uncertainty for students, improve college affordability, and help retain high-achieving Michigan graduates who might otherwise transfer to states with clearer credit policies. The resolution is non-binding and serves as a formal recommendation to state universities rather than a law that mandates specific actions.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill promotes educational access by establishing consistent credit policies for International Baccalaureate coursework, expanding postsecondary opportunities for students.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 868: Appropriations: department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential; appropriations for fiscal year 2026-2027; provide for. Creates appropriation act.

SB 868 allocates state funding to the Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The bill establishes the budget amount available for the department to use during that period and authorizes the spending of those funds. This legislation directly impacts the department's operations and programs by providing the financial resources necessary to carry out its duties. The bill follows standard appropriations procedures by being introduced, having rules suspended, and being referred to the Committee of the Whole for further consideration.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state funding to Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential for FY 2026-2027, directly supporting budget appropriations for public services.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill allocates state funding to Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential for fiscal year 2026-2027, directly supporting education operations and programs through financial resources.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 858: Appropriations: school aid; fiscal year 2026-2027 appropriations for K-12 school aid; provide for. Amends secs. 11 & 17b of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1611 & 388.1617b).

This bill appropriates state funding for Michigan's K-12 public schools for fiscal years 2025 through 2027, allocating specific dollar amounts from various state funds to support school operations. It establishes payment schedules requiring the state treasurer to distribute funds to school districts in eleven monthly installments, with provisions for advance payments in cases of temporary financial need. The legislation also outlines procedures for handling unspent general fund allocations by transferring them to a stabilization fund at the end of each fiscal year.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates state funding for K-12 public schools, directly increasing government spending on essential education services and strengthening school operations.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill appropriates state funding for K-12 public schools for fiscal years 2025-2027, directly increasing financial resources for school operations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget K-12 Education School Funding

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Apr 21, 2026

SB 874: Appropriations: higher education; appropriations for fiscal year 2026-2027; provide for. Amends secs. 236 & 241 of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1836 & 388.1841).

This bill allocates $2.34 billion in state funding for Michigan's higher education system for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, directly affecting public universities and students accessing financial aid. The legislation specifies exact dollar amounts for each of the 15 state universities, covering operational costs, retirement system support, and Native American tuition waivers. Funding sources include the state general fund, state school aid fund, and federal revenues, with significant portions designated for scholarships like Michigan Achievement Scholarships and the Tuition Incentive Program. The bill also provides $322,100 for state and regional programs and $2.69 million for student support services including the Martin Luther King Jr. program.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $2.34 billion in state funding for higher education, directly strengthening public university operations and student financial aid access.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill allocates $2.34 billion for higher education funding, supporting public universities and student access to financial aid.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Pensions State Budget Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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in committee · Michigan · House Mar 4, 2026

HB 5649: Corporate income tax: credits; employer credit for certain apprenticeship and career and technical education programs: provide for. Amends 1967 PA 281 (MCL 206.1 - 206.847) by adding secs. 279 & 672.

This bill creates a new corporate income tax credit for Michigan employers who train apprentices and employ students in career and technical education programs. Starting in 2026, eligible businesses can receive tax credits covering up to 50% of certain training expenses or $2,000 per apprentice or student, with small businesses under 50 employees receiving an additional 10% bonus credit. The credit applies to qualified expenses such as wages, benefits, and classroom instruction costs, and any unused portion can be refunded to the taxpayer. Additionally, the bill requires the state Department of Labor to annually report on program participation, employment outcomes, and the fiscal impact of the credits to legislative committees.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates corporate tax credits for workforce training, promoting fiscal responsibility and funding education programs through tax incentives.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill provides tax credits to employers for training apprentices and CTE students, expanding educational access and supporting career and technical education programs.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill provides tax credits to employers for training apprentices and career/technical education students, directly supporting workforce development and employee skill enhancement.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Income Tax Tax Credits Career & Technical Education Apprenticeships

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SB 846: Health occupations: social workers; social worker scholarship fund; create. Creates new act.

This bill establishes a scholarship program in Michigan to help individuals who failed their social worker licensing exam on their first attempt cover the costs of retaking it. The program is designed to support people who want to become licensed bachelor's or master's social workers and are required to work in health professional shortage areas or with medically underserved populations after receiving the scholarship. Eligible candidates can receive up to $1,000 for exam-related expenses, including registration fees, study materials, and related costs like transportation or childcare, provided they submit proof of residency and a commitment to work in designated areas. The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs will manage the program, maintain a dedicated state fund for the scholarships, and publish annual reports on the number of recipients and their exam passage rates.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates scholarship fund for social worker education, expanding access to health professions education and funding exam retakes for students.75% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates scholarship fund to help social workers enter underserved healthcare areas, improving access to mental health and social services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Early Childhood Student Financial Aid Healthcare Workforce

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Apr 21, 2026

SB 873: Appropriations: community colleges; appropriations for fiscal year 2026-2027; provide for. Amends secs. 201 & 206 of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1801 & 388.1806).

This bill appropriates $493 million from the state school aid fund to support Michigan community colleges for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The funding is distributed among 27 specific community colleges, with amounts allocated for operations and costs related to the North American Indian tuition waiver. The legislation amends existing state school aid statutes to authorize these specific financial allocations without introducing new program requirements or performance funding mechanisms.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates $493M to fund community colleges, directly increasing public education funding and supporting essential government services.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill appropriates $493 million to support Michigan community colleges, directly funding educational institutions and expanding access through tuition waiver programs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Higher Education

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 869: Appropriations: department of education; appropriations for fiscal year 2026-2027; provide for. Creates appropriation act.

SB 869 is a budget bill that allocates funds to Michigan's Department of Education for the fiscal year 2026-2027. The legislation establishes the legal authority for the state to spend money on education programs and operations during that period. It does not change existing education policies or programs but simply provides the financial resources needed to continue them. The bill affects state education administrators and school districts that receive funding from the department.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state funding to Department of Education for FY 2026-2027, directly supporting education programs and operations through appropriations.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill provides necessary funding for Department of Education operations and programs, enabling continued educational services and resources for schools.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget School Funding

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