Michigan House Bill HB4345

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/17/25
• Refer: 4/17/25
• Report Pass: 4/30/25
• Report Pass: 5/1/25
• Engrossed: 5/6/25
• Refer: 5/13/25
• Report Pass: 5/21/25
• Enrolled: 5/21/25
• Chaptered: 6/2/25
• Chaptered: 6/3/25
• Passed: 6/2/25
• Passed: 6/3/25

Caption

School aid: penalties; exception to minimum days of pupil instruction requirement for district closure during a declared state of emergency; provide for. Amends sec. 101 of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1701).

Impact

The proposed modifications impact the overall framework of educational accountability and funding in Michigan. By relaxing certain conditions regarding pupil attendance during emergencies, the bill allows districts facing extraordinary situations to maintain financial stability without punitive measures tied to attendance counts. This change could foster a more flexible response to emergencies while encouraging districts to innovate in instructional delivery under challenging circumstances.

Summary

House Bill 4345 amends the provisions of the 1979 PA 94 regarding education funding and state aid allocations. Specifically, it introduces provisions allowing school districts to modify requirements related to the number of instructional days during declared states of emergency. This bill aims to ensure that districts continue to receive state funding even when schooling is disrupted by unforeseen circumstances, such as natural disasters or public health emergencies.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 4345 appears to be supportive, particularly among educators and administrators who see the potential for greater flexibility in managing school closures. Many believe this bill represents a recognition of the unique challenges that schools face today. Conversely, some critiques arise regarding the implications of extending waivers on attendance and how this may influence long-term accountability measures for educational outputs.

Contention

The primary point of contention lies in the balance between maintaining rigorous educational standards and allowing for flexibility during emergencies. Critics argue that while it's important to support districts in times of crisis, this could set a precedent that undermines accountability in education. Proponents counter that the legislation is necessary to adapt to modern realities where emergencies can disrupt learning in profound ways, thus ensuring equitable access to funding regardless of unforeseen circumstances.