Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

Michigan House Bill HB4856

Introduced
9/9/25  

Caption

Education: athletics; children who are homeschooled or attending nonpublic school; require the board of a school district or intermediate school district to allow to participate in certain extracurricular activities. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1290.

Impact

The proposed legislation could significantly alter the landscape of extracurricular activities by broadening access for eligible children who are not enrolled in public schools. By defining 'eligible children' as those residing within the district boundaries and who either homeschool or attend private institutions, the bill enhances opportunities for these students. School districts will need to comply with this requirement or face potential sanctions associated with being part of athletic conferences or associations that enforce the prohibition.

Summary

House Bill 4856 seeks to amend the revised school code of Michigan by introducing Section 1290, which mandates that school districts and intermediate school districts cannot prohibit eligible children from participating in extracurricular activities offered by public schools. This bill aims to ensure that homeschooled children or those attending nonpublic schools are allowed to join in various extracurricular activities, thus promoting greater inclusion in school programs.

Contention

While proponents of HB 4856 argue that it fosters inclusivity and equality among students, critics may raise concerns about the implications for school resources and competitiveness in interscholastic athletics. There may be fears regarding the potential strain on school resources as they adjust to accommodate non-public school students, which could lead to tensions among parents of enrolled students and those utilizing the new provisions. Furthermore, discussions may arise about maintaining the integrity and structure of competitive programs if a significant number of external participants enter the fold.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MI HB5408

Education: athletics; requirement that the board of a school district or intermediate school district permit children who are homeschooled to participate in extracurricular activities at the school district or intermediate school district under certain circumstances; provide for. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1290.

MI HB5994

Education: school districts; a school district, an intermediate school district, or a public school academy to post certain information on the school district’s, intermediate school district’s, or public school academy’s website; require. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1280h.

MI SB0099

Education: athletics; admission fee for high school interscholastic athletic activities; allow for cash as accepted form of payment. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1290.

MI HB4239

Education: athletics; admission fee for high school interscholastic athletic activities; allow for cash as accepted form of payment. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1290.

MI HB4541

Education: athletics; criteria used to cancel high school interscholastic athletic activities; modify. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1290.

MI HB4081

Education: counseling; minimum number of school counselors to be employed by a school district, intermediate school district, or public school academy; establish. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1173.

MI SB0742

Education: school districts; certified school librarian; require in certain public schools. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1162. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0741'24, SB 0743'24

MI SB0741

Education: school districts; school library and participation in interlibrary loan system; require in all public schools. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1161. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0742'24, SB 0743'24

MI SB1032

Education: school districts; mobile panic alert system in schools; require. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1308c. TIE BAR WITH: SB 1033'24

MI HB5954

Education: school districts; mobile panic alert system in schools; require. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1308c. TIE BAR WITH: SB 1033'24, HB 5990'24

Similar Bills

MI HB5408

Education: athletics; requirement that the board of a school district or intermediate school district permit children who are homeschooled to participate in extracurricular activities at the school district or intermediate school district under certain circumstances; provide for. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1290.

PA SB375

In certification of teachers, repealing provisions relating to CPR instruction; and, in school health services, repealing provisions relating to automatic external defibrillators and providing for AED and CPR instruction and procedure, establishing the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Program and providing for availability and specifications of automated external defibrillators.

MI HB5374

Education: other; parent's bill of rights and responsibilities; create. Amends sec. 1137 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1137).

PA HB1685

In certification of teachers, repealing provisions relating to CPR instruction; and, in school health services, repealing provisions relating to automatic external defibrillators and providing for AED and CPR instruction and procedure, for Automated External Defibrillator Program and for availability and specifications of automated external defibrillators.

PA HB191

In certification of teachers, repealing provisions relating to CPR instruction; and, in school health services, repealing provisions relating to automatic external defibrillators and providing for AED and CPR instruction and procedure, for Automated External Defibrillator Program and for availability and specifications of automated external defibrillators.

MI HB4285

Education: curriculum; firearm safety instruction; provide for. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1163a.

MI SB0058

Education: curriculum; firearm safety instruction; provide for. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1163a.

MI SB0664

Education: curriculum; firearm safety instruction; provide for. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1163a.