Rep. Cam Cavitt

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4337 proposes to amend Michigan's code of criminal procedure. It specifically modifies section 16t of chapter XVII (MCL 777.16t), which pertains to sentencing guidelines. The bill aims to establish new sentencing guidelines for individuals convicted of bringing in and harboring certain undocumented persons. This change would directly affect those charged with this specific crime and the courts responsible for their sentencing.

Maddy summaryHB 4158 modifies Michigan's revised school code concerning student assessments in public school academies. The bill expands the types of standardized tests that these academies can use to measure pupil progress. Specifically, it allows public school academies participating in a pilot program under section 104d of the state school aid act to utilize a state-administered assessment system as an alternative to the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (M-STEP) or Michigan Merit Examination. This provides flexibility in assessment methods for eligible public school academies and their students.

Maddy summaryHB 4159 requires Michigan public school districts to provide a core academic curriculum aligned with state-developed standards for all students. It specifically mandates that history standards for grades 8-12 include learning objectives on genocide (including the Holocaust and Armenian Genocide), and that reading/writing standards for K-6 must use evidence-based "science of reading" methods focusing on phonics, decoding, and structured literacy. The bill also prohibits curriculum content that includes non-essential values or beliefs, and requires assessments to measure academic skills - not student attitudes. School districts must fully adopt these K-6 standards by the 2026-2027 school year.

Maddy summaryHB 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.

Maddy summaryHB 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.

Maddy summaryHB 4305 would ban the use of SNAP benefits (food assistance) to purchase soda, directly affecting Michigan SNAP recipients. The bill requires the state to seek a federal waiver from the USDA to exclude soda from eligible foods under SNAP rules, and if approved, the state would prohibit soda purchases with these benefits. "Soda" is defined as nonalcoholic sweetened beverages, excluding milk, milk substitutes, and juices containing over 50% juice by volume. The bill does not change current SNAP rules but proposes a policy shift pending federal approval.

Maddy summaryHB 4147 creates a dedicated "school consolidation and infrastructure fund" within Michigan's state school aid budget to support feasibility studies for consolidating administrative and service functions across school districts. It allocates $5 million for grants (up to $250,000 per district) to analyze opportunities in shared services like payroll, IT systems, facility management, food services, and transportation. Districts receiving grants must publicly share study results within 60 days and demonstrate plans for potential consolidation. The fund’s money remains available year-to-year without lapsing, but the bill does not fund actual consolidation - only the preliminary studies.

Maddy summaryHB 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.

Maddy summaryHB 4149 requires Michigan public school districts, intermediate school districts, and public school academies to post a link to the MI School Data parent dashboard on their public websites by July 1, 2026. Starting July 1, 2027, these schools must annually send parents or guardians a notification including specific school performance data from the dashboard, such as state assessment results by subject. The state’s Center for Educational Performance and Information (CEPI) must expand the MI School Data website to include all parent dashboard data and add a school comparison feature. This bill directly affects all public schools in Michigan and their enrolled students’ families by increasing transparency around school performance metrics.

Maddy summaryHB 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.