Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

Michigan House Bill HB4922

Introduced
9/11/25  

Caption

Education: all other employees; licensing of school librarians; eliminate. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1531k.

Impact

The passage of HB4922 would significantly impact the educational landscape in Michigan by removing unnecessary barriers for individuals wishing to serve as school librarians. By allowing individuals with a standard teaching certificate to assume the role of a school librarian, the bill could attract a broader pool of candidates for these positions and enable schools to fill vacancies more readily. This reduction in licensing requirements may also streamline hiring processes, allowing schools to adapt quickly to changing educational needs.

Summary

House Bill 4922 seeks to amend the revised school code of Michigan, specifically focusing on licensing requirements for school librarians. The bill proposes to add section 1531k, which stipulates that an individual serving as a school librarian in a public school does not need to obtain any additional endorsement or certificate beyond the existing teaching certificate. This change aims to simplify the process for individuals aspiring to work as librarians within the state's public education system, potentially increasing staffing flexibility in school libraries.

Contention

However, the bill may face contention regarding the adequacy of qualifications for school librarians. Critics may argue that removing additional certification could diminish the professional standards and expertise required for effective library management and instruction. There is concern that without specific training or endorsements tailored to library sciences, individuals may lack essential skills needed to promote literacy, manage resources effectively, and engage students in a meaningful way.

Overall_impact

Ultimately, HB4922 stands to redefine the hiring landscape for school librarians in Michigan. While it focuses on increasing accessibility to the profession, it also raises questions about maintaining quality and consistency in educational resources within schools. As discussions progress, it will be crucial to weigh the benefits of increased accessibility against the potential risks to educational standards and student outcomes.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MI SB0161

Education: teachers and administrators; certain requirements concerning teacher certification; modify. Amends secs. 1526, 1531, 1531d, 1531j & 1531k of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1526 et seq.).

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 SB0568

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

MI HB5329

Education: all other employees; certain requirements related to seizure awareness; provide for. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1179c.

MI HB5995

Education: other; fees for evaluation of applications; eliminate. Amends secs. 1531h & 1538 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1531h & 380.1538).

MI HB5334

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

MI HB4027

Education: other; purple star school program; create. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1138a.

MI HB5549

Education: other; behavioral threat assessment and management teams; require schools to create. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1308e.

MI SB0664

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

MI SB0743

Education: school districts; designated individual to supervise pupils in a school library; provide for under certain conditions. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1162a. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0742'24, SB 0741'24

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.