substitute for

Senate BILL NO. 860

"The state school aid act of 1979,"

by amending sections 3, 6, 11, 11a, 11j, 11k, 11m, 11s, 11x, 11aa, 12d, 12e, 15, 18, 18a, 19, 20, 20d, 21b, 21f, 21h, 22a, 22b, 22d, 22k, 22l, 22m, 24, 24a, 25f, 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, 27a, 27b, 27c, 27j, 27l, 27m, 28, 30d, 31a, 31c, 31d, 31f, 31n, 31aa, 32d, 32n, 32t, 35a, 35e, 35m, 39, 39a, 51a, 51c, 51d, 51e, 51g, 53a, 54, 54d, 56, 61a, 61b, 62, 65, 67, 67f, 74, 81, 94, 94a, 94e, 98, 99, 99h, 101, 104, 104h, 107, 147, 147a, 147b, 147c, 147e, 152a, 152b, 163, 164l, 201, 201f, 201i, 206, 207c, 212, 216e, 217a, 217b, 223, 229a, 230, 236, 236c, 236d, 236j, 236s, 241, 241a, 241b, 241c, 241e, 247, 248, 254, 256, 263, 263b, 264, 268, 269, 270, 270c, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, and 282 (MCL 388.1603, 388.1606, 388.1611, 388.1611a, 388.1611j, 388.1611k, 388.1611m, 388.1611s, 388.1611x, 388.1611aa, 388.1612d, 388.1612e, 388.1615, 388.1618, 388.1618a, 388.1619, 388.1620, 388.1620d, 388.1621b, 388.1621f, 388.1621h, 388.1622a, 388.1622b, 388.1622d, 388.1622k, 388.1622l, 388.1622m, 388.1624, 388.1624a, 388.1625f, 388.1626a, 388.1626b, 388.1626c, 388.1626d, 388.1627a, 388.1627b, 388.1627c, 388.1627j, 388.1627l, 388.1627m, 388.1628, 388.1630d, 388.1631a, 388.1631c, 388.1631d, 388.1631f, 388.1631n, 388.1631aa, 388.1632d, 388.1632n, 388.1632t, 388.1635a, 388.1635e, 388.1635m, 388.1639, 388.1639a, 388.1651a, 388.1651c, 388.1651d, 388.1651e, 388.1651g, 388.1653a, 388.1654, 388.1654d, 388.1656, 388.1661a, 388.1661b, 388.1662, 388.1665, 388.1667, 388.1667f, 388.1674, 388.1681, 388.1694, 388.1694a, 388.1694e, 388.1698, 388.1699, 388.1699h, 388.1701, 388.1704, 388.1704h, 388.1707, 388.1747, 388.1747a, 388.1747b, 388.1747c, 388.1747e, 388.1752a, 388.1752b, 388.1763, 388.1764l, 388.1801, 388.1801f, 388.1801i, 388.1806, 388.1807c, 388.1812, 388.1816e, 388.1817a, 388.1817b, 388.1823, 388.1829a, 388.1830, 388.1836, 388.1836c, 388.1836d, 388.1836j, 388.1836s, 388.1841, 388.1841a, 388.1841b, 388.1841c, 388.1841e, 388.1847, 388.1848, 388.1854, 388.1856, 388.1863, 388.1863b, 388.1864, 388.1868, 388.1869, 388.1870, 388.1870c, 388.1876, 388.1877, 388.1878, 388.1879, 388.1880, 388.1881, and 388.1882), sections 3, 6, 11, 11a, 11j, 11k, 11m, 11s, 11x, 15, 18, 19, 20, 20d, 21f, 21h, 22a, 22b, 22d, 22k, 22l, 24, 24a, 25f, 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, 27a, 27b, 27c, 27l, 28, 30d, 31a, 31d, 31f, 31n, 31aa, 32d, 32n, 32t, 35a, 35m, 39, 39a, 51a, 51c, 51d, 51e, 51g, 53a, 54, 54d, 56, 61a, 61b, 62, 65, 67, 67f, 74, 81, 94, 94a, 94e, 98, 99, 99h, 101, 104, 104h, 107, 147, 147a, 147c, 147e, 152a, 152b, 201, 201f, 206, 207c, 212, 216e, 217a, 217b, 229a, 230, 236, 236c, 236d, 236j, 241, 241a, 241b, 241c, 241e, 247, 248, 254, 256, 263, 263b, 264, 268, 269, 270, 270c, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, and 282 as amended and sections 12e, 31c, 35e, 164l, 201i, and 236s as added by 2025 PA 15, sections 11aa and 27m as added and section 147b as amended by 2023 PA 103, section 18a as amended by 2020 PA 165, section 21b as amended by 2022 PA 144, and sections 27j, 163, and 223 as amended by 2024 PA 120, and by adding sections 23h, 32p, 35o, 35p, 35q, 51i, 54b, 98d, 99o, 99s, 152c, 217d, 217e, 217g, 236k, 275l, 275n, 275o, and 287; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.

the peoplE of the state of michigan enact:

Sec. 3. (1) "Average daily attendance", for the purposes of complying with federal law, means 92% of the pupils counted in membership on the pupil membership count day, as defined in section 6(7).

(2) "Board" means the governing body of a district or public school academy.

(3) "Center" means the center for educational performance and information created in section 94a.

(4) "Community district" means a school district organized under part 5b of the revised school code, MCL 380.381 to 380.396.

(5) "Cooperative education program" means a written voluntary agreement between and among districts to provide certain educational programs for pupils in certain groups of districts. The written agreement must be approved by all affected districts at least annually and must specify the educational programs to be provided and the estimated number of pupils from each district who will participate in the educational programs.

(6) "Department", except as otherwise provided in this article, means the department of education.

(7) "District" means, except as otherwise specifically provided in this act, a local school district established under the revised school code or, except in sections 6(4), 6(6), 11x, 11y, 11aa, 12c, 13, 20, 22a, 22p, 31a, 51a(14), 105, 105c, and 166b, a public school academy. Except in section 20, district also includes a community district.

(8) "District of residence", except as otherwise provided in this subsection, means the district in which a pupil's custodial parent or parents or legal guardian resides. For a pupil described in section 24b, the pupil's district of residence is the district in which the pupil enrolls under that section. For a pupil described in section 6(4)(d), the pupil's district of residence is considered to be the district or intermediate district in which the pupil is counted in membership under that section. For a pupil under court jurisdiction who is placed outside the district in which the pupil's custodial parent or parents or legal guardian resides, the pupil's district of residence is considered to be the educating district or educating intermediate district.

(9) "District superintendent" means the superintendent of a district or the chief administrator of a public school academy.

Sec. 6. (1) "Center program" means a program operated by a district or by an intermediate district for special education pupils from several districts in programs for pupils with autism spectrum disorder, pupils with severe cognitive impairment, pupils with moderate cognitive impairment, pupils with severe multiple impairments, pupils with hearing impairment, pupils with visual impairment, and pupils with physical impairment or other health impairment. Programs for pupils with emotional impairment housed in buildings that do not serve regular education pupils also qualify. Unless otherwise approved by the department, a center program either serves all constituent districts within an intermediate district or serves several districts with less than 50% of the pupils residing in the operating district. In addition, special education center program pupils placed part-time in noncenter programs to comply with the least restrictive environment provisions of section 1412 of the individuals with disabilities education act, 20 USC 1412, may be considered center program pupils for pupil accounting purposes for the time scheduled in either a center program or a noncenter program.

(2) "District and high school graduation rate" means the annual completion and pupil dropout rate that is calculated by the center pursuant to nationally recognized standards.

(3) "District and high school graduation report" means a report of the number of pupils, excluding adult education participants, in the district for the immediately preceding school year, adjusted for those pupils who have transferred into or out of the district or high school, who leave high school with a diploma or other credential of equal status.

(4) "Membership", except as otherwise provided in this article, means for a district, a public school academy, or an intermediate district the sum of the product of .90 times the number of full-time equated pupils in grades K to 12 actually enrolled and in regular daily attendance in the district, public school academy, or intermediate district on the pupil membership count day for the current school year, plus the product of .10 times the final audited count from the supplemental count day of full-time equated pupils in grades K to 12 actually enrolled and in regular daily attendance in the district, public school academy, or intermediate district for the immediately preceding school year. A district's, public school academy's, or intermediate district's membership is adjusted as provided under section 25e for pupils who enroll after the pupil membership count day in a strict discipline academy operating under sections 1311b to 1311m of the revised school code, MCL 380.1311b to 380.1311m. All pupil counts used in this subsection are as determined by the department and calculated by adding the number of pupils registered for attendance plus pupils received by transfer and minus pupils lost as defined by rules promulgated by the superintendent, and as corrected by a subsequent department audit. The amount of the foundation allowance for a pupil in membership is determined under section 20. In making the calculation of membership, all of the following, as applicable, apply to determining the membership of a district, a public school academy, or an intermediate district:

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, and pursuant to subsection (6), a pupil is counted in membership in the pupil's educating district or districts. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, an individual pupil must not be counted for more than a total of 1.0 full-time equated membership.

(b) If a pupil is educated in a district other than the pupil's district of residence, if the pupil is not being educated as part of a cooperative education program, if the pupil's district of residence does not give the educating district its approval to count the pupil in membership in the educating district, and if the pupil is not covered by an exception specified in subsection (6) to the requirement that the educating district must have the approval of the pupil's district of residence to count the pupil in membership, the pupil is not counted in membership in any district.

(c) A special education pupil educated by the intermediate district is counted in membership in the intermediate district.

(d) A pupil placed by a court or state agency in an on-grounds program of a juvenile detention facility, a child caring institution, or a mental health institution, or a pupil funded under section 53a, is counted in membership in the district or intermediate district approved by the department to operate the program.

(e) A pupil enrolled in the Michigan Schools for the Deaf and Blind is counted in membership in the pupil's intermediate district of residence.

(f) A pupil enrolled in a career and technical education program supported by a millage levied over an area larger than a single district or in an area vocational-technical education program established under section 690 of the revised school code, MCL 380.690, is counted in membership only in the pupil's district of residence.

(g) A pupil enrolled in a public school academy is counted in membership in the public school academy.

(h) For the purposes of this section and section 6a, for a cyber school, as that term is defined in section 551 of the revised school code, MCL 380.551, that is in compliance with section 553a of the revised school code, MCL 380.553a, a pupil's participation in the cyber school's educational program is considered regular daily attendance, and for a district or public school academy, a pupil's participation in a virtual course as that term is defined in section 21f is considered regular daily attendance. Beginning July 1, 2021, this subdivision is subject to section 8c. It is the intent of the legislature that the immediately preceding sentence apply retroactively and is effective July 1, 2021. For the purposes of this subdivision, for a pupil enrolled in a cyber school, all of the following apply with regard to the participation requirement as described in this subdivision:

(i) Except as otherwise provided in this subdivision, the pupil shall participate in each scheduled course on pupil membership count day or supplemental count day, as applicable. If the pupil is absent on pupil membership count day or supplemental count day, as applicable, the pupil must attend and participate in class during the next 10 consecutive school days if the absence was unexcused, or during the next 30 calendar days if the absence was excused.

(ii) For a pupil who is not learning sequentially, 1 or more of the following must be met on pupil membership count day or supplemental count day, as applicable, for each scheduled course to satisfy the participation requirement under this subdivision:

(A) The pupil attended a live lesson from the teacher.

(B) The pupil logged into a lesson or lesson activity and the login can be documented.

(D) There is documentation of an email dialogue between the pupil and teacher.

(E) There is documentation of activity or work between the learning coach and pupil.

(F) An alternate form of attendance as determined and agreed upon by the cyber school and the pupil membership auditor was met.

(iii) For a pupil using sequential learning, the participation requirement under this subdivision is satisfied if either of the following occurs:

(A) Except as otherwise provided in this sub-subparagraph, the pupil and the teacher of record or mentor complete a 2-way interaction for 1 course during the week on which pupil membership count day or supplemental count day, as applicable, occurs, and the 3 consecutive weeks following that week. However, if a school break is scheduled during any of the weeks described in this sub-subparagraph that is 4 or more days in length or instruction has been canceled districtwide during any of the weeks described in this sub-subparagraph for 3 or more school days, the district is not required to ensure that the pupil and the teacher of record or mentor completed a 2-way interaction for that week. As used in this sub-subparagraph:

(I) "2-way interaction" means the communication that occurs between the teacher of record or mentor and pupil, where 1 party initiates communication and a response from the other party follows that communication. Responses as described in this sub-sub-subparagraph must be to the communication initiated by the teacher of record or mentor, and not some other action taken. This interaction may occur through, but is not limited to, means such as email, telephone, instant messaging, or face-to-face conversation. A parent- or legal-guardian-facilitated 2-way interaction is considered a 2-way interaction if the pupil is in any of grades K to 5 and does not yet possess the skills necessary to participate in 2-way interactions unassisted. The interactions described in this sub-sub-subparagraph must relate to a virtual course on the pupil's schedule and pertain to course content or progress.

(II) "Mentor" means a professional employee of the district who monitors the pupil's progress, ensures the pupil has access to needed technology, is available for assistance, and ensures access to the teacher of record. A mentor may also be the teacher of record if the mentor meets the definition of a teacher of record under this sub-subparagraph and the district is the provider for the course.

(III) "Teacher of record" means a teacher to whom all of the following apply:

(1) The teacher is responsible for providing instruction, determining instructional methods for each pupil, diagnosing learning needs, assessing pupil learning, prescribing intervention strategies and modifying lessons, reporting outcomes, and evaluating the effects of instruction and support strategies. The teacher of record may coordinate the distribution and assignment of the responsibilities described in this sub-sub-sub-subparagraph with other teachers participating in the instructional process for a course.

(2) The teacher is certified for the grade level or is working under a valid substitute permit, authorization, or approval issued by the department.

(3) The teacher has a personnel identification code provided by the center.

(IV) "Week" means a period that starts on Wednesday and ends the following Tuesday.

(B) The pupil completes a combination of 1 or more of the following activities for each scheduled course on pupil membership count day or supplemental count day, as applicable:

(I) Documented attendance in a virtual course where synchronous, live instruction occurred with the teacher.

(II) Documented completion of a course assignment.

(III) Documented completion of a course lesson or lesson activity.

(IV) Documented pupil access to an ongoing lesson, which does not include a login.

(V) Documented physical attendance on pupil membership count day or supplemental count day, as applicable, in each scheduled course, if the pupil will attend at least 50% of the instructional time for each scheduled course on-site, face-to-face with the teacher of record. As used in this sub-sub-subparagraph, "teacher of record" means that term as defined in subparagraph (iii)(A).

(iv) For purposes of subparagraph (iii), each scheduled course currently being attempted by the pupil, rather than every course on the pupil's schedule for the entire term, is considered a part of each scheduled course for the pupil.

(i) For a new district or public school academy beginning its operation after December 31, 1994, membership for the first 2 full or partial fiscal years of operation is determined as follows:

(i) If operations begin before the pupil membership count day for the fiscal year, membership is the average number of full-time equated pupils in grades K to 12 actually enrolled and in regular daily attendance on the pupil membership count day for the current school year and on the supplemental count day for the current school year, as determined by the department and calculated by adding the number of pupils registered for attendance on the pupil membership count day plus pupils received by transfer and minus pupils lost as defined by rules promulgated by the superintendent, and as corrected by a subsequent department audit, plus the final audited count from the supplemental count day for the current school year, and dividing that sum by 2.

(ii) If operations begin after the pupil membership count day for the fiscal year and not later than the supplemental count day for the fiscal year, membership is the final audited count of the number of full-time equated pupils in grades K to 12 actually enrolled and in regular daily attendance on the supplemental count day for the current school year.

(j) If a district is the authorizing body for a public school academy, then, in the first school year in which pupils are counted in membership on the pupil membership count day in the public school academy, the determination of the district's membership excludes from the district's pupil count for the immediately preceding supplemental count day any pupils who are counted in the public school academy on that first pupil membership count day who were also counted in the district on the immediately preceding supplemental count day.

(k) For an extended school year program approved by the superintendent, a pupil enrolled, but not scheduled to be in regular daily attendance, on a pupil membership count day, is counted in membership.

(l) To be counted in membership, a pupil must meet the minimum age requirement to be eligible to attend school under section 1147 of the revised school code, MCL 380.1147, and must be less than 20 years of age on September 1 of the school year except as follows:

(i) A special education pupil who is enrolled and receiving instruction in a special education program or service approved by the department, who does not have a high school diploma, and who is less than 26 years of age as of September 1 of the current school year is counted in membership.

(ii) A pupil who is determined by the department to meet all of the following may be counted in membership:

(A) Is enrolled in a public school academy or an alternative education high school diploma program, that is primarily focused on educating pupils with extreme barriers to education, such as being homeless as that term is defined under 42 USC 11302.

(B) Had dropped out of school.

(iii) If a child does not meet the minimum age requirement to be eligible to attend school for that school year under section 1147 of the revised school code, MCL 380.1147, but will be 5 years of age not later than December 1 of that school year, the district may count the child in membership for that school year if the parent or legal guardian has notified the district in writing that the parent or legal guardian intends to enroll the child in kindergarten for that school year.

(m) An individual who has achieved a high school diploma is not counted in membership unless the individual is enrolled in a state-approved early middle college and at least 1 college course is transcribed for high school credit each membership count during the individual's fifth year. An individual who has achieved a high school equivalency certificate is not counted in membership unless the individual is a student with a disability as that term is defined in R 340.1702 of the Michigan Administrative Code. An individual participating in a job training program funded under former section 107a, as repealed by 2004 PA 351, or a jobs program funded under former section 107b, administered by the department of labor and economic opportunity, or participating in any successor of either of those 2 programs, is not counted in membership.

(n) If a pupil counted in membership in a public school academy is also educated by a district or intermediate district as part of a cooperative education program, the pupil is counted in membership only in the public school academy unless a written agreement signed by all parties designates the party or parties in which the pupil is counted in membership, and the instructional time scheduled for the pupil in the district or intermediate district is included in the full-time equated membership determination under subdivision (q) and section 101. However, for pupils receiving instruction in both a public school academy and in a district or intermediate district but not as a part of a cooperative education program, the following apply:

(i) If the public school academy provides instruction for at least 1/2 of the class hours required under section 101, the public school academy receives as its prorated share of the full-time equated membership for each of those pupils an amount equal to 1 times the product of the hours of instruction the public school academy provides divided by the number of hours required under section 101 for full-time equivalency, and the remainder of the full-time membership for each of those pupils is allocated to the district or intermediate district providing the remainder of the hours of instruction.

(ii) If the public school academy provides instruction for less than 1/2 of the class hours required under section 101, the district or intermediate district providing the remainder of the hours of instruction receives as its prorated share of the full-time equated membership for each of those pupils an amount equal to 1 times the product of the hours of instruction the district or intermediate district provides divided by the number of hours required under section 101 for full-time equivalency, and the remainder of the full-time membership for each of those pupils is allocated to the public school academy.

(o) An individual less than 16 years of age as of September 1 of the current school year who is being educated in an alternative education program is not counted in membership if there are also adult education participants being educated in the same program or classroom.

(p) The department shall give a uniform interpretation of full-time and part-time memberships.

(q) The number of class hours used to calculate full-time equated memberships must be consistent with section 101. In determining full-time equated memberships for pupils who are enrolled in a postsecondary institution or for pupils engaged in an internship or work experience under section 1279h of the revised school code, MCL 380.1279h, a pupil is not considered to be less than a full-time equated pupil solely because of the effect of the pupil's postsecondary enrollment or engagement in the internship or work experience, including necessary travel time, on the number of class hours provided by the district to the pupil.

(r) Full-time equated memberships for pupils in kindergarten are determined by dividing the number of instructional hours scheduled and provided per year per kindergarten pupil by the same number used for determining full-time equated memberships for pupils in grades 1 to 12. However, to the extent allowable under federal law, for a district or public school academy that provides evidence satisfactory to the department that it used federal title I money in the 2 immediately preceding school fiscal years to fund full-time kindergarten, full-time equated memberships for pupils in kindergarten are determined by dividing the number of class hours scheduled and provided per year per kindergarten pupil by a number equal to 1/2 the number used for determining full-time equated memberships for pupils in grades 1 to 12. The change in the counting of full-time equated memberships for pupils in kindergarten that took effect for 2012-2013 is not a mandate.

(s) For a district or a public school academy that has pupils enrolled in a grade level that was not offered by the district or public school academy in the immediately preceding school year, the number of pupils enrolled in that grade level to be counted in membership is the average of the number of those pupils enrolled and in regular daily attendance on the pupil membership count day and the supplemental count day of the current school year. Membership is calculated by adding the number of pupils registered for attendance in that grade level on the pupil membership count day plus pupils received by transfer and minus pupils lost as defined by rules promulgated by the superintendent, and as corrected by subsequent department audit, plus the final audited count from the supplemental count day for the current school year, and dividing that sum by 2.

(t) A pupil enrolled in a cooperative education program may be counted in membership in the pupil's district of residence with the written approval of all parties to the cooperative agreement.

(u) If, as a result of a disciplinary action, a district determines through the district's alternative or disciplinary education program that the best instructional placement for a pupil is in the pupil's home or otherwise apart from the general school population, if that placement is authorized in writing by the district superintendent and district alternative or disciplinary education supervisor, and if the district provides appropriate instruction as described in this subdivision to the pupil at the pupil's home or otherwise apart from the general school population, the district may count the pupil in membership on a pro rata basis, with the proration based on the number of hours of instruction the district actually provides to the pupil divided by the number of hours required under section 101 for full-time equivalency. For the purposes of this subdivision, a district is considered to be providing appropriate instruction if all of the following are met:

(i) The district provides at least 2 nonconsecutive hours of instruction per week to the pupil at the pupil's home or otherwise apart from the general school population under the supervision of a certificated teacher.

(ii) The district provides instructional materials, resources, and supplies that are comparable to those otherwise provided in the district's alternative education program.

(iii) Course content is comparable to that in the district's alternative education program.

(iv) Credit earned is awarded to the pupil and placed on the pupil's transcript.

(v) If a pupil was enrolled in a public school academy on the pupil membership count day, if the public school academy's contract with its authorizing body is revoked or the public school academy otherwise ceases to operate, and if the pupil enrolls in a district within 45 days after the pupil membership count day, the department shall adjust the district's pupil count for the pupil membership count day to include the pupil in the count.

(w) For a public school academy that has been in operation for at least 2 years and that suspended operations for at least 1 semester and is resuming operations, membership is the sum of the product of .90 times the number of full-time equated pupils in grades K to 12 actually enrolled and in regular daily attendance on the first pupil membership count day or supplemental count day, whichever is first, occurring after operations resume, plus the product of .10 times the final audited count from the most recent pupil membership count day or supplemental count day that occurred before suspending operations, as determined by the superintendent.

(x) If a district's membership for a particular fiscal year, as otherwise calculated under this subsection, would be less than 1,550 pupils, the district has 4.5 or fewer pupils per square mile, as determined by the department, and the district does not receive funding under section 22d(2), the district's membership is considered to be the membership figure calculated under this subdivision. If a district educates and counts in its membership pupils in grades 9 to 12 who reside in a contiguous district that does not operate grades 9 to 12 and if 1 or both of the affected districts request the department to use the determination allowed under this sentence, the department shall include the square mileage of both districts in determining the number of pupils per square mile for each of the districts for the purposes of this subdivision. If a district has established a community engagement advisory committee in partnership with the department of treasury, is required to submit a deficit elimination plan or an enhanced deficit elimination plan under section 1220 of the revised school code, MCL 380.1220, and is located in a city with a population between 9,000 and 11,000, as determined by the department, that is in a county with a population between 150,000 and 160,000, as determined by the department, the district's membership is considered to be the The membership figure calculated under this subdivision. The membership figure calculated under this subdivision for a district is the greater of the following:

(i) The average of the district's membership for the 3-fiscal-year period ending with that fiscal year, calculated by adding the district's actual membership for each of those 3 fiscal years, as otherwise calculated under this subsection, and dividing the sum of those 3 membership figures by 3.

(ii) The district's actual membership for that fiscal year as otherwise calculated under this subsection.

(y) Full-time equated memberships for special education pupils who are not enrolled in kindergarten but are enrolled in a classroom program under R 340.1754 of the Michigan Administrative Code are determined by dividing the number of class hours scheduled and provided per year by 450. Full-time equated memberships for special education pupils who are not enrolled in kindergarten but are receiving early childhood special education services under R 340.1755 or R 340.1862 of the Michigan Administrative Code are determined by dividing the number of hours of service scheduled and provided per year per pupil by 180.

(z) A pupil of a district that begins its school year after Labor Day who is enrolled in an intermediate district program that begins before Labor Day is not considered to be less than a full-time pupil solely due to instructional time scheduled but not attended by the pupil before Labor Day.

(aa) For the first year in which a pupil is counted in membership on the pupil membership count day in a middle college program, the membership is the average of the full-time equated membership on the pupil membership count day and on the supplemental count day for the current school year, as determined by the department. If a pupil described in this subdivision was counted in membership by the operating district on the immediately preceding supplemental count day, the pupil is excluded from the district's immediately preceding supplemental count for the purposes of determining the district's membership.

(bb) A district or public school academy that educates a pupil who attends a United States Olympic Education Center may count the pupil in membership regardless of whether or not the pupil is a resident of this state.

(cc) A pupil enrolled in a district other than the pupil's district of residence under section 1148(2) of the revised school code, MCL 380.1148, is counted in the educating district.

(dd) For a pupil enrolled in a dropout recovery program that meets the requirements of section 23a, the pupil is must be counted as 1/12 of a full-time equated membership for each month that the district operating the program reports that the pupil was enrolled in the program and was in full attendance or based on the number of successfully completed courses by the pupil, with each successfully completed course equivalent to 1/12 of a full-time equated membership. A district may claim more than 1/12 of a full-time equated membership within a month for an enrolled pupil who was in full attendance and successfully completed more than 1 required course. However, if If the special membership counting provisions under this subdivision and the operation of the other membership counting provisions under this subsection result in a pupil being counted as more than 1.0 FTE in a fiscal year, the payment made for the pupil entire FTE amount, including any amount in excess of 1.0 FTE, must be funded under sections 22a and 22b. must not be based on A district may generate more than 1.0 FTE for that a pupil , and any portion of an FTE for that pupil that exceeds 1.0 is instead paid enrolled in a program under section 25g. 23a. The district operating the program shall report to the center the number of pupils who were enrolled in the program and were in full attendance for a month not later than 30 days after the end of the that month. A district shall not report a pupil as being in full attendance for a month unless both of the following are met:

(i) A personalized learning plan is in place on or before the first school day of the month for the first month the pupil participates in the program.

(ii) Either of the following is met:

(A) The pupil meets the district's definition under section 23a of satisfactory monthly progress for that month or, if the pupil does not meet that definition of satisfactory monthly progress for that month, the pupil did meet that definition of satisfactory monthly progress in the immediately preceding month and appropriate interventions, as defined by the district, are implemented within 10 school days after it is determined that the pupil does not meet that definition of satisfactory monthly progress.

(B) For the first 2 months that the pupil participates in the program, the pupil earns 0.25 credit by the end of the second month. A pupil described in this sub-subparagraph may be retroactively reported as being in full attendance for the first month that the pupil participated in the program.

(ee) A pupil participating in a virtual course under section 21f is counted in membership in the district enrolling the pupil.

(ff) If a public school academy that is not in its first or second year of operation closes at the end of a school year and does not reopen for the next school year, the department shall adjust the membership count of the district or other public school academy in which a former pupil of the closed public school academy enrolls and is in regular daily attendance for the next school year to ensure that the district or other public school academy receives the same amount of membership aid for the pupil as if the pupil were counted in the district or other public school academy on the supplemental count day of the preceding school year.

(gg) If a special education pupil is expelled under section 1311 or 1311a of the revised school code, MCL 380.1311 and 380.1311a, and is not in attendance on the pupil membership count day because of the expulsion, and if the pupil remains enrolled in the district and resumes regular daily attendance during that school year, the district's membership is adjusted to count the pupil in membership as if the pupil had been in attendance on the pupil membership count day.

(hh) A pupil enrolled in a community district is counted in membership in the community district.

(ii) A part-time pupil enrolled in a nonpublic school in grades K to 12 in accordance with section 166b must not be counted as more than 0.75 of a full-time equated membership.

(jj) A district that borders another state or a public school academy that operates at least grades 9 to 12 and is located within 20 miles of a border with another state may count in membership a pupil who is enrolled in a course at a college or university that is located in the bordering state and within 20 miles of the border with this state if all of the following are met:

(i) The pupil would meet the definition of an eligible student under the postsecondary enrollment options act, 1996 PA 160, MCL 388.511 to 388.524, if the course were an eligible course under that act.

(ii) The course in which the pupil is enrolled would meet the definition of an eligible course under the postsecondary enrollment options act, 1996 PA 160, MCL 388.511 to 388.524, if the course were provided by an eligible postsecondary institution under that act.

(iii) The department determines that the college or university is an institution that, in the other state, fulfills a function comparable to a state university or community college, as those terms are defined in section 3 of the postsecondary enrollment options act, 1996 PA 160, MCL 388.513, or is an independent nonprofit degree-granting college or university.

(iv) The district or public school academy pays for a portion of the pupil's tuition at the college or university in an amount equal to the eligible charges that the district or public school academy would pay to an eligible postsecondary institution under the postsecondary enrollment options act, 1996 PA 160, MCL 388.511 to 388.524, as if the course were an eligible course under that act.

(v) The district or public school academy awards high school credit to a pupil who successfully completes a course as described in this subdivision.

(kk) A pupil enrolled in a middle college program may be counted for more than a total of 1.0 full-time equated membership for any of the school years in which the pupil is enrolled in the middle college program, but the total full-time equated membership for that pupil for all of the school years in which the pupil is enrolled in high school must not be greater than 5.00 full-time equated membership if the pupil is enrolled in more than the minimum number of instructional days and hours required under section 101 and the pupil is expected to complete the 5-year program with both a high school diploma and at least 60 transferable college credits or is expected to earn an associate's degree in fewer than 5 years. A pupil who graduates with both a high school diploma and at least 60 transferable college credits or an associate degree at least 1 semester early is considered to have completed the middle college program in fewer than 5 years.

(ll) If a district's or public school academy's membership for a particular fiscal year, as otherwise calculated under this subsection, includes pupils counted in membership who are enrolled under section 166b, all of the following apply for the purposes of this subdivision:

(i) If the district's or public school academy's membership for pupils counted under section 166b equals or exceeds 5% of the district's or public school academy's membership for pupils not counted in membership under section 166b in the immediately preceding fiscal year, then the growth in the district's or public school academy's membership for pupils counted under section 166b must not exceed 10%.

(ii) If the district's or public school academy's membership for pupils counted under section 166b is less than 5% of the district's or public school academy's membership for pupils not counted in membership under section 166b in the immediately preceding fiscal year, then the district's or public school academy's membership for pupils counted under section 166b must not exceed the greater of the following:

(A) Five percent of the district's or public school academy's membership for pupils not counted in membership under section 166b.

(B) Ten percent more than the district's or public school academy's membership for pupils counted under section 166b in the immediately preceding fiscal year.

(iii) If 1 or more districts consolidate or are parties to an annexation, then the calculations under subparagraphs (i) and (ii) must be applied to the combined total membership for pupils counted in those districts for the fiscal year immediately preceding the consolidation or annexation.

(5) "Public school academy" means that term as defined in section 5 of the revised school code, MCL 380.5.

(6) "Pupil" means an individual in membership in a public school. A district must have the approval of the pupil's district of residence to count the pupil in membership, except approval by the pupil's district of residence is not required for any of the following:

(a) A nonpublic part-time pupil enrolled in grades K to 12 in accordance with section 166b.

(b) A pupil receiving 1/2 or less of the pupil's instruction in a district other than the pupil's district of residence.

(d) A pupil enrolled in a district other than the pupil's district of residence if the pupil is enrolled in accordance with section 105 or 105c.

(e) A pupil who has made an official written complaint or whose parent or legal guardian has made an official written complaint to law enforcement officials and to school officials of the pupil's district of residence that the pupil has been the victim of a criminal sexual assault or other serious assault, if the official complaint either indicates that the assault occurred at school or that the assault was committed by 1 or more other pupils enrolled in the school the pupil would otherwise attend in the district of residence or by an employee of the district of residence. A person who intentionally makes a false report of a crime to law enforcement officials for the purposes of this subdivision is subject to section 411a of the Michigan penal code, 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.411a, which provides criminal penalties for that conduct. As used in this subdivision:

(i) "At school" means in a classroom, elsewhere on school premises, on a school bus or other school-related vehicle, or at a school-sponsored activity or event whether or not it is held on school premises.

(ii) "Serious assault" means an act that constitutes a felony violation of chapter XI of the Michigan penal code, 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.81 to 750.90h, 750.90g, or that constitutes an assault and infliction of serious or aggravated injury under section 81a of the Michigan penal code, 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.81a.

(f) A pupil whose district of residence changed after the pupil membership count day and before the supplemental count day and who continues to be enrolled on the supplemental count day as a nonresident in the district in which the pupil was enrolled as a resident on the pupil membership count day of the same school year.

(g) A pupil enrolled in an alternative education program operated by a district other than the pupil's district of residence who meets 1 or more of the following:

(i) The pupil has been suspended or expelled from the pupil's district of residence for any reason, including, but not limited to, a suspension or expulsion under section 1310, 1311, or 1311a of the revised school code, MCL 380.1310, 380.1311, and 380.1311a.

(ii) The pupil had previously dropped out of school.

(iii) The pupil is pregnant or is a parent.

(iv) The pupil has been referred to the program by a court.

(h) A pupil enrolled in the Michigan Virtual School, for the pupil's enrollment in the Michigan Virtual School.

(i) A pupil who is the child of a person who works at the district or who is the child of a person who worked at the district as of the time the pupil first enrolled in the district but who no longer works at the district due to a workforce reduction. As used in this subdivision, "child" includes an adopted child, stepchild, or legal ward.

(j) An expelled pupil who has been denied reinstatement by the expelling district and is reinstated by another school board under section 1311 or 1311a of the revised school code, MCL 380.1311 and 380.1311a.

(k) A pupil enrolled in a district other than the pupil's district of residence in a middle college program if the pupil's district of residence and the enrolling district are both constituent districts of the same intermediate district.

(l) A pupil enrolled in a district other than the pupil's district of residence who attends a United States Olympic Education Center.

(m) A pupil enrolled in a district other than the pupil's district of residence under section 1148(2) of the revised school code, MCL 380.1148.

(n) A pupil who enrolls in a district other than the pupil's district of residence as a result of the pupil's school not making adequate yearly progress under the no child left behind act of 2001, Public Law 107-110, or the every student succeeds act, Public Law 114-95.

However, if a district educates pupils who reside in another district and if the primary instructional site for those pupils is established by the educating district after 2009-2010 and is located within the boundaries of that other district, the educating district must have the approval of that other district to count those pupils in membership.

(7) "Pupil membership count day" of a district or intermediate district means:

(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b) or (c), either of the following:

(i) The first Wednesday in October each school year.

(ii) For a district or building in which school is not in session on the Wednesday described in subparagraph (i) due to conditions not within the control of school authorities, with the approval of the superintendent, the immediately following day on which school is in session in the district or building.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in subdivision (c), for a district or intermediate district maintaining school during the entire school year, the following days:

(i) Fourth Wednesday in July.

(ii) First Wednesday in October.

(iii) Second Wednesday in February.

(iv) Fourth Wednesday in April.

(c) If a date listed in subdivision (a) or (b) is on a day of religious or cultural significance, as determined by the district or intermediate district, the immediately following day on which school is in session in the district or building.

(8) "Pupils in grades K to 12 actually enrolled and in regular daily attendance" means, except as otherwise provided in this section, pupils in grades K to 12 in attendance and receiving instruction in all classes for which they are enrolled on the pupil membership count day or the supplemental count day, as applicable. Except as otherwise provided in this section and subsection, a pupil who is absent from any of the classes in which the pupil is enrolled on the pupil membership count day or supplemental count day and who does not attend each of those classes during the 10 consecutive school days immediately following the pupil membership count day or supplemental count day, except for a pupil who has been excused by the district, is not counted as 1.0 full-time equated membership. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a pupil who is excused from attendance on the pupil membership count day or supplemental count day and who fails to attend each of the classes in which the pupil is enrolled within 30 calendar days after the pupil membership count day or supplemental count day is not counted as 1.0 full-time equated membership. Except as otherwise provided in this section, in addition, a pupil who was enrolled and in attendance in a district, intermediate district, or public school academy before the pupil membership count day or supplemental count day of a particular year but was expelled or suspended on the pupil membership count day or supplemental count day is only counted as 1.0 full-time equated membership if the pupil resumed attendance in the district, intermediate district, or public school academy within 45 days after the pupil membership count day or supplemental count day of that particular year. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a pupil not counted as 1.0 full-time equated membership due to an absence from a class is counted as a prorated membership for the classes the pupil attended. For purposes of this subsection:

(a) "Appropriately placed" means holding a valid Michigan educator credential with the required grade range and discipline or subject area for the assignment, as defined by the superintendent of public instruction.

(b) "Class" means either of the following, as applicable:

(i) A a period of time in 1 day when pupils and an individual who is appropriately placed under a valid certificate, substitute permit, authorization, or approval issued by the department, are together and instruction is taking place. This subdivision does not apply for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years.

(ii) For the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years only, a period of time in 1 day when pupils and a certificated teacher, a teacher engaged to teach under section 1233b of the revised school code, MCL 380.1233b, or an individual working under a valid substitute permit, authorization, or approval issued by the department are together and instruction is taking place.

(9) "Rule" means a rule promulgated pursuant to the administrative procedures act of 1969, 1969 PA 306, MCL 24.201 to 24.328.

(10) "The revised school code" means the revised school code, 1976 PA 451, MCL 380.1 to 380.1852.

(11) "School district of the first class", "first class school district", and "district of the first class" mean, for the purposes of this article only, a district that had at least 40,000 pupils in membership for the immediately preceding fiscal year.

(12) "School fiscal year" means a fiscal year that commences July 1 and continues through June 30.

(13) "State board" means the state board of education.

(14) "Superintendent", unless the context clearly refers to a district or intermediate district superintendent, means the superintendent of public instruction described in section 3 of article VIII of the state constitution of 1963.

(15) "Supplemental count day" means the day on which the supplemental pupil count is conducted under section 6a.

(16) "Tuition pupil" means a pupil of school age attending school in a district other than the pupil's district of residence for whom tuition may be charged to the district of residence. Tuition pupil does not include a pupil who is a special education pupil, a pupil described in subsection (6)(d) to (n), or a pupil whose parent or guardian voluntarily enrolls the pupil in a district that is not the pupil's district of residence. A pupil's district of residence shall not require a high school tuition pupil, as provided under section 111, to attend another school district after the pupil has been assigned to a school district.

(17) "State school aid fund" means the state school aid fund established in section 11 of article IX of the state constitution of 1963.

(18) "Taxable value" means, except as otherwise provided in this article, the taxable value of property as determined under section 27a of the general property tax act, 1893 PA 206, MCL 211.27a.

(19) "Textbook" means a book, electronic book, or other instructional print or electronic resource that is selected and approved by the governing board of a district and that contains a presentation of principles of a subject, or that is a literary work relevant to the study of a subject required for the use of classroom pupils, or another type of course material that forms the basis of classroom instruction.

(20) "Total state aid" or "total state school aid", except as otherwise provided in this article, means the total combined amount of all funds due to a district, intermediate district, or other entity under this article.

(21) "Weighted pupil membership" means that term as calculated in this subsection. For the purposes of calculations under this subsection, the base weighted pupil membership for a district is 0. All of the following apply to the weighted pupil membership under this subsection:

(a) For each full-time English language learner counted in membership in a district in the immediately preceding fiscal year, the weighted pupil membership for that district must be increased as follows:

(i) For a full-time equivalent English language learner who was assessed in the immediately preceding fiscal year under the WIDA ACCESS for English language learners or the WIDA Alternate ACCESS with a WIDA ACCESS or WIDA Alternate ACCESS composite score between 1.0 and 1.9, as applicable to each assessment, an increase of 0.1990. The increase under this subparagraph must be adjusted annually as follows until the increase equals 0.75:

(A) For 2027-2028, the weighted pupil membership under this subparagraph must be increased to 0.2384.

(B) For 2028-2029, the weighted pupil membership under this subparagraph must be increased to 0.2778.

(D) For 2030-2031, the weighted pupil membership under this subparagraph must be increased to 0.3565.

(E) For 2031-2032, the weighted pupil membership under this subparagraph must be increased to 0.3959.

(F) For 2032-2033, the weighted pupil membership under this subparagraph must be increased to 0.4353.

(G) For 2033-2034, the weighted pupil membership under this subparagraph must be increased to 0.4746.

(H) For 2034-2035, the weighted pupil membership under this subparagraph must be increased to 0.5140.

(I) For 2035-2036, the weighted pupil membership under this subparagraph must be increased to 0.5534.

(J) For 2036-2037, the weighted pupil membership under this subparagraph must be increased to 0.5928.

(K) For 2037-2038, the weighted pupil membership under this subparagraph must be increased to 0.6321.

(L) For 2038-2039, the weighted pupil membership under this subparagraph must be increased to 0.6715.

(M) For 2039-2040, the weighted pupil membership under this subparagraph must be increased to 0.7109.

(N) Beginning in 2040-2041 and every fiscal year thereafter, the weighted pupil membership under this subparagraph must be increased to 0.75.

(ii) For a full-time equivalent English language learner who was assessed in the immediately preceding fiscal year under the WIDA ACCESS for English language learners or the WIDA Alternate ACCESS with a WIDA ACCESS or WIDA Alternate ACCESS composite score between 2.0 and 2.9, as applicable to each assessment, an increase of 0.1374. The increase under this subparagraph must be adjusted annually as follows until the increase equals 0.50:

(A) For 2027-2028, the weighted pupil membership under this subparagraph must be increased to 0.1636.

(B) For 2028-2029, the weighted pupil membership under this subparagraph must be increased to 0.1899.

(D) For 2030-2031, the weighted pupil membership under this subparagraph must be increased to 0.2424.

(E) For 2031-2032, the weighted pupil membership under this subparagraph must be increased to 0.2686.

(F) For 2032-2033, the weighted pupil membership under this subparagraph must be increased to 0.2949.

(G) For 2033-2034, the weighted pupil membership under this subparagraph must be increased to 0.3211.

(H) For 2034-2035, the weighted pupil membership under this subparagraph must be increased to 0.3474.

(I) For 2035-2036, the weighted pupil membership under this subparagraph must be increased to 0.3736.

(J) For 2036-2037, the weighted pupil membership under this subparagraph must be increased to 0.3999.

(K) For 2037-2038, the weighted pupil membership under this subparagraph must be increased to 0.4261.

(L) For 2038-2039, the weighted pupil membership under this subparagraph must be increased to 0.4524.

(M) For 2039-2040, the weighted pupil membership under this subparagraph must be increased to 0.4786.

(N) Beginning in 2040-2041 and every fiscal year thereafter, the weighted pupil membership under this subparagraph must be increased to 0.50.

(iii) For a full-time equivalent English language learner who was assessed in the immediately preceding fiscal year under the WIDA ACCESS for English language learners or the WIDA Alternate ACCESS with a WIDA ACCESS or WIDA Alternate ACCESS composite score between 3.0 and 4.7, as applicable to each assessment, an increase of 0.0224. The increase under this subparagraph must be adjusted annually as follows until the increase equals 0.35:

(A) For 2027-2028, the weighted pupil membership under this subparagraph must be increased to 0.0464.

(B) For 2028-2029, the weighted pupil membership under this subparagraph must be increased to 0.0703.

(D) For 2030-2031, the weighted pupil membership under this subparagraph must be increased to 0.1183.

(E) For 2031-2032, the weighted pupil membership under this subparagraph must be increased to 0.1423.

(F) For 2032-2033, the weighted pupil membership under this subparagraph must be increased to 0.1662.

(G) For 2033-2034, the weighted pupil membership under this subparagraph must be increased to 0.1902.

(H) For 2034-2035, the weighted pupil membership under this subparagraph must be increased to 0.2142.

(I) For 2035-2036, the weighted pupil membership under this subparagraph must be increased to 0.2382.

(J) For 2036-2037, the weighted pupil membership under this subparagraph must be increased to 0.2621.

(K) For 2037-2038, the weighted pupil membership under this subparagraph must be increased to 0.2861.

(L) For 2038-2039, the weighted pupil membership under this subparagraph must be increased to 0.3101.

(M) For 2039-2040, the weighted pupil membership under this subparagraph must be increased to 0.3341.

(N) Beginning in 2040-2041 and every fiscal year thereafter, the weighted pupil membership under this subparagraph must be increased to 0.35.

(b) For each economically disadvantaged pupil counted in membership in a district, the weighted pupil membership for that district must be increased as follows:

(i) For the purpose of this subparagraph, the department shall determine the number of pupils in membership who are economically disadvantaged as the greatest of the following:

(A) The number of membership pupils in the district who are determined to be economically disadvantaged, as reported to the center in the form and manner prescribed by the center not later than the fifth Wednesday after the pupil membership count day of the immediately preceding fiscal year.

(B) If the district is in the community eligibility program, the number of pupils determined to be eligible based on the product of the identified student percentage multiplied by the total number of pupils in the district, as reported to the center in the form and manner prescribed by the center not later than the fifth Wednesday after the pupil membership count day of the immediately preceding fiscal year. These calculations must be made at the building level. This sub-subparagraph applies only to an eligible district for the fiscal year immediately following the first fiscal year in which it is in the community eligibility program. As used in this sub-subparagraph, "identified student percentage" means the quotient of the number of pupils in an eligible district who are determined to be economically disadvantaged, as reported to the center in a form and manner prescribed by the center not later than the fifth Wednesday after the pupil membership count day in the fiscal year preceding the first fiscal year in which the eligible district is in the community eligibility program, divided by the total number of pupils counted in an eligible district on the pupil membership count day in the fiscal year preceding the first fiscal year in which the eligible district is in the community eligibility program.

(C) If the district began operations as a district after the pupil membership count day of the current fiscal year, the number of membership pupils in the district who are determined to be economically disadvantaged, as reported to the center in the form and manner prescribed by the center not later than the fifth Wednesday after the supplemental count day of the current fiscal year.

(D) If, for a particular fiscal year, the number of membership pupils in a district who are determined under sub-subparagraph (A) to be economically disadvantaged or to be eligible based on the identified student percentage varies by more than 20 percentage points from the number of those pupils in the district as calculated under sub-subparagraph (A) for the immediately preceding fiscal year caused by an egregious reporting error by the district, the department may choose to have the calculations under sub-subparagraph (A) instead be made using the number of membership pupils in the district who are determined to be economically disadvantaged, as reported to the center in the form and manner prescribed by the center not later than the fifth Wednesday after the supplemental count day of the immediately preceding fiscal year.

(ii) Each district or public school academy must be assigned an opportunity index score each fiscal year, the value of which is the quotient of the number of economically disadvantaged pupils as determined under this subdivision for the district or public school academy and the total number of pupils in the district or public school academy in the immediately preceding fiscal year, multiplied by 100 and rounded up to the nearest whole number. Each district or public school academy must be assigned an opportunity index band as follows:

(A) A district with an opportunity index score greater than or equal to 0 but less than 20 must be assigned to band 1 and shall receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.1994 and not more than 0.2051 for each economically disadvantaged pupil. The additional weighted pupil membership under this sub-subparagraph must be an amount equal to the district's opportunity index score minus 1, multiplied by the band adjustment factor applicable to this subdivision, plus 0.1994 multiplied by the number of pupils identified as economically disadvantaged under this sub-subparagraph. The additional weighted pupil membership under this sub-subparagraph must be increased as follows until it reaches between 0.35 and 0.36 per economically disadvantaged pupil:

(I) For 2027-2028, a district assigned to band 1 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.2101 and not more than 0.2162 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(II) For 2028-2029, a district assigned to band 1 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.2209 and not more than 0.2272 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(III) For 2029-2030, a district assigned to band 1 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.2316 and not more than 0.2383 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(IV) For 2030-2031, a district assigned to band 1 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.2424 and not more than 0.2493 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(V) For 2031-2032, a district assigned to band 1 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.2531 and not more than 0.2604 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(VI) For 2032-2033, a district assigned to band 1 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.2638 and not more than 0.2714 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(VII) For 2033-2034, a district assigned to band 1 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.2746 and not more than 0.2825 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(VIII) For 2034-2035, a district assigned to band 1 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.2853 and not more than 0.2935 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(IX) For 2035-2036, a district assigned to band 1 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.2961 and not more than 0.3046 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(X) For 2036-2037, a district assigned to band 1 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.3068 and not more than 0.3156 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(XI) For 2037-2038, a district assigned to band 1 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.3176 and not more than 0.3267 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(XII) For 2038-2039, a district assigned to band 1 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.3283 and not more than 0.3377 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(XIII) For 2039-2040, a district assigned to band 1 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.3391 and not more than 0.3488 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(XIV) For 2040-2041 and every fiscal year thereafter, a district assigned to band 1 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.35 and not more than 0.36 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(B) A district with an opportunity index score greater than or equal to 20 but less than 44 must be assigned to band 2 and shall receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.2051 and not more than 0.2136 for each economically disadvantaged pupil. The additional weighted pupil membership under this sub-subparagraph must be an amount equal to the district's opportunity index score minus 20, multiplied by the band adjustment factor applicable to this subdivision, plus 0.2051 multiplied by the number of pupils identified as economically disadvantaged under this sub-subparagraph. The additional weighted pupil membership under this sub-subparagraph must be increased as follows until it reaches between 0.36 and 0.375 per economically disadvantaged pupil:

(I) For 2027-2028, a district assigned to band 2 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.2162 and not more than 0.2251 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(II) For 2028-2029, a district assigned to band 2 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.2272 and not more than 0.2367 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(III) For 2029-2030, a district assigned to band 2 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.2383 and not more than 0.2482 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(IV) For 2030-2031, a district assigned to band 2 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.2493 and not more than 0.2597 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(V) For 2031-2032, a district assigned to band 2 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.2604 and not more than 0.2712 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(VI) For 2032-2033, a district assigned to band 2 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.2714 and not more than 0.2827 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(VII) For 2033-2034, a district assigned to band 2 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.2825 and not more than 0.2942 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(VIII) For 2034-2035, a district assigned to band 2 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.2935 and not more than 0.3057 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(IX) For 2035-2036, a district assigned to band 2 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.3046 and not more than 0.3172 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(X) For 2036-2037, a district assigned to band 2 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.3156 and not more than 0.3288 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(XI) For 2037-2038, a district assigned to band 2 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.3267 and not more than 0.3403 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(XII) For 2038-2039, a district assigned to band 2 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.3377 and not more than 0.3518 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(XIII) For 2039-2040, a district assigned to band 2 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.3488 and not more than 0.3633 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(XIV) For 2040-2041 and every fiscal year thereafter, a district assigned to band 2 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.36 and not more than 0.375 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(C) A district with an opportunity index score greater than or equal to 44 but less than 59 must be assigned to band 3 and shall receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.2136 and not more than 0.2223 for each economically disadvantaged pupil. The additional weighted pupil membership under this sub-subparagraph must be an amount equal to the district's opportunity index score minus 44, multiplied by the band adjustment factor applicable to this subdivision, plus 0.2136 multiplied by the number of pupils identified as economically disadvantaged under this sub-subparagraph. The additional weighted pupil membership under this sub-subparagraph must be increased as follows until it reaches between 0.375 and 0.39 per economically disadvantaged pupil:

(I) For 2027-2028, a district assigned to band 3 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.2251 and not more than 0.2342 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(II) For 2028-2029, a district assigned to band 3 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.2367 and not more than 0.2462 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(III) For 2029-2030, a district assigned to band 3 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.2482 and not more than 0.2582 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(IV) For 2030-2031, a district assigned to band 3 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.2597 and not more than 0.2701 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(V) For 2031-2032, a district assigned to band 3 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.2712 and not more than 0.2821 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(VI) For 2032-2033, a district assigned to band 3 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.2827 and not more than 0.2941 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(VII) For 2033-2034, a district assigned to band 3 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.2942 and not more than 0.3061 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(VIII) For 2034-2035, a district assigned to band 3 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.3057 and not more than 0.3180 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(IX) For 2035-2036, a district assigned to band 3 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.3172 and not more than 0.3300 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(X) For 2036-2037, a district assigned to band 3 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.3288 and not more than 0.3420 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(XI) For 2037-2038, a district assigned to band 3 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.3403 and not more than 0.3540 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(XII) For 2038-2039, a district assigned to band 3 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.3518 and not more than 0.3659 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(XIII) For 2039-2040, a district assigned to band 3 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.3633 and not more than 0.3779 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(XIV) For 2040-2041 and every fiscal year thereafter, a district assigned to band 3 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.375 and not more than 0.39 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(D) A district with an opportunity index score greater than or equal to 59 but less than 73 must be assigned to band 4 and shall receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.2223 and not more than 0.2393 for each economically disadvantaged pupil. The additional weighted pupil membership under this sub-subparagraph must be an amount equal to the district's opportunity index score minus 59, multiplied by the band adjustment factor applicable to this sub-subparagraph, plus 0.2223 multiplied by the number of pupils identified as economically disadvantaged under this sub-subparagraph. The additional weighted pupil membership under this sub-subparagraph must be increased as follows until it reaches between 0.39 and 0.42 per economically disadvantaged pupil:

(I) For 2027-2028, a district assigned to band 4 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.2342 and not more than 0.2521 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(II) For 2028-2029, a district assigned to band 4 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.2462 and not more than 0.2650 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(III) For 2029-2030, a district assigned to band 4 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.2582 and not more than 0.2779 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(IV) For 2030-2031, a district assigned to band 4 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.2701 and not more than 0.2908 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(V) For 2031-2032, a district assigned to band 4 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.2821 and not more than 0.3037 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(VI) For 2032-2033, a district assigned to band 4 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.2941 and not more than 0.3166 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(VII) For 2033-2034, a district assigned to band 4 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.3061 and not more than 0.3295 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(VIII) For 2034-2035, a district assigned to band 4 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.3180 and not more than 0.3424 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(IX) For 2035-2036, a district assigned to band 4 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.3300 and not more than 0.3553 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(X) For 2036-2037, a district assigned to band 4 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.3420 and not more than 0.3682 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(XI) For 2037-2038, a district assigned to band 4 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.3540 and not more than 0.3811 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(XII) For 2038-2039, a district assigned to band 4 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.3659 and not more than 0.3940 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(XIII) For 2039-2040, a district assigned to band 4 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.3779 and not more than 0.4069 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(XIV) For 2040-2041 and every fiscal year thereafter, a district assigned to band 3 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.39 and not more than 0.42 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(E) A district with an opportunity index score greater than or equal to 73 but less than 85 must be assigned to band 5 and shall receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.2393 and not more than 0.2679 for each economically disadvantaged pupil. The additional weighted pupil membership under this sub-subparagraph must be an amount equal to the district's opportunity index score minus 73, multiplied by the band adjustment factor applicable to this sub-subparagraph, plus 0.2393 multiplied by the number of pupils identified as economically disadvantaged under this sub-subparagraph. The additional weighted pupil membership under this sub-subparagraph must be increased as follows until it reaches between 0.42 and 0.47 per economically disadvantaged pupil:

(I) For 2027-2028, a district assigned to band 5 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.2521 and not more than 0.2823 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(II) For 2028-2029, a district assigned to band 5 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.2650 and not more than 0.2967 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(III) For 2029-2030, a district assigned to band 5 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.2779 and not more than 0.3112 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(IV) For 2030-2031, a district assigned to band 5 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.2908 and not more than 0.3256 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(V) For 2031-2032, a district assigned to band 5 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.3037 and not more than 0.3400 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(VI) For 2032-2033, a district assigned to band 5 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.3166 and not more than 0.3544 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(VII) For 2033-2034, a district assigned to band 5 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.3295 and not more than 0.3689 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(VIII) For 2034-2035, a district assigned to band 5 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.3424 and not more than 0.3833 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(IX) For 2035-2036, a district assigned to band 5 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.3553 and not more than 0.3977 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(X) For 2036-2037, a district assigned to band 5 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.3682 and not more than 0.4122 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(XI) For 2037-2038, a district assigned to band 5 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.3811 and not more than 0.4266 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(XII) For 2038-2039, a district assigned to band 5 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.3940 and not more than 0.4410 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(XIII) For 2039-2040, a district assigned to band 5 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.4069 and not more than 0.4555 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(XIV) For 2040-2041 and every fiscal year thereafter, a district assigned to band 5 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of at least 0.42 and not more than 0.47 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(F) A district with an opportunity index score greater than or equal to 85 must be assigned to band 6 and shall receive an additional weighted pupil membership at a rate of 0.2679 for each economically disadvantaged pupil. It is intended that the additional weighted pupil membership under this sub-subparagraph will be increased as follows until it reaches 0.47 per economically disadvantaged pupil:

(I) For 2027-2028, a district assigned to band 6 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of 0.2823 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(II) For 2028-2029, a district assigned to band 6 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of 0.2967 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(III) For 2029-2030, a district assigned to band 6 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of 0.3112 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(IV) For 2030-2031, a district assigned to band 6 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of 0.3256 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(V) For 2031-2032, a district assigned to band 6 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of 0.3400 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(VI) For 2032-2033, a district assigned to band 6 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of 0.3544 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(VII) For 2033-2034, a district assigned to band 6 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of 0.3689 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(VIII) For 2034-2035, a district assigned to band 6 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of 0.3833 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(IX) For 2035-2036, a district assigned to band 6 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of 0.3977 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(X) For 2036-2037, a district assigned to band 6 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of 0.4122 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(XI) For 2037-2038, a district assigned to band 6 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of 0.4266 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(XII) For 2038-2039, a district assigned to band 6 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of 0.4410 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(XIII) For 2039-2040, a district assigned to band 6 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of 0.4555 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(XIV) For 2040-2041 and every fiscal year thereafter, a district assigned to band 6 must receive an additional weighted pupil membership of 0.47 for each economically disadvantaged pupil.

(G) As used in this subparagraph, "band adjustment factor" means an amount equal to the difference between the lowest and highest reimbursement bounds for each band, divided by the number of possible opportunity index scores in that band.

(c) To assist the legislature in determining necessary funding levels to support foundation allowance payments for weighted pupil membership calculated in this subsection, each revenue estimating conference conducted under section 367b of the management and budget act, 1984 PA 431, MCL 18.1367b, must include estimated pupil counts necessary to determine a weighted pupil membership under this subsection for the current and subsequent 2 fiscal years.

(d) As used in this subsection:

(i) "Economically disadvantaged" means a pupil who has been determined eligible for free or reduced-price meals as determined under the Richard B. Russell national school lunch act, 42 USC 1751 to 1769j; who is in a household receiving supplemental nutrition assistance program or temporary assistance for needy families assistance; or who is homeless, migrant, or in foster care, as reported to the center.

(ii) "English language learner" means limited English proficient pupils who speak a language other than English as their primary language and have difficulty speaking, reading, writing, or understanding English as reported to the center.

Sec. 11. (1) For the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, there is appropriated for the public schools of this state and certain other state purposes relating to education the sum of $17,936,546,300.00 from the state school aid fund, the sum of $78,830,600.00 from the general fund, an amount not to exceed $41,000,000.00 from the community district education trust fund created under section 12 of the Michigan trust fund act, 2000 PA 489, MCL 12.262, an amount not to exceed $125,000,000.00 from the school transportation fund created under section 22k, an amount not to exceed $71,000,000.00 from the enrollment stabilization fund created under section 29, an amount not to exceed $30,000,000.00 from the school meals reserve fund created under section 30e, an amount not to exceed $18,000,000.00 from the great start readiness program reserve fund created under section 32e, an amount not to exceed $481,400,000.00 from the MPSERS retirement obligation reform reserve fund created under section 147b, and an amount not to exceed $30,000,000.00 from the educator fellowship public provider fund created in section 27d. For the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, there is appropriated for the public schools of this state and certain other state purposes relating to education the sum of $18,366,334,700.00 $18,189,425,300.00 from the state school aid fund, the sum of $73,151,100.00 from the general fund, an amount not to exceed $100,000,000.00 from the school consolidation and infrastructure fund created under section 11x, an amount not to exceed $125,000,000.00 from the school transportation fund created under section 22k, an amount not to exceed $71,000,000.00 from the enrollment stabilization fund created under section 29, an amount not to exceed $18,000,000.00 from the great start readiness program reserve fund created under section 32e, an amount not to exceed $30,000,000.00 from the educator fellowship public provider fund created under section 27d, an amount not to exceed $97,037,400.00 from the state school aid pupil support reserve fund created under section 22r, and an amount not to exceed $600,000.00 from the general pupil support reserve fund created under section 22s. For the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027, there is appropriated for the public schools of this state and certain other state purposes relating to education the sum of $19,143,728,500.00 from the state school aid fund, the sum of $50,834,900.00 from the general fund, an amount not to exceed $125,000,000.00 from the school transportation fund created under section 22k, an amount not to exceed $130,000,000.00 from the enrollment stabilization fund created under section 29, an amount not to exceed $18,000,000.00 from the great start readiness program reserve fund created under section 32e, an amount not to exceed $30,000,000.00 from the educator fellowship public provider fund created under section 27d, an amount not to exceed $119,037,400.00 from the state school aid pupil support reserve fund created under section 22r, and an amount not to exceed $720,000.00 from the general pupil support reserve fund created under section 22s. In addition, all available federal funds are only appropriated as allocated in this article for the fiscal years ending September 30, 2025 and September 30, 2026 and September 30, 2027.

(2) The appropriations under this section are allocated as provided in this article. Money appropriated under this section from the general fund must be expended to fund the purposes of this article before the expenditure of money appropriated under this section from the state school aid fund.

(3) Any general fund allocations under this article that are not expended by the end of the fiscal year are transferred to the school aid stabilization fund created under section 11a.

Sec. 11a. (1) The school aid stabilization fund is created as a separate account within the state school aid fund.

(2) The state treasurer may receive money or other assets from any source for deposit into the school aid stabilization fund. The state treasurer shall deposit into the school aid stabilization fund all of the following:

(a) Unexpended and unencumbered state school aid fund revenue for a fiscal year that remains in the state school aid fund as of the bookclosing for that fiscal year.

(b) Money statutorily dedicated to the school aid stabilization fund.

(3) Money available in the school aid stabilization fund may not be expended without a specific appropriation from the school aid stabilization fund. Money in the school aid stabilization fund must be expended only for purposes for which state school aid fund money may be expended.

(4) The state treasurer shall direct the investment of the school aid stabilization fund. The state treasurer shall credit to the school aid stabilization fund interest and earnings from fund investments.

(5) Money in the school aid stabilization fund at the close of a fiscal year remains in the school aid stabilization fund and does not lapse to the unreserved school aid fund balance or the general fund.

(6) If the maximum amount appropriated under section 11 from the state school aid fund for a fiscal year exceeds the amount available for expenditure from the state school aid fund for that fiscal year, there is appropriated from the school aid stabilization fund to the state school aid fund an amount equal to the projected shortfall as determined by the department of treasury, but not to exceed available money in the school aid stabilization fund. If the money in the school aid stabilization fund is insufficient to fully fund an amount equal to the projected shortfall, the state budget director shall notify the legislature as required under section 296(2) and state payments in an amount equal to the remainder of the projected shortfall must be prorated in the manner provided under section 296(3).

(7) For 2025-2026 2026-2027, in addition to the appropriations in section 11, there is appropriated from the school aid stabilization fund to the state school aid fund the amount necessary to fully fund the allocations under this article.

Sec. 11j. From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $23,000,000.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 for payments to the school loan bond redemption fund in the department of treasury on behalf of districts and intermediate districts. Notwithstanding section 296 or any other provision of this act, funds allocated under this section are not subject to proration and must be paid in full.

Sec. 11k. For 2025-2026, 2026-2027, there is appropriated from the general fund to the school loan revolving fund an amount equal to the amount of school bond loans assigned to the Michigan finance authority, not to exceed the total amount of school bond loans held in reserve as long-term assets. As used in this section, "school loan revolving fund" means that fund created in section 16c of the shared credit rating act, 1985 PA 227, MCL 141.1066c.

Sec. 11m. From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2025-2026 2026-2027 an amount not to exceed $5,000,000.00 for fiscal year cash-flow borrowing costs solely related to the state school aid fund established under section 11 of article IX of the state constitution of 1963.

Sec. 11s. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated $5,000,000.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 only and from the general fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated $3,000,000.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 only for the purpose of providing services and programs to children who reside within the boundaries of a district with the majority of its territory located within the boundaries of a city for which an executive proclamation of emergency concerning drinking water is issued in the current or immediately preceding 10 fiscal years under the emergency management act, 1976 PA 390, MCL 30.401 to 30.421, and that has at least 4,500 pupils in membership for the 2016-2017 fiscal year or has at least 2,600 pupils in membership for a fiscal year after 2016-2017.

(2) From the general fund money allocated in subsection (1), there is allocated to a district with the majority of its territory located within the boundaries of a city for which an executive proclamation of emergency concerning drinking water is issued in the current or immediately preceding 10 fiscal years under the emergency management act, 1976 PA 390, MCL 30.401 to 30.421, and that has at least 4,500 pupils in membership for the 2016-2017 fiscal year or has at least 2,600 pupils in membership for a fiscal year after 2016-2017, an amount not to exceed $2,425,000.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 for the purpose of employing school nurses, classroom aides, school social workers, and community health workers; for the provision of behavioral or mental health supports, parental engagement activities, community coordination activities, and other support services; and for purchasing program supplies. The district shall provide a report to the department in a form, manner, and frequency prescribed by the department. The department shall provide a copy of that report to the governor, the house and senate school aid subcommittees, the house and senate fiscal agencies, and the state budget director within 5 days after receipt. The report must provide at least the following information:

(a) How many personnel were hired using the funds allocated under this subsection.

(b) A description of the services provided to pupils by those personnel.

(d) Any other information the department considers necessary to ensure that the children described in subsection (1) received appropriate levels and types of services.

(3) For 2025-2026 2026-2027 only, from the general fund money allocated in subsection (1), there is allocated an amount not to exceed $575,000.00 for nutritional services to children described in subsection (1).

(4) For 2025-2026 2026-2027 only, from the state school aid fund money allocated in subsection (1), there is allocated an amount not to exceed $5,000,000.00 to an intermediate district that has a constituent district described in subsection (2) for interventions and supports for students in grades K to 12 who were impacted by an executive proclamation of emergency described in subsection (1) concerning drinking water. Funds under this subsection must be used for behavioral supports, social workers, counselors, psychologists, nursing services, including, but not limited to, vision and hearing services, transportation services, parental engagement, community coordination, and other support services.

(5) Notwithstanding section 17b, the department shall make payments under this section on a schedule determined by the department.

Sec. 11x. (1) The school consolidation and infrastructure fund is created as a separate account within the state school aid fund for the purpose of improving student academic outcomes, increasing the efficiency of the state's public education system, and creating a healthy and safe space for students in this state.

(2) The state treasurer may receive money or other assets from any source for deposit into the school consolidation and infrastructure fund. The state treasurer shall direct the investment of the school consolidation and infrastructure fund. The state treasurer shall credit to the school consolidation and infrastructure fund interest and earnings from school consolidation and infrastructure fund investments.

(3) Money in the school consolidation and infrastructure fund at the close of the fiscal year remains in the school consolidation and infrastructure fund and does not lapse to the state school aid fund or the general fund.

(4) The department of treasury is the administrator of the school consolidation and infrastructure fund for auditing purposes.

(5) Money available in the school consolidation and infrastructure fund must not be expended without a specific appropriation.

(6) From the state school aid fund money appropriated under section 11, there is allocated for 2022-2023 only an amount not to exceed $5,000,000.00 for grants to districts and intermediate districts to support the cost of a feasibility study or analysis of consolidation or the consolidation of services among 1 or more buildings within a district, among 1 or more districts, or among 1 or more intermediate districts. Districts and intermediate districts may apply for a grant under this subsection to the department on a first-come, first-serve basis. The maximum amount of a grant to be distributed under this subsection may not exceed $250,000.00. Notwithstanding section 17b, the department shall make payments under this subsection on a schedule determined by the department.

(7) To be eligible for a grant under subsection (6), a district or intermediate district must demonstrate to the department, in the manner prescribed by the department, that it will conduct a feasibility study or analysis and that all of the following will be met:

(a) Within 30 days after completion of the study or analysis, the district or intermediate district will make the results of the study or analysis available to all districts and intermediate districts included in the study or analysis. Within 60 days after the completion of the study or analysis, the district or intermediate district will make the results available on a publicly available website.

(b) The study or analysis may include, but is not limited to, consolidation opportunities in the following areas:

(i) Financial services, which may include, but is not limited to, the following:

(A) Budgeting and staffing.

(B) Payroll.

(D) State reporting.

(E) Software consolidation to achieve common software throughout the intermediate district.

(ii) Human resources, which may include, but is not limited to, the following:

(A) Onboarding.

(B) Title IX administration.

(D) Software consolidation to achieve common software throughout the intermediate district.

(iii) Information technology, which may include, but is not limited to, the following:

(A) Software consolidation to achieve common software throughout the intermediate district.

(B) Fiber projects.

(D) One-to-one device management.

(iv) Grant management and reporting, which may include, but is not limited to, the following:

(A) Management of all state grant sites and databases.

(B) Grant reporting.

(v) Cash management, which may include, but is not limited to, the opportunities for intermediate districts and districts to contract on cash flow management to maximize interest earnings.

(vi) Debt issuance and management, including at least all of the following:

(A) Refunding opportunities.

(B) New bond issue analysis.

(vii) School facility consolidation.

(viii) Consolidation of transportation-related activities.

(ix) The physical consolidation of districts.

(8) An intermediate district that receives a grant under this section shall meet with its constituent districts located within the intermediate district to discuss the results of the study or analysis and to implement changes where feasible. The application for an intermediate district must include a brief description of how the intermediate district will conduct these meetings.

(9) To be eligible for the receipt of funding for infrastructure-related projects appropriated from the school consolidation and infrastructure fund created under this section, a district must allow for the facility condition assessments described in former section 11y to be conducted in the district. It is the intent of the legislature that money in the school consolidation and infrastructure fund will not be appropriated for infrastructure projects until the completion of the facility condition assessments described in former section 11y.

(10) For 2025-2026, $83,400,000.00 from the school consolidation and infrastructure fund must be deposited into the state school aid fund.

Sec. 11aa. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated under section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $20,000,000.00 for 2022-2023 only for the intermediate district or consortium of intermediate districts receiving funding under former section 11y for the purposes of including ASHRAE Level II Energy Efficiency Audits or similar audits to the statewide school facilities study under former section 11y. These funds may also be utilized for solar feasibility studies or data collection for solar feasibility.

(2) The recipient of funding under this section must use the funds in coordination with engineers from architectural, engineering, or construction companies based in this state that are familiar with school construction and energy efficiency audits to perform a systematic assessment for school buildings in this state in which pupils in grades K to 12 are educated and that are operated by a district. Where possible, the inclusion of solar feasibility studies or data collection for solar feasibility may be performed as well.

(3) The energy efficiency audit may include, but is not limited to, the following building improvements:

(a) The following energy efficiency measures:

(i) HVAC upgrades, including geothermal heat pumps.

(ii) Lighting upgrades, including LED lights and occupancy sensors.

(iii) Building envelope and weatherization.

(iv) Appliances and equipment.

(v) Building management systems.

(b) Solar power systems on or nearby school buildings, school parking lots, and property.

(4) All energy efficiency audits and solar feasibility studies or data collection for solar feasibility performed using these funds must be shared with the appropriate school district in the form of individual building reports.

(5) As part of the assessment described in this section, the engineers must report to the recipient of funding under this section the outcomes of the energy efficiency audits and, where applicable, solar feasibility studies or data collection for solar feasibility.

(6) The recipient of funding under this section must provide a report to the house and senate appropriations subcommittees on school aid, the state budget director, the house and senate fiscal agencies, and the department summarizing the information it receives under this section.

(7) Notwithstanding section 17b, the department must make payments under this section by August 1, 2023.

Sec. 12d. (1) From the school consolidation and infrastructure fund created under section 11x, there is allocated for 2023-2024 only an amount not to exceed $110,000,000.00 for the purposes of this section.

(2) From the amount allocated in subsection (1), there is allocated an amount not to exceed $75,000,000.00 for grants to districts and intermediate districts to support costs related to internal consolidation within the district or intermediate district. All of the following apply to grants under this subsection:

(a) The department shall allow grants for applicants that have already taken actions for internal consolidation within the previous 2 years and grants for applicants that have not yet begun internal consolidation activities.

(b) The department shall prioritize applications from districts and intermediate districts that meet any of the following criteria:

(i) Are in an opportunity index band, as described in section 31a, determined under section 6(21), of 3 or higher.

(ii) Are an intermediate district for which the percentage of pupils in membership who were determined to be economically disadvantaged in the immediately preceding fiscal year is equal to or greater than the minimum percentage for a district or public school academy to be in an opportunity index band, as described in section 31a, determined under section 6(21), of 3 or higher.

(iii) Are experiencing declining enrollment.

(iv) Have no ability to issue bonds for infrastructure needs, or have made a good-faith effort, as determined by the department, to issue bonds for infrastructure needs.

(c) Grants may be used for operational expenses related to internal consolidation and for infrastructure needs. Infrastructure needs may include, but are not limited to, the removal of buildings.

(3) From the amount allocated in subsection (1), $35,000,000.00 is allocated as follows:

(a) $15,000,000.00 to Detroit Public Schools Community District to support the construction of the Cooley High School athletic complex.

(b) $10,000,000.00 to Wayne RESA to support the construction of an academic and professional building in the city of Wayne.

(d) $4,000,000.00 to Taylor School District for costs related to a new high school in the district.

(e) $1,000,000.00 to the School District of the City of Hamtramck to support the costs of building infrastructure upgrades and maintenance.

(4) Subject to the provisions of this subsection, in addition to the money appropriated in section 11, from the state school aid fund, there is appropriated and allocated for 2025-2026 an amount not to exceed $4,000,000.00 to Taylor School District for costs related to a new high school in the district or for other infrastructure purposes. The appropriation and allocation under this subsection is contingent on the effective issuance of a directive by the budget director, pursuant to section 451a of the management and budget act, 1984 PA 431, MCL 18.451a, 18.1451a, to lapse $4,000,000.00 of remaining funding from a work project that was established under this section in 2023-2024. The amount allocated under this subsection may not exceed the amount lapsed from the work project referenced in the immediately preceding sentence.

(5) Notwithstanding section 17b, the department shall make payments under this section on a schedule determined by the department.

Sec. 12e. (1) From the school consolidation and infrastructure fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2025-2026 only an amount estimated at $100,000,000.00 for grants to districts and intermediate districts for infrastructure needs as described in this section.

(2) Districts and intermediate districts must apply on a competitive basis for funding in a form and manner determined by the department.

(3) If the amount allocated under subsection (1) is insufficient to fully fund awards under this section, there is appropriated from the school consolidation and infrastructure fund described in section 11x the amount necessary to fully fund these awards, or the maximum available in the fund, whichever is less. The state budget director shall provide notification to the house and senate appropriations subcommittees on school aid and the house and senate fiscal agencies regarding any additional appropriation described in this subsection.

(4) The department shall prioritize applications from districts and intermediate districts that meet any of the following criteria:

(a) Are in an opportunity index band, as described in section 31a, determined under section 6(21), of 4 or higher.

(b) Are an intermediate district for which the percentage of pupils in membership who were determined to be economically disadvantaged in the immediately preceding fiscal year is equal to or greater than the minimum percentage for a district or public school academy to be in an opportunity index band, as described in section 31a, determined under section 6(21), of 4 or higher.

(d) Have no ability to issue bonds for infrastructure needs, or have made a good-faith effort, as determined by the department, to issue bonds for infrastructure needs.

(5) Funds awarded in subsection (4) may be used only to address infrastructure needs that were identified in the statewide school facilities study issued pursuant to the former section 11y.

(6) The funds allocated under this section for 2025-2026 are a work project appropriation, and any unexpended funds for 2025-2026 are carried forward into 2026-2027. The purpose of the work project is to fund district and intermediate district infrastructure needs. The estimated completion date of the work project is September 30, 2030.

(7) Notwithstanding section 17b, the department shall make payments under this section on a schedule determined by the department.

Sec. 15. (1) If a district or intermediate district fails to receive its proper apportionment, the department, upon satisfactory proof that the district or intermediate district was entitled justly, shall apportion the deficiency in the next apportionment. Subject to subsections (2) and (3), if a district or intermediate district has received more than its proper apportionment, the department, upon satisfactory proof, shall deduct the excess in the next apportionment. Notwithstanding any other provision in this article, state aid overpayments to a district, other than overpayments in payments for special education or special education transportation, may be recovered from any payment made under this article other than a special education or special education transportation payment, from the proceeds of a loan to the district under the emergency municipal loan act, 1980 PA 243, MCL 141.931 to 141.942, or from the proceeds of millage levied or pledged under section 1211 of the revised school code, MCL 380.1211. State aid overpayments made in special education or special education transportation payments may be recovered from subsequent special education or special education transportation payments, from the proceeds of a loan to the district under the emergency municipal loan act, 1980 PA 243, MCL 141.931 to 141.942, or from the proceeds of millage levied or pledged under section 1211 of the revised school code, MCL 380.1211.

(2) If the result of an audit conducted by or for the department affects the current fiscal year membership, the department shall adjust affected payments in the current fiscal year. A deduction due to an adjustment made as a result of an audit conducted by or for the department, or as a result of information obtained by the department from the district, an intermediate district, the department of treasury, or the office of auditor general, must be deducted from the district's apportionments when the adjustment is finalized. At the request of the district and upon the district presenting evidence satisfactory to the department of the hardship, the department may grant up to an additional 4 years for the adjustment and may advance payments to the district otherwise authorized under this article if the district would otherwise experience a significant hardship in satisfying its financial obligations. However, a district that presented satisfactory evidence of hardship and was undergoing an extended adjustment during 2018-2019 may continue to use the period of extended adjustment as originally granted by the department.

(3) If, based on an audit by the department or the department's designee or because of new or updated information received by the department, the department determines that the amount paid to a district or intermediate district under this article for the current fiscal year or a prior fiscal year was incorrect, the department shall make the appropriate deduction or payment in the district's or intermediate district's allocation in the next apportionment after the adjustment is finalized. The department shall calculate the deduction or payment according to the law in effect in the fiscal year in which the incorrect amount was paid. If the district does not receive an allocation for the fiscal year or if the allocation is insufficient to pay the amount of any deduction, the amount of any deduction otherwise applicable must be satisfied from the proceeds of a loan to the district under the emergency municipal loan act, 1980 PA 243, MCL 141.931 to 141.942, or from the proceeds of millage levied or pledged under section 1211 of the revised school code, MCL 380.1211, as determined by the department.

(4) If the department makes an adjustment under this section based in whole or in part on a membership audit finding that a district or intermediate district employed an educator in violation of certification requirements under the revised school code and rules promulgated by the department, the department shall prorate the adjustment according to the period of noncompliance with the certification requirements.

(5) The department may conduct audits, or may direct audits by designee of the department, for the current fiscal year and the immediately preceding fiscal year of all records related to a program for which a district or intermediate district has received funds under this article.

(6) Expenditures made by departments under this article that are caused by the write-off of prior year accruals may be funded by revenue from the write-off of prior year accruals.

(7) In addition to funds appropriated in section 11 for all programs and services, there is appropriated for 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 for obligations in excess of applicable appropriations an amount equal to the collection of overpayments, but not to exceed amounts available from overpayments.

Sec. 18. (1) Except as provided in another section of this article, each district or other entity shall apply the money received by the district or entity under this article to salaries and other compensation of teachers and other employees, tuition, transportation, lighting, heating, ventilation, water service, the purchase of textbooks, other supplies, and any other school operating expenditures defined in section 7. However, not more than 20% of the total amount received by a district under sections 22a and 22b or received by an intermediate district under section 81 may be transferred by the board to either the capital projects fund or to the debt retirement fund for debt service. A district or other entity shall not apply or take the money for a purpose other than as provided in this section. The department shall determine the reasonableness of expenditures and may withhold from a recipient of funds under this article the apportionment otherwise due upon a violation by the recipient. A district must not be prohibited or limited from using funds appropriated or allocated under this article that are permitted for use for noninstructional services to contract or subcontract with an intermediate district, third party, or vendor for the noninstructional services.

(2) A Subject to subsection (17), a district or intermediate district shall adopt an annual budget in a manner that complies with the uniform budgeting and accounting act, 1968 PA 2, MCL 141.421 to 141.440a. Within 15 days after a district board adopts its annual operating budget for the following school fiscal year, or after a district board adopts a subsequent revision to that budget, the district shall make all of the following available through a link on its website homepage, or may make the information available through a link on its intermediate district's website homepage, in a form and manner prescribed by the department:

(a) The annual operating budget and subsequent budget revisions.

(b) Using data that have already been collected and submitted to the department, a summary of district expenditures for the most recent fiscal year for which they are available, expressed in the following 2 visual displays:

(i) A chart of personnel expenditures, broken into the following subcategories:

(A) Salaries and wages.

(B) Employee benefit costs, including, but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and long-term care benefits.

(D) All other personnel costs.

(ii) A chart of all district expenditures, broken into the following subcategories:

(A) Instruction.

(B) Support services.

(D) Operations and maintenance.

(i) The current collective bargaining agreement for each bargaining unit.

(ii) Each health care benefits plan, including, but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, disability, long-term care, or any other type of benefits that would constitute health care services, offered to any bargaining unit or employee in the district.

(iii) The audit report of the financial audit conducted under subsection (4) for the most recent fiscal year for which it is available.

(iv) The bids required under section 5 of the public employees health benefit act, 2007 PA 106, MCL 124.75.

(v) The district's written policy governing procurement of supplies, materials, and equipment.

(vi) The district's written policy establishing specific categories of reimbursable expenses, as described in section 1254(2) of the revised school code, MCL 380.1254.

(vii) Either the district's accounts payable check register for the most recent school fiscal year or a statement of the total amount of expenses incurred by board members or employees of the district that were reimbursed by the district for the most recent school fiscal year.

(d) The total salary and a description and cost of each fringe benefit included in the compensation package for the superintendent of the district and for each employee of the district whose salary exceeds $100,000.00.

(e) The annual amount spent on dues paid to associations.

(f) The annual amount spent on lobbying or lobbying services. As used in this subdivision, "lobbying" means that term as defined in section 5 of 1978 PA 472, MCL 4.415.

(g) Any deficit elimination plan or enhanced deficit elimination plan the district was required to submit under the revised school code.

(h) Identification of all credit cards maintained by the district as district credit cards, the identity of all individuals authorized to use each of those credit cards, the credit limit on each credit card, and the dollar limit, if any, for each individual's authorized use of the credit card.

(i) Costs incurred for each instance of out-of-state travel by the school administrator of the district that is fully or partially paid for by the district and the details of each of those instances of out-of-state travel, including at least identification of each individual on the trip, destination, and purpose.

(3) For the information required under subsection (2)(a), (2)(b)(i), and (2)(c), an intermediate district shall provide the same information in the same manner as required for a district under subsection (2).

(4) For the purposes of determining the reasonableness of expenditures, whether a district or intermediate district has received the proper amount of funds under this article, and whether a violation of this article has occurred, all of the following apply:

(a) The department shall require that each district and intermediate district have an audit of the district's or intermediate district's financial and pupil accounting records conducted at least annually, and at such other times as determined by the department, at the expense of the district or intermediate district, as applicable. The audits must be performed by a certified public accountant or by the intermediate district superintendent, as may be required by the department, or in the case of a district of the first class by a certified public accountant, the intermediate superintendent, or the auditor general of the city. A district or intermediate district shall retain these records for the current fiscal year and from at least the 3 immediately preceding fiscal years.

(b) If a district operates in a single building with fewer than 700 full-time equated pupils, if the district has stable membership, and if the error rate of the immediately preceding 2 pupil accounting field audits of the district is less than 2%, the district may have a pupil accounting field audit conducted biennially but must continue to have desk audits for each pupil count. The auditor must document compliance with the audit cycle in the pupil auditing manual. As used in this subdivision, "stable membership" means that the district's membership for the current fiscal year varies from the district's membership for the immediately preceding fiscal year by less than 5%.

(c) A district's or intermediate district's annual financial audit must include an analysis of the financial and pupil accounting data used as the basis for distribution of state school aid.

(d) The pupil and financial accounting records and reports, audits, and management letters are subject to requirements established in the auditing and accounting manuals approved and published by the department.

(e) All of the following must be done not later than November 1 each year for reporting the prior fiscal year data:

(i) A district shall file the annual financial audit reports with the intermediate district and the department. If the issuance of single audits is delayed for the 2024-25 school year due to a late issuance of a Compliance Supplement, the single audit portion of that audit must be filed within 30 days of the issuance of the Compliance Supplement by OMB.

(ii) The intermediate district shall file the annual financial audit reports for the intermediate district with the department. If the issuance of single audits is delayed for the 2024-25 school year due to a late issuance of a Compliance Supplement, the single audit portion of that audit must be filed within 30 days of the issuance of the Compliance Supplement by OMB.

(iii) The intermediate district shall enter the pupil membership audit reports, known as the audit narrative, for its constituent districts and for the intermediate district, for the pupil membership count day and supplemental count day, in the Michigan student data system.

(f) The annual financial audit reports and pupil accounting procedures reports must be available to the public in compliance with the freedom of information act, 1976 PA 442, MCL 15.231 to 15.246.

(g) Not later than January 31 of each year, the department shall notify the state budget director and the legislative appropriations subcommittees responsible for review of the school aid budget of districts and intermediate districts that have not filed an annual financial audit and pupil accounting procedures report required under this section for the school year ending in the immediately preceding fiscal year.

(5) By the first business day in November of each fiscal year, each district and intermediate district shall submit to the center, in a manner prescribed by the center, annual comprehensive financial data consistent with the district's or intermediate district's audited financial statements and consistent with accounting manuals and charts of accounts approved and published by the department. For an intermediate district, the report must also contain the website address where the department can access the report required under section 620 of the revised school code, MCL 380.620. The department shall ensure that the prescribed Michigan public school accounting manual chart of accounts includes standard conventions to distinguish expenditures by allowable fund function and object. The functions must include at minimum categories for instruction, pupil support, instructional staff support, general administration, school administration, business administration, transportation, facilities operation and maintenance, facilities acquisition, and debt service; and must include object classifications of salary, benefits, including categories for active employee health expenditures, purchased services, supplies, capital outlay, and other. A district shall report the required level of detail consistent with the manual as part of the comprehensive annual financial report.

(6) By the last business day in September of each year, each district and intermediate district shall file with the center the special education actual cost report, known as "SE-4096", on a form and in the manner prescribed by the center. An intermediate district shall certify the audit of a district's report.

(7) By not later than 1 week after the last business day in September of each year, each district and intermediate district shall file with the center the audited transportation expenditure report, known as "SE-4094", on a form and in the manner prescribed by the center. An intermediate district shall certify the audit of a district's report.

(8) The department shall review its pupil accounting and pupil auditing manuals at least annually and shall periodically update those manuals to reflect changes in this article. Any changes to the pupil accounting manual that are applicable for the school year that begins after March 31 of a fiscal year must be published by not later than March 31 of that fiscal year. However, if legislation is enacted that necessitates adjustments to the pupil accounting manual after March 31 of a fiscal year, and a district incurs a violation of the amended pupil accounting manual in the subsequent fiscal year, the department must notify the district of that violation and allow the district 30 days to correct the violation before the department is allowed to impose financial penalties under this act related to the violation.

(9) If a district that is a public school academy purchases property using money received under this article, the public school academy shall retain ownership of the property unless the public school academy sells the property at fair market value.

(10) If a district or intermediate district does not comply with subsections (4), (5), (6), (7), and (12), or if the department determines that the financial data required under subsection (5) are not consistent with audited financial statements, the department shall withhold all state school aid due to the district or intermediate district under this article, beginning with the next payment due to the district or intermediate district, until the district or intermediate district complies with subsections (4), (5), (6), (7), and (12). If the district or intermediate district does not comply with subsections (4), (5), (6), (7), and (12) by the end of the fiscal year, the district or intermediate district forfeits the amount withheld.

(11) If Subject to subsection (17), if a district or intermediate district does not comply with subsection (2), the department may withhold up to 10% of the total state school aid due to the district or intermediate district under this article, beginning with the next payment due to the district or intermediate district, until the district or intermediate district complies with subsection (2). If the district or intermediate district does not comply with subsection (2) by the end of the fiscal year, the district or intermediate district forfeits the amount withheld.

(12) By November 1 of each year, if a district or intermediate district offers virtual learning under section 21f, or for a school of excellence that is a cyber school, as defined in section 551 of the revised school code, MCL 380.551, the district or intermediate district shall submit to the department a report that details the per-pupil costs of operating the virtual learning by vendor type and virtual learning model. The report must include information concerning the operation of virtual learning for the immediately preceding school fiscal year, including information concerning summer programming. Information must be collected in a form and manner determined by the department and must be collected in the most efficient manner possible to reduce the administrative burden on reporting entities.

(13) By March 31 of each year, the department shall submit to the house and senate appropriations subcommittees on state school aid, the state budget director, and the house and senate fiscal agencies a report summarizing the per-pupil costs by vendor type of virtual courses available under section 21f and virtual courses provided by a school of excellence that is a cyber school, as defined in section 551 of the revised school code, MCL 380.551.

(14) As used in subsections (12) and (13), "vendor type" means the following:

(a) Virtual courses provided by the Michigan Virtual University.

(b) Virtual courses provided by a school of excellence that is a cyber school, as defined in section 551 of the revised school code, MCL 380.551.

(d) Virtual courses created and offered by a district or intermediate district.

(15) An allocation to a district or another entity under this article is contingent upon the district's or entity's compliance with this section.

(16) The department shall annually submit to the senate and house subcommittees on school aid and to the senate and house standing committees on education an itemized list of allocations under this article to any association or consortium consisting of associations in the immediately preceding fiscal year. The report must detail the recipient or recipients, the amount allocated, and the purpose for which the funds were distributed.

(17) If the legislature has not enacted and the governor has not approved the general appropriations act for state school aid for the fiscal year beginning July 1 of that year before July 1, the department shall not withhold funds or impose any penalty under subsection (11) against a district or intermediate district for failure to comply with subsection (2) until 30 days after the enactment of the general appropriations act for state school aid for that fiscal year.

Sec. 18a. (1) This subsection applies only to grant funds awarded and allotted from appropriations in this article that have not been designated as a work project appropriation under section 451a of the management and budget act, 1984 PA 431, MCL 1451a. Except as otherwise provided in this article, grant funds described in this subsection that are awarded and allotted to a district, intermediate district, or other entity, unless otherwise specified in this article, must be expended by the grant recipient before the end of the fiscal year immediately following the fiscal year in which the funds are received. Except as otherwise provided in this article, if a grant recipient does not expend the funds received under this article before the end of the fiscal year in which the funds are received, the grant recipient shall submit a report to the department not later than November 1 after the fiscal year in which the funds are received indicating whether it expects to expend those funds during the fiscal year in which the report is submitted. Except as otherwise provided in this article, a recipient of a grant shall return any unexpended grant funds to the department in the manner prescribed by the department not later than September 30 after the fiscal year in which the funds are received.

(2) This subsection applies only to grant funds awarded and allotted from appropriations in this article that have been designated as a work project appropriation under section 451a of the management and budget act, 1984 PA 431, MCL 18.1451a. Except as otherwise provided in this article, grant funds described in this subsection that are awarded and allotted to a district, intermediate district, or other entity, unless otherwise specified in this article, must be expended by the grant recipient before the end of the fiscal year immediately following the fiscal year in which the work project is closed pursuant to section 451a of the management and budget act, 1984 PA 431, MCL 18.1451a. Except as otherwise provided in this article, a recipient of a grant shall return any unexpended grant funds to the department in the manner prescribed by the department not later than September 30 after the fiscal year in which the work project is closed.

Sec. 19. (1) A district or intermediate district shall comply with all applicable reporting requirements specified in state and federal law. Data provided to the center, in a form and manner prescribed by the center, must be aggregated and disaggregated as required by state and federal law. In addition, a district or intermediate district shall cooperate with all measures taken by the center to establish and maintain a statewide P-20 longitudinal data system.

(2) Each district shall furnish to the center not later than 5 weeks after the pupil membership count day and by the last business day in June of the school fiscal year ending in the fiscal year, in a manner prescribed by the center, the information necessary for the preparation of the district and high school graduation report, information regarding completion of early middle college credentials obtained and postsecondary credits obtained in any college acceleration program, and information necessary for the preparation of the state and federal accountability reports. This information must meet requirements established in the pupil auditing manual approved and published by the department. The center shall calculate an annual graduation and pupil dropout rate for each high school, each district, and this state, in compliance with nationally recognized standards for these calculations. The center shall report all graduation and dropout rates to the senate and house education committees and appropriations committees, the state budget director, and the department not later than 30 days after the publication of the list described in subsection (5). Before reporting these graduation and dropout rates, the department shall allow a school or district to appeal the calculations. The department shall consider and act upon the appeal within 30 days after it is submitted and shall not report these graduation and dropout rates until after all appeals have been considered and decided.

(3) By the first business day in December and by the last business day in June of each year, and within 30 days of any change in employment or assignment status related to a criminal act, a district shall furnish to the center, in a manner prescribed by the center, information related to educational personnel and personnel vacancies as necessary for reporting required by state and federal law. For the purposes of this subsection, the center shall only require districts and intermediate districts to report information that is not already available from the office of retirement services in the department of technology, management, and budget, including, but not limited to, vacancy start and end dates, reasons for the vacancy, and vacancy termination.

(4) If a district or intermediate district fails to meet the requirements of this section, the department shall withhold 5% of the total funds for which the district or intermediate district qualifies under this article until the district or intermediate district complies with this section. If the district or intermediate district does not comply with this section by the end of the fiscal year, the department shall place the amount withheld in an escrow account until the district or intermediate district complies with this section.

(5) Before publishing a list of school or district accountability designations as required by the no child left behind act of 2001, Public Law 107-110, or the every student succeeds act, Public Law 114-95, and utilizing data that were certified as accurate and complete after districts and intermediate districts adhered to deadlines, data quality reviews, and correction processes leading to local certification of final student data in subsection (2), the department shall allow a school or district to appeal any calculation errors used in the preparation of accountability metrics. The department shall consider and act upon the appeal within 30 days after it is submitted and shall not publish the list until after all appeals have been considered and decided.

(6) The department shall implement statewide standard reporting requirements for education data approved by the department in conjunction with the center. The department shall work with the center, intermediate districts, districts, and other interested stakeholders to implement this policy change. A district or intermediate district shall implement the statewide standard reporting requirements not later than 2017-2018 or when a district or intermediate district updates its education data reporting system, whichever is later.

(7) A district or intermediate district shall collect and submit to the center tribal affiliation data for all students and staff and the identification of student participation in federal programs funded under 20 USC 7401 to 7546 and participation in federal programs funded under the Johnson-O'Malley Supplemental supplemental Indian Education Program Modernization Act, education program modernization act, Public Law 115-404. The data must be reported in a form and manner prescribed by the center in consultation with the federally recognized Indian tribes in this state and the department in adherence to the department's tribal consultation policy. A district or intermediate district shall begin completion of the reporting requirement under this subsection by not later than the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

Sec. 20. (1) For 2025-2026, 2026-2027, the target foundation allowance is $10,050.00.$10,300.00.

(2) The department shall calculate the amount of each district's foundation allowance as provided in this section, using a target foundation allowance in the amount specified in subsection (1).

(3) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the department shall calculate the amount of a district's foundation allowance as follows, using in all calculations the total amount of the district's foundation allowance as calculated before any proration:

(a) For a district that had a foundation allowance for the immediately preceding fiscal year that was equal to the target foundation allowance for the immediately preceding fiscal year, the district receives a foundation allowance in an amount equal to the target foundation allowance described in subsection (1) for the current fiscal year.

(b) For a district that had a foundation allowance for the immediately preceding fiscal year that was greater than the target foundation allowance for the immediately preceding fiscal year, the district's foundation allowance is an amount equal to the lesser of (the sum of the district's foundation allowance for the immediately preceding fiscal year plus any per pupil amount calculated under section 20m(2) in the immediately preceding fiscal year plus the increase in the target foundation allowance for the current fiscal year, as compared to the immediately preceding fiscal year) or (the product of the district's foundation allowance for the immediately preceding fiscal year times the percentage increase in the United States Consumer Price Index in the calendar year ending in the immediately preceding fiscal year as reported by the May revenue estimating conference conducted under section 367b of the management and budget act, 1984 PA 431, MCL 18.1367b).

(c) For a district that had a foundation allowance in the immediately preceding fiscal year that was less than the target foundation allowance in effect for that fiscal year, the district's foundation allowance is an amount equal to the lesser of (the sum of district's foundation allowance for the immediately preceding fiscal year plus any per pupil amount calculated under section 20m(2) in the immediately preceding fiscal year plus the increase in the target foundation allowance for the current fiscal year, as compared to the immediately preceding fiscal year) or (the product of the district's foundation allowance for the immediately preceding fiscal year times the percentage increase in the United States Consumer Price Index in the calendar year ending in the immediately preceding fiscal year as reported by the May revenue estimating conference conducted under section 367b of the management and budget act, 1984 PA 431, MCL 18.1367b).

(d) For a district that has a foundation allowance that is not a whole dollar amount, the department shall round the district's foundation allowance up to the nearest whole dollar.

(4) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the state portion of a district's foundation allowance is an amount equal to the district's foundation allowance or the target foundation allowance for the current fiscal year, whichever is less, minus the local portion of the district's foundation allowance. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, for a district described in subsection (3)(b) and (c), the state portion of the district's foundation allowance is an amount equal to the target foundation allowance minus the district's foundation allowance supplemental payment per pupil calculated under section 20m and minus the local portion of the district's foundation allowance. For a district that has a millage reduction required under section 31 of article IX of the state constitution of 1963, the department shall calculate the state portion of the district's foundation allowance as if that reduction did not occur. For a receiving district, if school operating taxes continue to be levied on behalf of a dissolved district that has been attached in whole or in part to the receiving district to satisfy debt obligations of the dissolved district under section 12 of the revised school code, MCL 380.12, the taxable value per membership pupil of property in the receiving district used for the purposes of this subsection does not include the taxable value of property within the geographic area of the dissolved district. For Before the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027, for a community district, if school operating taxes continue to be levied by a qualifying school district under section 12b of the revised school code, MCL 380.12b, with the same geographic area as the community district, the taxable value per membership pupil of property in the community district to be used for the purposes of this subsection does not include the taxable value of property within the geographic area of the community district. Beginning with the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027, it is the intent of the legislature that the previous sentence no longer applies and the taxable value per membership pupil of property in the community district used for the purposes of this subsection includes the taxable value of property within the geographic area of the community district on or after July 1, 2026 and thereafter.

(5) The allocation calculated under this section for a pupil is based on the foundation allowance of the pupil's district of residence. For a pupil enrolled under section 105 or 105c in a district other than the pupil's district of residence, the allocation calculated under this section is based on the lesser of the foundation allowance of the pupil's district of residence or the foundation allowance of the educating district. For a pupil in membership in a K-5, K-6, or K-8 district who is enrolled in another district in a grade not offered by the pupil's district of residence, the allocation calculated under this section is based on the foundation allowance of the educating district if the educating district's foundation allowance is greater than the foundation allowance of the pupil's district of residence. The calculation under this subsection must take into account a district's per-pupil allocation under section 20m.

(6) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, for pupils in membership, other than special education pupils, in a public school academy, the allocation calculated under this section is an amount per membership pupil other than special education pupils in the public school academy equal to the target foundation allowance specified in subsection (1), or, for a public school academy that was issued a contract under section 552 of the revised school code, MCL 380.552, to operate as a school of excellence that is a cyber school, $10,050.00. $8,240.00. Notwithstanding section 101, for a public school academy that begins operations after the pupil membership count day, the amount per membership pupil calculated under this subsection must be adjusted by multiplying that amount per membership pupil by the number of hours of pupil instruction provided by the public school academy after it begins operations, as determined by the department, divided by the minimum number of hours of pupil instruction required under section 101(3). The result of this calculation must not exceed the amount per membership pupil otherwise calculated under this subsection.

(7) For pupils in membership, other than special education pupils, in a community district, the allocation calculated under this section is an amount per membership pupil other than special education pupils in the community district equal to the foundation allowance of the qualifying school district, as described in section 12b of the revised school code, MCL 380.12b, that is located within the same geographic area as the community district.

(8) Subject to subsection (4), for a district that is formed or reconfigured after June 1, 2002 by consolidation of 2 or more districts or by annexation, the resulting district's foundation allowance under this section beginning after the effective date of the consolidation or annexation is the lesser of the sum of the average of the foundation allowances of each of the original or affected districts, calculated as provided in this section, weighted as to the percentage of pupils in total membership in the resulting district who reside in the geographic area of each of the original or affected districts plus $100.00 or the highest foundation allowance among the original or affected districts. This subsection does not apply to a receiving district unless there is a subsequent consolidation or annexation that affects the district. The calculation under this subsection must take into account a district's per-pupil allocation under section 20m.

(9) The department shall round each fraction used in making calculations under this section to the fourth decimal place and shall round the dollar amount of an increase in the target foundation allowance to the nearest whole dollar.

(10) State payments related to payment of the foundation allowance for a special education pupil are not calculated under this section but are instead calculated under section 51e.

(11) To assist the legislature in determining the target foundation allowance for the subsequent fiscal year, each revenue estimating conference conducted under section 367b of the management and budget act, 1984 PA 431, MCL 18.1367b, must calculate a pupil membership factor, a revenue adjustment factor, and an index as follows:

(a) The pupil membership factor is computed by dividing the estimated membership in the school year ending in the current fiscal year, excluding intermediate district membership, by the estimated membership for the school year ending in the subsequent fiscal year, excluding intermediate district membership. If a consensus membership factor is not determined at the revenue estimating conference, the principals of the revenue estimating conference shall report their estimates to the house and senate subcommittees responsible for school aid appropriations not later than 7 days after the conclusion of the revenue conference.

(b) The revenue adjustment factor is computed by dividing the sum of the estimated total state school aid fund revenue for the subsequent fiscal year plus the estimated total state school aid fund revenue for the current fiscal year, adjusted for any change in the rate or base of a tax the proceeds of which are deposited in that fund and excluding money transferred into that fund from the countercyclical budget and economic stabilization fund under the management and budget act, 1984 PA 431, MCL 18.1101 to 18.1594, by the sum of the estimated total school aid fund revenue for the current fiscal year plus the estimated total state school aid fund revenue for the immediately preceding fiscal year, adjusted for any change in the rate or base of a tax the proceeds of which are deposited in that fund. If a consensus revenue factor is not determined at the revenue estimating conference, the principals of the revenue estimating conference shall report their estimates to the house and senate subcommittees responsible for school aid appropriations not later than 7 days after the conclusion of the revenue conference.

(c) The index is calculated by multiplying the pupil membership factor by the revenue adjustment factor. If a consensus index is not determined at the revenue estimating conference, the principals of the revenue estimating conference shall report their estimates to the house and senate subcommittees responsible for state school aid appropriations not later than 7 days after the conclusion of the revenue conference.

(12) Payments to districts and public school academies are not made under this section. Rather, the calculations under this section are used to determine the amount of state payments under section 22b.

(13) If an amendment to section 2 of article VIII of the state constitution of 1963 allowing state aid to some or all nonpublic schools is approved by the voters of this state, each foundation allowance or per-pupil payment calculation under this section may be reduced.

(14) As used in this section:

(a) "Certified mills" means the lesser of 18 mills or the number of mills of school operating taxes levied by the district in 1993-94.

(b) "Current fiscal year" means the fiscal year for which a particular calculation is made.

(c) "Dissolved district" means a district that loses its organization, has its territory attached to 1 or more other districts, and is dissolved as provided under section 12 of the revised school code, MCL 380.12.

(d) "Immediately preceding fiscal year" means the fiscal year immediately preceding the current fiscal year.

(e) "Local portion of the district's foundation allowance" means an amount that is equal to the difference between (the sum of the product of the taxable value per membership pupil of all property in the district that is nonexempt property times the district's certified mills and, for a district with certified mills exceeding 12, the product of the taxable value per membership pupil of property in the district that is commercial personal property times the certified mills minus 12 mills) and (the quotient of the product of the captured assessed valuation under tax increment financing acts times the district's certified mills divided by the district's membership excluding special education pupils).

(f) "Membership" means the definition of that term under section 6 as in effect for the particular fiscal year for which a particular calculation is made.

(g) "Nonexempt property" means property that is not a principal residence, qualified agricultural property, qualified forest property, supportive housing property, industrial personal property, commercial personal property, or property occupied by a public school academy.

(h) "Principal residence", "qualified agricultural property", "qualified forest property", "supportive housing property", "industrial personal property", and "commercial personal property" mean those terms as defined in section 1211 of the revised school code, MCL 380.1211.

(i) "Receiving district" means a district to which all or part of the territory of a dissolved district is attached under section 12 of the revised school code, MCL 380.12.

(j) "School operating purposes" means the purposes included in the operation costs of the district as prescribed in sections 7 and 18 and purposes authorized under section 1211 of the revised school code, MCL 380.1211.

(k) "School operating taxes" means local ad valorem property taxes levied under section 1211 of the revised school code, MCL 380.1211, and retained for school operating purposes.

(l) "Tax increment financing acts" means parts 2, 3, 4, and 6 of the recodified tax increment financing act, 2018 PA 57, MCL 125.4201 to 125.4420 and 125.4602 to 125.4629, or the brownfield redevelopment financing act, 1996 PA 381, MCL 125.2651 to 125.2670.

(m) "Taxable value per membership pupil" means taxable value, as certified by the county treasurer and reported to the department, for the calendar year ending in the current state fiscal year divided by the district's membership excluding special education pupils for the school year ending in the current state fiscal year.

Sec. 20d. In making the final determination required under former section 20a of a district's combined state and local revenue per membership pupil in 1993-94 and in making calculations under section 20 for 2025-2026, 2026-2027, the department and the department of treasury shall comply with all of the following:

(a) For a district that had combined state and local revenue per membership pupil in the 1994-95 fiscal year of $6,500.00 or more and served as a fiscal agent for a state board designated area vocational education center in the 1993-94 school year, total state school aid received by or paid on behalf of the district under this act in 1993-94 excludes payments made under former section 146 and under section 147 on behalf of the district's employees who provided direct services to the area vocational education center. Not later than June 30, 1996, the department shall make an adjustment under this subdivision to the district's combined state and local revenue per membership pupil in the 1994-95 fiscal year and the department of treasury shall make a final certification of the number of mills that may be levied by the district under section 1211 of the revised school code, MCL 380.1211, as a result of the adjustment under this subdivision.

(b) If a district had an adjustment made to its 1993-94 total state school aid that excluded payments made under former section 146 and under section 147 on behalf of the district's employees who provided direct services for intermediate district center programs operated by the district under former section 51 and sections 51a to 56, if nonresident pupils attending the center programs were included in the district's membership for purposes of calculating the combined state and local revenue per membership pupil for 1993-94, and if there is a signed agreement by all constituent districts of the intermediate district agreeing to an adjustment under this subdivision, the department shall calculate the foundation allowances for 1995-96 and 1996-97 of all districts that had pupils attending the intermediate district center program operated by the district that had the adjustment as if their combined state and local revenue per membership pupil for 1993-94 included resident pupils attending the center program and excluded nonresident pupils attending the center program.

Sec. 21b. (1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), a district shall use funds received under section 22a or 22b to support the attendance of a district pupil who is an eligible student at an eligible postsecondary institution under the postsecondary enrollment options act, 1996 PA 160, MCL 388.511 to 388.524, or under the career and technical preparation act, 2000 PA 258, MCL 388.1901 to 388.1913, by paying eligible charges on behalf of the district pupil as required under those acts.

(2) A district is not required to pay transportation costs, parking costs, or activity fees on behalf of an eligible student for attendance at an eligible postsecondary institution as described in subsection (1).

(3) A district may pay more money to an eligible postsecondary institution on behalf of an eligible student than required under the postsecondary enrollment options act, 1996 PA 160, MCL 388.511 to 388.524, or the career and technical preparation act, 2000 PA 258, MCL 388.1901 to 388.1913, and may use local school operating revenue for that purpose. An eligible student is responsible for payment of the remainder of the costs associated with his or her the eligible student's postsecondary enrollment that exceed the amount the district is required to pay under the postsecondary enrollment options act, 1996 PA 160, MCL 388.511 to 388.524, or the career and technical preparation act, 2000 PA 258, MCL 388.1901 to 388.1913, and that are not paid by the district. As used in this subsection, "local school operating revenue" means that term as defined in section 22b.

(4) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2025-2026 an amount not to exceed $60,000,000.00 to reimburse districts for eligible charges paid on behalf of eligible students to an eligible postsecondary institution.

(5) To receive funds under subsection (4), a district must provide a report of the district's dual enrollment participation, and eligible charges paid by the district, to the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential in a form and manner consistent with data reported to the center for school aid purposes. The department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential may require additional information be provided before distributing funds under this section.

(6) If the allocation under subsection (4) is insufficient to fully fund payments as calculated under subsection (4), the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall prorate payments on an equal percentage basis.

(7) (4) As used in this section, "eligible charges", "eligible student", and "eligible postsecondary institution" mean those terms as defined in section 3 of the postsecondary enrollment options act, 1996 PA 160, MCL 388.511 to 388.524, or in section 3 of the career and technical preparation act, 2000 PA 258, MCL 388.1903, as applicable.

Sec. 21f. (1) A primary district shall enroll an eligible pupil in virtual courses in accordance with the provisions of this section. A primary district shall not offer a virtual course to an eligible pupil unless the virtual course is published in the primary district's catalog of board-approved courses or in the statewide catalog of virtual courses maintained by the Michigan Virtual University pursuant to section 98. The primary district shall also provide on its publicly accessible website a link to the statewide catalog of virtual courses maintained by the Michigan Virtual University. Unless the pupil is at least age 18 or is an emancipated minor, a pupil must not be enrolled in a course that meets virtually for more than 6 days in a school year without the consent of the pupil's parent or legal guardian.

(2) Subject to subsection (3), a primary district shall enroll an eligible pupil in up to 2 virtual courses as requested by the pupil during an academic term, semester, or trimester.

(3) A pupil may be enrolled in more than 2 virtual courses in a specific academic term, semester, or trimester if both of the following conditions are met:

(a) The primary district has determined that it is in the best interest of the pupil.

(b) The pupil agrees with the recommendation of the primary district.

(4) If the number of applicants eligible for acceptance in a virtual course does not exceed the capacity of the provider to provide the virtual course, the provider shall accept for enrollment all of the applicants eligible for acceptance. If the number of applicants exceeds the provider's capacity to provide the virtual course, the provider shall use a random draw system, subject to the need to abide by state and federal antidiscrimination laws and court orders. A primary district that is also a provider shall determine whether or not it has the capacity to accept applications for enrollment from nonresident applicants in virtual courses and may use that limit as the reason for refusal to enroll a nonresident applicant.

(5) A primary district may not establish additional requirements beyond those specified in this subsection that would prohibit a pupil from taking a virtual course. A pupil's primary district may deny the pupil enrollment in a virtual course if any of the following apply, as determined by the district:

(a) The pupil is enrolled in any of grades K to 5.

(b) The pupil has previously gained the credits that would be provided from the completion of the virtual course.

(d) The virtual course is inconsistent with the remaining graduation requirements or career interests of the pupil.

(e) The pupil has not completed the prerequisite coursework for the requested virtual course or has not demonstrated proficiency in the prerequisite course content.

(f) The pupil has failed a previous virtual course in the same subject during the 2 most recent academic years.

(g) The virtual course is of insufficient quality or rigor. A primary district that denies a pupil enrollment request for this reason shall enroll the pupil in a virtual course in the same or a similar subject that the primary district determines is of acceptable rigor and quality.

(h) The cost of the virtual course exceeds the amount identified in subsection (10), unless the pupil or the pupil's parent or legal guardian agrees to pay the cost that exceeds this amount.

(i) The request for a virtual course enrollment did not occur within the same timelines established by the primary district for enrollment and schedule changes for regular courses.

(j) The request for a virtual course enrollment was not made in the academic term, semester, trimester, or summer preceding the enrollment. This subdivision does not apply to a request made by a pupil who is newly enrolled in the primary district.

(6) If a pupil is denied enrollment in a virtual course by the pupil's primary district, the primary district shall provide written notification to the pupil of the denial, the reason or reasons for the denial under subsection (5), and a description of the appeal process. The pupil may appeal the denial by submitting a letter to the superintendent of the intermediate district in which the pupil's primary district is located. The letter of appeal must include the reason provided by the primary district for not enrolling the pupil and the reason why the pupil is claiming that the enrollment should be approved. The intermediate district superintendent or designee shall respond to the appeal within 5 days after it is received. If the intermediate district superintendent or designee determines that the denial of enrollment does not meet 1 or more of the reasons specified in subsection (5), the primary district shall enroll the pupil in the virtual course.

(7) To provide a virtual course to an eligible pupil under this section, a provider must do all of the following:

(a) Ensure that the virtual course has been published in the pupil's primary district's catalog of board-approved courses or published in the statewide catalog of virtual courses maintained by the Michigan Virtual University.

(b) Assign to each pupil a teacher of record and provide the primary district with the personnel identification code assigned by the center for the teacher of record. If the provider is a community college, the virtual course must be taught by an instructor employed by or contracted through the providing community college.

(c) Offer the virtual course on an open entry and exit method, or aligned to a semester, trimester, or accelerated academic term format.

(d) If the virtual course is offered to eligible pupils in more than 1 district, the following additional requirements must also be met:

(i) Provide the Michigan Virtual University with a course syllabus that meets the definition under subsection (14)(g) in a form and manner prescribed by the Michigan Virtual University for inclusion in a statewide catalog of virtual courses.

(ii) Not later than October 1 of each fiscal year, provide the Michigan Virtual University with an aggregated count of enrollments for each virtual course the provider delivered to pupils under this section during the immediately preceding school year, and the number of enrollments in which the pupil earned 60% or more of the total course points for each virtual course.

(8) To provide a virtual course under this section, a community college shall ensure that each virtual course it provides under this section generates postsecondary credit.

(9) For any virtual course a pupil enrolls in under this section, the pupil's primary district must assign to the pupil a mentor and shall supply the provider with the mentor's contact information.

(10) For a pupil enrolled in 1 or more virtual courses, the primary district shall use foundation allowance or per-pupil funds calculated under section 20 to pay for the expenses associated with the virtual course or courses. A primary district is not required to pay toward the cost of a virtual course an amount that exceeds 6.67% of the target foundation allowance for the current fiscal year as calculated under section 20.

(11) A virtual learning pupil has the same rights and access to technology in the pupil's primary district's school facilities as all other pupils enrolled in the pupil's primary district. The department shall establish standards for hardware, software, and internet access for pupils who are enrolled in more than 2 virtual courses under this section in an academic term, semester, or trimester taken at a location other than a school facility.

(12) If a pupil successfully completes a virtual course, as determined by the pupil's primary district, the pupil's primary district shall grant appropriate academic credit for completion of the course and shall count that credit toward completion of graduation and subject area requirements. A pupil's school record and transcript must identify the virtual course title as it appears in the virtual course syllabus.

(13) The enrollment of a pupil in 1 or more virtual courses must not result in a pupil being counted as more than 1.0 full-time equivalent pupils under this article. The minimum requirements to count the pupil in membership are those established by the pupil accounting manual as it was in effect for the 2015-2016 school year or as subsequently amended by the department if the department notifies the legislature about the proposed amendment at least 60 days before the amendment becomes effective.

(14) Subject to the requirements of this subsection, a district may provide virtual instruction under this subsection for not more than 6 days in a school year. If a district plans to provide instruction under this subsection to pupils for more than 6 days during a school year, the district's plan must be approved by the board of the district, and the district must provide notice of the plan to impacted pupils and their parents or legal guardians before enactment of the plan. Instruction may be provided synchronously or asynchronously, as determined by the department. Days of instruction under this subsection may be used only for the following purposes, as defined by the department:

(a) A maximum of 3 days may be designated as testing days, during which students are released from regular classroom instruction to participate in state or federally mandated assessments. Days of virtual instruction provided under this subdivision are limited to buildings and grade levels impacted by assessments.

(b) A maximum of 3 days of virtual instruction may be provided due to conditions not within control of the district, including, but not limited to, closures due to snow, ice, or other extreme weather events or unforeseen emergencies. Days of virtual instruction under this subdivision may be used only after a district has exhausted all emergency closure days permitted under section 101.

(15) The department shall promulgate rules for the conditions under which virtual instruction may be provided under subsection (14) and the manner in which it may be provided.

(16) (14) As used in this section:

(a) "Instructor" means an individual who is employed by or contracted through a community college.

(b) "Mentor" means a professional employee of the primary district who monitors the pupil's progress, ensures the pupil has access to needed technology, is available for assistance, and ensures access to the teacher of record. A mentor may also serve as the teacher of record if the primary district is the provider for the virtual course and the mentor meets the requirements under subdivision (e).

(d) "Provider" means the district, intermediate district, community college, or other third-party vendor that the primary district pays to provide the virtual course or the Michigan Virtual University if it is providing the virtual course.

(e) "Teacher of record" means a teacher who meets all of the following:

(i) Is appropriately placed under a valid Michigan teaching certificate or a teaching permit, authorization, or approval issued by the department. As used in this subparagraph, "appropriately placed" means holding a valid Michigan educator credential with the required grade range and discipline or subject area for the assignment, as defined by the superintendent of public instruction.

(ii) Is responsible for providing instruction, determining instructional methods for each pupil, diagnosing learning needs, assessing pupil learning, prescribing intervention strategies and modifying lessons, reporting outcomes, and evaluating the effects of instruction and support strategies.

(iii) Has a personnel identification code provided by the center.

(iv) If the provider is a community college, is an instructor employed by or contracted through the providing community college.

(f) "Virtual course" means a course of study that is capable of generating a credit or a grade and that is provided in an interactive learning environment where any portion of the curriculum is delivered using the internet and in which pupils may be separated from their instructor or teacher of record by time or location, or both.

(g) "Virtual course syllabus" means a document that includes all of the following:

(i) An alignment document detailing how the course meets applicable state standards or, if the state does not have state standards, nationally recognized standards.

(ii) The virtual course content outline.

(iii) The virtual course required assessments.

(iv) The virtual course prerequisites.

(v) Expectations for actual instructor or teacher of record contact time with the virtual learning pupil and other communications between a pupil and the instructor or teacher of record.

(vi) Academic support available to the virtual learning pupil.

(vii) The virtual course learning outcomes and objectives.

(viii) The name of the institution or organization providing the virtual content.

(ix) The name of the institution or organization providing the instructor or teacher of record.

(x) The course titles assigned by the provider and the course titles and course codes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) school codes for the exchange of data (SCED).

(xi) The number of eligible pupils that will be accepted by the provider in the virtual course. A primary district that is also the provider may limit the enrollment to those pupils enrolled in the primary district.

(xii) The results of the virtual course quality review using the guidelines and model review process published by the Michigan Virtual University.

(h) "Virtual learning pupil" means a pupil enrolled in 1 or more virtual courses.

Sec. 21h. (1) From the state school aid pupil support reserve fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated $6,137,400.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 for assisting districts assigned by the superintendent to participate in a partnership district agreement to improve student achievement and district financial stability. It is the intent of the legislature that the appropriation in this section will be funded with state school aid pupil support reserve fund money through 2027-2028. The superintendent shall identify any conditions that may be contributing to low academic performance within a district being considered for assignment to a partnership district agreement. The purpose of the partnership district agreement is to identify district needs, develop intervention plans, and partner with public, private, and nonprofit organizations to coordinate resources and improve student achievement. Assignment of a district to a partnership district agreement is made by the superintendent.

(2) A district described in subsection (1) is eligible for funding under this section if the district includes at least 1 school that has been identified as low performing under the approved federal accountability system. A district described in this subsection must do all of the following to be eligible for funding under this section:

(a) Within 90 days of assignment to the partnership district agreement described in this section, complete a comprehensive needs assessment or evaluation in collaboration with an intermediate district, community members, education organizations, and postsecondary institutions, as applicable, that is approved by the superintendent. The comprehensive needs assessment or evaluation must include at least all of the following:

(i) A review of the district's implementation and utilization of a multi-tiered system of supports to ensure that it is used to appropriately inform instruction.

(ii) A review of the district and school building leadership and educator capacity to substantially improve student outcomes.

(iii) A review of classroom, instructional, and operational practices and curriculum to ensure alignment with research-based instructional practices and state curriculum standards.

(b) Develop a district continuous improvement plan that has been approved by the superintendent and that addresses the needs identified in the comprehensive needs assessment or evaluation completed under subdivision (a). The district continuous improvement plan must include at least all of the following:

(i) Specific actions that will be taken by the district and each of its partners to improve student achievement.

(ii) Specific measurable benchmarks that will be met within 18 months to improve student achievement and identification of expected student achievement outcomes to be attained within 3 years after assignment to the partnership.

(iii) Measurable benchmarks that put pupils on track to meet or exceed grade level proficiency, increase high school graduation rates, reduce class sizes in grades K to 3, and improve attendance rates.

(c) Provide access to training for district leadership, including, but not limited to, the superintendent or chief administrator and school board or board of directors members, on areas of education fiscal and policy matters. The department may require training for district leadership and all board members under this subdivision at a rate and frequency needed to support measurable academic outcomes for the district.

(3) Upon approval of the district continuous improvement plan developed under subsection (2), the department shall assign a team of individuals with expertise in comprehensive school and district reform to partner with the district, the intermediate district, community organizations, education organizations, and postsecondary institutions identified in the academic and financial operating or intervention district continuous improvement plan to review the district's use of existing financial resources to ensure that those resources are being used as efficiently and effectively as possible to improve student academic achievement and to ensure district financial stability. The superintendent of public instruction may waive burdensome administrative rules for a partnership district for the duration of the partnership district agreement.

(4) Funds allocated under this section, excluding funds allocated under subsection (5), may be used to pay for district expenditures approved by the superintendent to improve student achievement. Funds may be used for professional development for teachers or district or school leadership, increased instructional time, teacher mentors, literacy, numeracy, reducing K-3 class sizes, reducing chronic absenteeism, or other expenditures that directly impact student achievement and cannot be paid from existing district financial resources. Notwithstanding section 17b, the department shall make payments to districts under this section on a schedule determined by the department.

(5) From the funds allocated under subsection (1), there is allocated for 2025-2026 2026-2027 an amount not to exceed $137,400.00 for the purchase of a data analytics tool to be used by districts described in subsection (1). The superintendent of public instruction shall require districts described in subsection (1) to purchase a data analytics tool funded under this subsection as part of the agreements described in this section.

(6) The department shall annually report to the legislature on the activities funded under this section and how those activities impacted student achievement in districts that received funds under this section. To the extent possible, participating districts receiving funding under this section shall participate in the report.

(7) In addition to the allocation under subsection (1), from the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $36,000,000.00 to districts described in subsection (1) for 2023-2024 only for supplemental funding to be used by districts for the purposes of this section in equal installments of $12,000,000.00 in each of the fiscal years 2023-2024, 2024-2025, and 2025-2026. The funds allocated under this subsection for 2023-2024 are a work project appropriation, and any unexpended funds for 2023-2024 are carried forward into 2024-2025. The purpose of the work project is to provide assistance to districts eligible for funding under this section. The estimated completion date of the work project described in this subsection is September 30, 2026.

Sec. 22a. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $3,927,000,000.00 for 2024-2025 and there is allocated an amount not to exceed $3,785,000,000.00 $3,711,000,000.00 for 2025-2026 and there is allocated an amount not to exceed $3,564,000,000.00 for 2026-2027 for payments to districts and qualifying public school academies to guarantee each district and qualifying public school academy an amount equal to its 1994-95 total state and local per-pupil revenue for school operating purposes under section 11 of article IX of the state constitution of 1963. Pursuant to section 11 of article IX of the state constitution of 1963, this guarantee does not apply to a district in a year in which the district levies a millage rate for school district operating purposes less than it levied in 1994. However, subsection (2) applies to calculating the payments under this section. Funds allocated under this section that are not expended in the fiscal year for which they were allocated, as determined by the department, may be used to supplement the allocations under sections 22b and 51c to fully fund those allocations for the same fiscal year.

(2) To ensure that a district receives an amount equal to the district's 1994-95 total state and local per-pupil revenue for school operating purposes, there is allocated to each district a state portion of the district's 1994-95 foundation allowance in an amount calculated as follows:

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the state portion of a district's 1994-95 foundation allowance is an amount equal to the district's 1994-95 foundation allowance or $6,500.00, whichever is less, minus the difference between the sum of the product of the taxable value per membership pupil of all property in the district that is nonexempt property times the district's certified mills and, for a district with certified mills exceeding 12, the product of the taxable value per membership pupil of property in the district that is commercial personal property times the certified mills minus 12 mills and the quotient of the ad valorem property tax revenue of the district captured under tax increment financing acts divided by the district's membership. For a district that has a millage reduction required under section 31 of article IX of the state constitution of 1963, the department shall calculate the state portion of the district's foundation allowance as if that reduction did not occur. For a receiving district, if school operating taxes are to be levied on behalf of a dissolved district that has been attached in whole or in part to the receiving district to satisfy debt obligations of the dissolved district under section 12 of the revised school code, MCL 380.12, taxable value per membership pupil of all property in the receiving district that is nonexempt property and taxable value per membership pupil of property in the receiving district that is commercial personal property do not include property within the geographic area of the dissolved district; ad valorem property tax revenue of the receiving district captured under tax increment financing acts does not include ad valorem property tax revenue captured within the geographic boundaries of the dissolved district under tax increment financing acts; and certified mills do not include the certified mills of the dissolved district. For Except as otherwise provided in this subdivision, for a community district, the department shall reduce the allocation as otherwise calculated under this section by an amount equal to the amount of local school operating tax revenue that would otherwise be due to the community district if not for the operation of section 386 of the revised school code, MCL 380.386, and the amount of this reduction is offset by the increase in funding under section 22b(2). Beginning with the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027, it is the intent of the legislature that the previous sentence no longer applies and the allocation for a community district under this section shall not be reduced by the amount of local school operating tax revenue that would otherwise be due to the community district if not for the operation of section 386 of the revised school code, MCL 380.386, and no offset is provided by increased funding under section 22b(2).

(b) For a district that had a 1994-95 foundation allowance greater than $6,500.00, the state payment under this subsection is the sum of the amount calculated under subdivision (a) plus the amount calculated under this subdivision. The amount calculated under this subdivision must be equal to the difference between the district's 1994-95 foundation allowance minus $6,500.00 and the current year hold harmless school operating taxes per pupil. If the result of the calculation under subdivision (a) is negative, the negative amount is an offset against any state payment calculated under this subdivision. If the result of a calculation under this subdivision is negative, there is not a state payment or a deduction under this subdivision. The taxable values per membership pupil used in the calculations under this subdivision are as adjusted by ad valorem property tax revenue captured under tax increment financing acts divided by the district's membership. For a receiving district, if school operating taxes are to be levied on behalf of a dissolved district that has been attached in whole or in part to the receiving district to satisfy debt obligations of the dissolved district under section 12 of the revised school code, MCL 380.12, ad valorem property tax revenue captured under tax increment financing acts do not include ad valorem property tax revenue captured within the geographic boundaries of the dissolved district under tax increment financing acts.

(3) For pupils in membership in a qualifying public school academy, there is allocated under this section to the authorizing body that is the fiscal agent for the qualifying public school academy for forwarding to the qualifying public school academy an amount equal to the 1994-95 per-pupil payment to the qualifying public school academy under section 20.

(4) A district or qualifying public school academy may use funds allocated under this section in conjunction with any federal funds for which the district or qualifying public school academy otherwise would be eligible.

(5) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, for a district that is formed or reconfigured after June 1, 2000 by consolidation of 2 or more districts or by annexation, the resulting district's 1994-95 foundation allowance under this section beginning after the effective date of the consolidation or annexation is the average of the 1994-95 foundation allowances of each of the original or affected districts, calculated as provided in this section, weighted as to the percentage of pupils in total membership in the resulting district in the fiscal year in which the consolidation takes place who reside in the geographic area of each of the original districts. If an affected district's 1994-95 foundation allowance is less than the 1994-95 basic foundation allowance, the amount of that district's 1994-95 foundation allowance is considered for the purpose of calculations under this subsection to be equal to the amount of the 1994-95 basic foundation allowance. This subsection does not apply to a receiving district unless there is a subsequent consolidation or annexation that affects the district.

(6) Payments under this section are subject to section 25g.

(6) (7) As used in this section:

(a) "1994-95 foundation allowance" means a district's 1994-95 foundation allowance calculated and certified by the department of treasury or the superintendent under former section 20a as enacted in 1993 PA 336 and as amended by 1994 PA 283.

(b) "Certified mills" means the lesser of 18 mills or the number of mills of school operating taxes levied by the district in 1993-94.

(d) "Current year hold harmless school operating taxes per pupil" means the per-pupil revenue generated by multiplying a district's 1994-95 hold harmless millage by the district's current year taxable value per membership pupil. For a receiving district, if school operating taxes are to be levied on behalf of a dissolved district that has been attached in whole or in part to the receiving district to satisfy debt obligations of the dissolved district under section 12 of the revised school code, MCL 380.12, taxable value per membership pupil does not include the taxable value of property within the geographic area of the dissolved district.

(e) "Dissolved district" means a district that loses its organization, has its territory attached to 1 or more other districts, and is dissolved as provided under section 12 of the revised school code, MCL 380.12.

(f) "Hold harmless millage" means, for a district with a 1994-95 foundation allowance greater than $6,500.00, the number of mills by which the exemption from the levy of school operating taxes on a principal residence, qualified agricultural property, qualified forest property, supportive housing property, industrial personal property, commercial personal property, and property occupied by a public school academy could be reduced as provided in section 1211 of the revised school code, MCL 380.1211, and the number of mills of school operating taxes that could be levied on all property as provided in section 1211(2) of the revised school code, MCL 380.1211, as certified by the department of treasury for the 1994 tax year. For a receiving district, if school operating taxes are to be levied on behalf of a dissolved district that has been attached in whole or in part to the receiving district to satisfy debt obligations of the dissolved district under section 12 of the revised school code, MCL 380.12, school operating taxes do not include school operating taxes levied within the geographic area of the dissolved district.

(g) "Membership" means the definition of that term under section 6 as in effect for the particular fiscal year for which a particular calculation is made.

(h) "Nonexempt property" means property that is not a principal residence, qualified agricultural property, qualified forest property, supportive housing property, industrial personal property, commercial personal property, or property occupied by a public school academy.

(i) "Principal residence", "qualified agricultural property", "qualified forest property", "supportive housing property", "industrial personal property", and "commercial personal property" mean those terms as defined in section 1211 of the revised school code, MCL 380.1211.

(j) "Qualifying public school academy" means a public school academy that was in operation in the 1994-95 school year and is in operation in the current fiscal year.

(k) "Receiving district" means a district to which all or part of the territory of a dissolved district is attached under section 12 of the revised school code, MCL 380.12.

(l) "School operating taxes" means local ad valorem property taxes levied under section 1211 of the revised school code, MCL 380.1211, and retained for school operating purposes as defined in section 20.

(m) "Tax increment financing acts" means parts 2, 3, 4, and 6 of the recodified tax increment financing act, 2018 PA 57, MCL 125.4201 to 125.4420 and 125.4602 to 125.4629, or the brownfield redevelopment financing act, 1996 PA 381, MCL 125.2651 to 125.2670.

(n) "Taxable value per membership pupil" means each of the following divided by the district's membership:

(i) For the number of mills by which the exemption from the levy of school operating taxes on a principal residence, qualified agricultural property, qualified forest property, supportive housing property, industrial personal property, commercial personal property, and property occupied by a public school academy may be reduced as provided in section 1211 of the revised school code, MCL 380.1211, the taxable value of principal residence, qualified agricultural property, qualified forest property, supportive housing property, industrial personal property, commercial personal property, and property occupied by a public school academy for the calendar year ending in the current fiscal year. For a receiving district, if school operating taxes are to be levied on behalf of a dissolved district that has been attached in whole or in part to the receiving district to satisfy debt obligations of the dissolved district under section 12 of the revised school code, MCL 380.12, mills do not include mills within the geographic area of the dissolved district.

(ii) For the number of mills of school operating taxes that may be levied on all property as provided in section 1211(2) of the revised school code, MCL 380.1211, the taxable value of all property for the calendar year ending in the current fiscal year. For a receiving district, if school operating taxes are to be levied on behalf of a dissolved district that has been attached in whole or in part to the receiving district to satisfy debt obligations of the dissolved district under section 12 of the revised school code, MCL 380.12, school operating taxes do not include school operating taxes levied within the geographic area of the dissolved district.

Sec. 22b. (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, for discretionary nonmandated payments to districts under this section, there is allocated for 2024-2025 an amount not to exceed $6,220,000,000.00 from the state school aid fund and general fund appropriations in section 11 and an amount not to exceed $41,000,000.00 from the community district education trust fund appropriation in section 11, and there is allocated for 2025-2026 an amount not to exceed $6,696,500,000.00 $6,657,000,000.00 from the state school aid fund and general fund appropriations in section 11, and there is allocated for 2026-2027 an amount not to exceed $6,925,850,000.00 from the state school aid fund and general fund appropriations in section 11. In addition, there is allocated for 2025-2026 only an amount not to exceed $124,000,000.00 from the state school aid fund appropriation in section 11, . For 2024-2025, the amount necessary, estimated at $77,700,000.00, must be deposited from the general fund into the state school aid fund to reimburse the state school aid fund for community district education trust fund costs in excess of $41,000,000.00, as required under section 12 of the Michigan trust fund act, 2000 PA 489, MCL 12.262. For 2024-2025 only, if the amount allocated under this subsection from the community district education trust fund appropriation under section 11 is insufficient to pay for an increase under this section, any amount exceeding that allocation may be paid from other allocations under this subsection. and there is allocated for 2026-2027 only an amount not to exceed $130,000,000.00 from the enrollment stabilization fund appropriation in section 11. Except for money allocated under this section from the community district education trust fund appropriation in section 11, funds allocated under this section that are not expended in the fiscal year for which they were allocated, as determined by the department, may be used to supplement the allocations under sections 22a and 51c to fully fund those allocations for the same fiscal year.

(2) Subject to subsection (3) (4) and section 296, the allocation to a district under this section subsection (1) is an amount equal to the sum of the amounts calculated under sections 20, 20m, 51a(2), 51a(3), 51a(11), and 51e, minus the sum of the allocations to the district under sections 22a and 51c. For Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, for a community district, the allocation as otherwise calculated under this section is increased by an amount equal to the amount of local school operating tax revenue that would otherwise be due to the community district if not for the operation of section 386 of the revised school code, MCL 380.386, to offset the absence of local school operating revenue in a community district in the funding of the state portion of the foundation allowance under section 20(4). , and, for 2024-2025 only, this increase must be paid from the community district education trust fund allocation in subsection (1).Beginning with the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027, it is the intent of the legislature that the previous sentence no longer applies.

(3) To receive an allocation under subsection (1), this section, each district must do all of the following:

(a) Comply with section 1280b of the revised school code, MCL 380.1280b.

(b) Comply with sections 1278a and 1278b of the revised school code, MCL 380.1278a and 380.1278b.

(c) Furnish data and other information required by state and federal law to the center and the department in the form and manner specified by the center or the department, as applicable.

(d) Comply with section 1230g of the revised school code, MCL 380.1230g.

(e) Comply with section 21f.

(f) For a district that has entered into a partnership district agreement with the department, comply with section 22p.

(g) Comply with section 1280h of the revised school code, MCL 380.1280h.

(h) Comply with section 1280f of the revised school code, MCL 380.1280f. Beginning with the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, if a district is not using a curriculum from the department's evidence-based curriculum list required under section 1280f of the revised school code, MCL 380.1280f, the district must provide a notification to all parents or legal guardians of students in grades K to 5 receiving instruction with that curriculum that includes all of the following:

(i) A statement informing parents or legal guardians that the curriculum used by the district is not evidence-based or not aligned to state standards, which could negatively impact student academic outcomes.

(ii) A statement explaining why the district is not using a curriculum that is evidence-based or aligned to state standards.

(iii) A plan, including a projected timeline, for when a new curriculum will be adopted that is evidence-based and aligned to state standards.

(4) In addition to the allocation under subsection (1), and subject to subsection (3) and section 296, from the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11 there is allocated an amount not to exceed $1,696,087,600.00 to each district for a weighted foundation payment. As used in this subsection, "weighted foundation payment" is an amount equal to the target foundation allowance multiplied by the weighted pupil membership for the district.

(5) (4) Districts are encouraged to use funds allocated under this section for the purchase and support of payroll, human resources, and other business function software that is compatible with that of the intermediate district in which the district is located and with other districts located within that intermediate district.

(6) (5) From the allocation in subsection (1), the department shall pay up to $1,000,000.00 in litigation costs incurred by this state related to commercial or industrial property tax appeals, including, but not limited to, appeals of classification, that impact revenues dedicated to the state school aid fund.

(7) (6) From the allocation in subsection (1), the department shall pay up to $1,000,000.00 in litigation costs incurred by this state associated with lawsuits filed by 1 or more districts or intermediate districts against this state. If the allocation under this section is insufficient to fully fund all payments required under this section, the payments under this subsection must be made in full before any proration of remaining payments under this section.

(8) (7) It is the intent of the legislature that all constitutional obligations of this state have been fully funded under sections 22a, 31d, 51a, 51c, 51e, and 152a. If a claim is made by an entity receiving funds under this article that challenges the legislative determination of the adequacy of this funding or alleges that there exists an unfunded constitutional requirement, the state budget director may escrow or allocate from the discretionary funds for nonmandated payments under this section the amount as may be necessary to satisfy the claim before making any payments to districts under subsection (2). If funds are escrowed, the escrowed funds are a work project appropriation and the funds are carried forward into the following fiscal year. The purpose of the work project is to provide for any payments that may be awarded to districts as a result of litigation. The work project is completed upon resolution of the litigation.

(9) (8) If the local claims review board or a court of competent jurisdiction makes a final determination that this state is in violation of section 29 of article IX of the state constitution of 1963 regarding state payments to districts, the state budget director shall use work project funds under subsection (7) (8) or allocate from the discretionary funds for nonmandated payments under this section the amount as may be necessary to satisfy the amount owed to districts before making any payments to districts under subsection (2).

(10) (9) If a claim is made in court that challenges the legislative determination of the adequacy of funding for this state's constitutional obligations or alleges that there exists an unfunded constitutional requirement, any interested party may seek an expedited review of the claim by the local claims review board. If the claim exceeds $10,000,000.00, this state may remove the action to the court of appeals, and the court of appeals has and shall exercise jurisdiction over the claim.

(11) (10) If payments resulting from a final determination by the local claims review board or a court of competent jurisdiction that there has been a violation of section 29 of article IX of the state constitution of 1963 exceed the amount allocated for discretionary nonmandated payments under this section, the legislature shall provide for adequate funding for this state's constitutional obligations at its next legislative session.

(12) (11) If a lawsuit challenging payments made to districts related to costs reimbursed by federal title XIX Medicaid funds is filed against this state, then, for the purpose of addressing potential liability under such a lawsuit, the state budget director may place funds allocated under this section in escrow or allocate money from the funds otherwise allocated under this section, up to a maximum of 50% of the amount allocated in subsection (1). If funds are placed in escrow under this subsection, those funds are a work project appropriation and the funds are carried forward into the following fiscal year. The purpose of the work project is to provide for any payments that may be awarded to districts as a result of the litigation. The work project is completed upon resolution of the litigation. In addition, this state reserves the right to terminate future federal title XIX Medicaid reimbursement payments to districts if the amount or allocation of reimbursed funds is challenged in the lawsuit. As used in this subsection, "title XIX" means title XIX of the social security act, 42 USC 1396 to 1396w-6.

(13) (12) As used in this section:

(a) "Dissolved district" means that term as defined in section 20.

(b) "Local school operating revenue" means school operating taxes levied under section 1211 of the revised school code, MCL 380.1211. For a receiving district, if school operating taxes are to be levied on behalf of a dissolved district that has been attached in whole or in part to the receiving district to satisfy debt obligations of the dissolved district under section 12 of the revised school code, MCL 380.12, local school operating revenue does not include school operating taxes levied within the geographic area of the dissolved district.

(d) "Weighted pupil membership" means that term as defined in section 6.

Sec. 22d. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated under section 11, an amount not to exceed $12,873,100.00 $13,772,300.00 is allocated for 2025-2026 2026-2027 for supplemental payments to rural districts under this section.

(2) From the allocation under subsection (1), there is allocated for 2025-2026 2026-2027 an amount not to exceed $3,906,200.00 $4,179,100.00 for payments under this subsection to eligible districts. A district that meets all of the following is an eligible district under this subsection:

(a) Operates grades K to 12.

(b) Has fewer than 250 pupils in membership.

(i) Is located in the Upper Peninsula at least 30 miles from any other public school building.

(ii) Is located on an island that is not accessible by bridge.

(3) The amount of the additional funding to each eligible district under subsection (2) is determined under a spending plan developed as provided in this subsection and approved by the superintendent of public instruction. The spending plan must be developed cooperatively by the intermediate superintendents of each intermediate district in which an eligible district is located. The intermediate superintendents shall review the financial situation of each eligible district, determine the minimum essential financial needs of each eligible district, and develop and agree on a spending plan that distributes the available funding under subsection (2) to the eligible districts based on those financial needs. The intermediate superintendents shall submit the spending plan to the superintendent of public instruction for approval. Upon approval by the superintendent of public instruction, the amounts specified for each eligible district under the spending plan are allocated under subsection (2) and must be paid to the eligible districts in the same manner as payments under section 22b.

(4) Subject to subsection (7), from the allocation in subsection (1), there is allocated for 2025-2026 2026-2027 an amount not to exceed $8,412,100.00 $8,999,700.00 for payments under this subsection to districts that have fewer than 10.0 pupils per square mile, as determined by the department, or that have greater than 250 square miles.

(5) The funds allocated under subsection (4) are allocated as follows:

(a) An amount equal to $6,373,700.00 $6,818,900.00 is allocated to districts with fewer than 8.0 pupils per square mile, as determined by the department, on an equal per-pupil basis.

(b) The balance of the funding under subsection (4) is allocated as follows:

(i) For districts with at least 8.0 but fewer than 9.0 pupils per square mile, as determined by the department, the allocation is an amount per pupil equal to 75% of the per-pupil amount allocated to districts under subdivision (a).

(ii) For districts with at least 9.0 but fewer than 10.0 pupils per square mile, as determined by the department, the allocation is an amount per pupil equal to 50% of the per-pupil amount allocated to districts under subdivision (a).

(iii) For districts that have greater than 250 square miles, have at least 10.0 pupils per square mile, and do not receive funding under subsection (2), as determined by the department, the allocation is an amount per pupil equal to 100% of the per-pupil amount allocated to districts under subdivision (a).

(c) If the total funding allocated under subdivision (b) is insufficient to fully fund payments as calculated under that subdivision, the department shall prorate payments to districts under subdivision (b) on an equal per-pupil basis. If funding allocated under subdivision (b) remains unallocated after making calculations under that subdivision, the department may provide the remaining unallocated funding on an equal per-pupil basis to districts receiving funding under subdivision (b)(i) and (ii).

(6) Subject to subsection (7), from the allocation under subsection (1), there is allocated for 2025-2026 2026-2027 an amount not to exceed $554,800.00 $593,500.00 for payments under this subsection to districts where each school building operated by the district is located on an island that is accessible by bridge.

(7) A district receiving funds allocated under subsection (2) is not eligible for funding allocated under subsection (4) or (6). A district receiving funds allocated under subsection (6) is not eligible for funding under subsection (2) or (4).

Sec. 22k. (1) The school transportation fund is created as a separate account within the state school aid fund for the purpose of supporting district transportation costs.

(2) The state treasurer may receive money or other assets from any source for deposit into the school transportation fund. The state treasurer shall direct the investment of the school transportation fund. The state treasurer shall credit to the school transportation fund interest and earnings from school transportation fund investments.

(3) Money in the school transportation fund at the close of the fiscal year remains in the school transportation fund and does not lapse to the state school aid fund or the general fund.

(4) The department of treasury is the administrator of the school transportation fund for auditing purposes.

(5) Money available in the school transportation fund must not be expended without a specific appropriation.

(6) For the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026 2027 only, $130,000,000.00 $150,000,000.00 from the state school aid fund must be deposited into the school transportation fund.

Sec. 22l. (1) From the school transportation fund money appropriated under section 11, there is allocated for 2025-2026 2026-2027 only an amount not to exceed $125,000,000.00, and from the state school aid fund money appropriated under section 11, there is allocated for 2026-2027 only an amount not to exceed $25,000,000.00 to districts and intermediate districts for transportation costs. Funding for each district or intermediate district is as follows:

(a) The department must assign each district and intermediate district to an octile based on the number of riders per square mile and calculate the median cost per rider for each octile.

(b) Funds must be distributed to each district and intermediate district as follows:

(i) An initial amount at the lesser of the octile's median cost per rider or the actual transportation cost per general education rider at the district or intermediate district.

(ii) An additional amount for districts and intermediate districts that have outlier costs per rider that are deemed reasonable, as determined by the department.

(c) If funds are insufficient to fully fund payments under this section, payments may be prorated on an equal percentage basis.

(2) In addition to the funds allocated under subsection (1), from the school transportation fund money appropriated under section 11, there is allocated for 2022-2023 only an amount not to exceed $200,000.00 to an intermediate district for a study on district transportation costs. The intermediate district receiving funds under this subsection must submit a report to the department, the state budget director, the house and senate appropriations subcommittees on school aid, and the house and senate fiscal agencies by February 29, 2024 on the outcomes of the study under this subsection. Notwithstanding section 18a, funds allocated under this subsection may be available for expenditure until September 30, 2026. A recipient of funding under this subsection must return any unexpended funds to the department in a manner prescribed by the department by not later than October 30, 2026.

(2) (3) To remain eligible for funding under subsection (1), by not later than December 1 of the current fiscal year, a school district must submit, in a form and manner determined by the department, to their intermediate district, and a public school academy must submit, in a form and manner determined by the department, to the intermediate district in which the public school academy is located, the number of nonpublic school students the district expects to transport as required under section 1321 of the revised school code, MCL 380.1321. Intermediate districts shall submit this information to the department by not later than February 1.

(3) (4) The department shall compile the reports provided by intermediate districts under subsection (3) (2) into 1 legislative report. The department shall provide this report not later than March 1 of each fiscal year for which funding is allocated under this section to the house and senate subcommittees responsible for school aid, the house and senate fiscal agencies, and the state budget director.

(4) (5) Notwithstanding section 17b, the department shall make payments under this section on a schedule determined by the department.

Sec. 22m. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2025-2026 2026-2027 an amount not to exceed $3,500,000.00 for supporting the integration of local data systems into the Michigan data hub network based on common standards and applications that are in compliance with section 19(6). In addition, from the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2025-2026 only an amount not to exceed $1,500,000.00 for the purposes of this section.

(2) An entity that is the fiscal agent for no more than 5 consortia of intermediate districts that previously received funding from the technology readiness infrastructure grant under former section 22i for the purpose of establishing regional data hubs that are part of the Michigan data hub network is eligible for funding under this section.

(3) The center shall work with an advisory committee composed of representatives from intermediate districts within each of the data hub regions to coordinate the activities of the Michigan data hub network.

(4) The center, in collaboration with the Michigan data hub network, shall determine the amount of funds distributed under this section to each participating regional data hub within the network, based upon a competitive grant process. The center shall ensure that the entities receiving funding under this section represent geographically diverse areas in this state.

(5) Notwithstanding section 17b, the department shall make payments under this section on a schedule determined by the center.

(6) To receive funding under this section, a regional data hub must have a governance model that ensures local control of data, data security, and student privacy issues. The integration of data within each of the regional data hubs must provide for the actionable use of data by districts and intermediate districts through common reports and dashboards and for efficiently providing information to meet state and federal reporting purposes.

(7) Participation in a data hub region in the Michigan data hub network under this section is voluntary and is not required.

(8) Entities receiving funding under this section shall use the funds for all of the following:

(a) Creating an infrastructure that effectively manages the movement of data between data systems used by intermediate districts, districts, and other educational organizations in Michigan based on common data standards to improve student achievement.

(b) Utilizing the infrastructure to put in place commonly needed integrations, reducing cost and effort to do that work while increasing data accuracy and usability.

(c) Promoting the use of a more common set of applications by promoting systems that integrate with the Michigan data hub network.

(d) Promoting 100% district adoption of the Michigan data hub network.

(e) Ensuring local control of data, data security, and student data privacy.

(f) Utilizing the infrastructure to promote the actionable use of data through common reports and dashboards that are consistent statewide.

(g) Creating a governance model to facilitate sustainable operations of the infrastructure in the future, including administration, legal agreements, documentation, staffing, hosting, and funding.

(h) Evaluating future data initiatives at all levels to determine whether the initiatives can be enhanced by using the standardized environment in the Michigan data hub network.

(9) By not later than January 1 of each fiscal year, the center shall prepare a summary report of information provided by each entity that received funds under this section that includes measurable outcomes based on the objectives described under this section and a summary of compiled data from each entity to provide a means to evaluate the effectiveness of the project. The center shall submit the report to the house and senate appropriations subcommittees on school aid and to the house and senate fiscal agencies.

Sec. 23h. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $12,000,000.00 for 2026-2027 only to an intermediate district in which the combined total number of pupils in membership of all of its constituent districts is the fewest among all intermediate districts in this state for the purpose of this section. Funding must be used by the intermediate district, in partnership with an association that represents intermediate district administrators in this state, for the purposes described in this section.

(2) From the state school aid fund money allocated in subsection (1), there is allocated an amount not to exceed $3,000,000.00 for professional learning opportunities for mathematics educators, including instructional and leadership coaching, designed to strengthen early mathematics content knowledge and instructional practices among pre-K to 5 teachers. Funds allocated under this subsection must be used for the following:

(a) Development of local district professional learning systems that incorporate job-embedded educator learning structures, resources to support local district leadership teams, and the intentional integration of the Michigan integrated continuous improvement process, and the MiStrategy Bank.

(b) Professional learning for early mathematics specialists, coaches, administrators, and teachers.

(d) Development and support of tools to support the implementation at the intermediate district and district levels.

(3) From the state school aid fund money allocated in subsection (1), there is allocated an amount not to exceed $9,000,000.00 to fund early mathematics specialists within intermediate districts to assist teachers, school leaders, and intermediate district leaders in implementing research-based instructional strategies for grade pre-K to 5 students. All of the following apply to funds allocated under this subsection:

(a) To be eligible to receive funds under this subsection, an intermediate district must apply to the intermediate district described in subsection (1) in a form and manner determined by the intermediate district. The application for funds under this subdivision must provide assurances that the early mathematics specialists funded under this subsection demonstrate the following:

(i) A deep and broad understanding of mathematics content, including the specialized knowledge needed for teaching.

(ii) Expertise in effective instructional and assessment practices informed by research-based mathematical learning trajectories.

(iii) Knowledge and skills for working with adult learners.

(iv) Leadership skills necessary to influence and support educational efforts to improve mathematics teaching and learning.

(b) Funds allocated under this subsection must be awarded as follows:

(i) An equal amount per eligible intermediate district necessary to support the cost of 1 early mathematics specialist, as determined by the intermediate district and association described in subsection (1).

(ii) After initial distributions under subparagraph (i), any remaining funds may be allocated by the intermediate district described in subsection (1) to eligible intermediate districts for early mathematics specialists based on regional need, using a rubric developed by the department and the Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators Early Mathematics Task Force.

(4) By not later than September 1 of each year, the intermediate district and the association described in subsection (1), in consultation with grant recipients, shall submit a report to the chairs of the senate and house appropriations subcommittees on school aid, the chairs of the senate and house standing committees responsible for education legislation, the house and senate fiscal agencies, and the state budget director. The report must include, at a minimum, an assessment of the impact of funds allocated in this section on mathematics instruction and learning at the intermediate district, district, and student level.

(5) Notwithstanding section 17b, the department shall make payments under this section on a schedule determined by the department.

(6) Notwithstanding section 18a, funds allocated under this section may be available for expenditure until September 30, 2029. A recipient of funding under this section must return any unexpended funds to the department in the manner prescribed by the department by not later than October 30, 2030.

Sec. 24. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2025-2026 2026-2027 an amount not to exceed $7,650,000.00 for payments to the educating district or intermediate district for educating pupils assigned by a court or the department of health and human services to reside in or to attend a juvenile detention facility or child caring institution licensed by the department of health and human services and approved by the department to provide an on-grounds education program. The amount of the payment under this section to a district or intermediate district is calculated as prescribed under subsection (2).

(2) The department shall allocate the total amount allocated under this section by paying to the educating district or intermediate district an amount equal to the lesser of the district's or intermediate district's added cost or the department's approved per-pupil allocation for the district or intermediate district. For the purposes of this subsection:

(a) "Added cost" means 100% of the added cost each fiscal year for educating all pupils assigned by a court or the department of health and human services to reside in or to attend a juvenile detention facility or child caring institution licensed by the department of health and human services or the department of licensing and regulatory affairs and approved by the department to provide an on-grounds education program. Added cost is computed by deducting all other revenue received under this article for pupils described in this section from total costs, as approved by the department, in whole or in part, for educating those pupils in the on-grounds education program or in a program approved by the department that is located on property adjacent to a juvenile detention facility or child caring institution. Costs reimbursed by federal funds are not included.

(b) "Department's approved per-pupil allocation" for a district or intermediate district is determined by dividing the total amount allocated under this section for a fiscal year by the full-time equated membership total for all pupils approved by the department to be funded under this section for that fiscal year for the district or intermediate district.

(3) A district or intermediate district educating pupils described in this section at a residential child caring institution may operate, and receive funding under this section for, a department-approved on-grounds educational program for those pupils that is longer than 181 days, but not longer than 233 days, if the child caring institution was licensed as a child caring institution and offered in 1991-92 an on-grounds educational program that was longer than 181 days but not longer than 233 days and that was operated by a district or intermediate district.

(4) Special education pupils funded under section 53a are not funded under this section.

Sec. 24a. From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $1,355,700.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 for payments to intermediate districts for pupils who are placed in juvenile justice service facilities operated by the department of health and human services. The amount of the payment to each intermediate district is an amount equal to the state share of those costs that are clearly and directly attributable to the educational programs for pupils placed in facilities described in this section that are located within the intermediate district's boundaries. The intermediate districts receiving payments under this section shall cooperate with the department of health and human services to ensure that all funding allocated under this section is utilized by the intermediate district and department of health and human services for educational programs for pupils described in this section. Pupils described in this section are not eligible to be funded under section 24. However, a program responsibility or other fiscal responsibility associated with these pupils must not be transferred from the department of health and human services to a district or intermediate district unless the district or intermediate district consents to the transfer.

Sec. 25f. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $1,600,000.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 for payments to strict discipline academies and qualified districts, as provided under this section.

(2) To receive funding under this section, a strict discipline academy or qualified district must first comply with section 25e and use the pupil transfer process described in that section for changes in enrollment as prescribed under that section and apply annually for funding under section 24.

(3) The total amount allocated to a strict discipline academy or qualified district under this section is equal to the strict discipline academy's or qualified district's pupil membership in the immediately preceding year multiplied by an amount calculated by dividing the total allocation under this section by the total pupil membership for eligible strict discipline academies and qualified districts in the immediately preceding year. However, the sum of the amounts received by a strict discipline academy or qualified district under this section and under section 24 must not exceed the product of the strict discipline academy's or qualified district's per-pupil allocation calculated under section 20 multiplied by the strict discipline academy's or qualified district's full-time equated membership. The department shall allocate funds to strict discipline academies and qualified districts under this section on a monthly basis.

(4) Special education pupils funded under section 53a are not funded under this section.

(5) The department shall make payments to strict discipline academies and qualified districts under this section according to the payment schedule under section 17b.

(6) For purposes of this section, the pupil membership for the current fiscal year for a qualified district is the actual number of pupils that are in the custody of a county juvenile agency as described in subsection (7)(a).

(7) As used in this section:

(a) "Qualified district" means a public school academy that is not a strict discipline academy that enrolls individuals who are in the custody of a county juvenile agency to which both of the following are applicable:

(i) The agency had custody of individuals who were enrolled in a strict discipline academy in the 2020-2021 school year.

(ii) The strict discipline academy that the individuals described in subparagraph (i) were enrolled in subsequently closed.

(b) "Strict discipline academy" means a public school academy established under sections 1311b to 1311m of the revised school code, MCL 380.1311b to 380.1311m.

Sec. 26a. From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $14,000,000.00 for 2025-2026 to reimburse districts and intermediate districts under section 12 of the Michigan renaissance zone act, 1996 PA 376, MCL 125.2692, for taxes levied in 2024. 2025. From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $14,000,000.00 for 2026-2027 to reimburse districts and intermediate districts under section 12 of the Michigan renaissance zone act, 1996 PA 376, MCL 125.2692, for taxes levied in 2026. The department shall pay the allocations by not later than 60 days after the department of treasury certifies to the department and to the state budget director that the department of treasury has received all necessary information to properly determine the amounts due to each eligible recipient.

Sec. 26b. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $5,549,000.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 for payments to districts, intermediate districts, and community college districts for the portion of the payment in lieu of taxes obligation that is attributable to districts, intermediate districts, and community college districts under section 2154 of the natural resources and environmental protection act, 1994 PA 451, MCL 324.2154.

(2) If the amount appropriated under this section is insufficient to fully pay obligations under this section, payments are prorated on an equal basis among all eligible districts, intermediate districts, and community college districts.

Sec. 26c. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated under section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $37,700,000.00 for 2024-2025 and there is allocated an amount not to exceed $43,300,000.00 for 2025-2026 there is allocated an amount not to exceed $48,300,000.00 for 2026-2027 to the promise zone fund created in subsection (3). The funds allocated under this section reflect the amount of revenue from the collection of the state education tax captured under section 17 of the Michigan promise zone authority act, 2008 PA 549, MCL 390.1677.

(2) Funds allocated to the promise zone fund under this section must be used solely for payments to eligible districts and intermediate districts, in accordance with section 17 of the Michigan promise zone authority act, 2008 PA 549, MCL 390.1677, that have a promise zone development plan approved by the department of treasury under section 7 of the Michigan promise zone authority act, 2008 PA 549, MCL 390.1667. Eligible districts and intermediate districts shall use payments made under this section for reimbursement for qualified educational expenses as that term is defined in section 3 of the Michigan promise zone authority act, 2008 PA 549, MCL 390.1663.

(3) The promise zone fund is created as a separate account within the state school aid fund to be used solely for the purposes of the Michigan promise zone authority act, 2008 PA 549, MCL 390.1661 to 390.1679. All of the following apply to the promise zone fund:

(a) The state treasurer shall direct the investment of the promise zone fund. The state treasurer shall credit to the promise zone fund interest and earnings from fund investments.

(b) Money in the promise zone fund at the close of a fiscal year remains in the promise zone fund and does not lapse to the general fund.

(4) Subject to subsection (2), the state treasurer may make payments from the promise zone fund to eligible districts and intermediate districts under the Michigan promise zone authority act, 2008 PA 549, MCL 390.1661 to 390.1679, to be used for the purposes of a promise zone authority created under that act.

(5) Notwithstanding section 17b, the department shall make payments under this section on a schedule determined by the department.

Sec. 26d. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated under section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $14,400,000.00 $19,000,000.00 for 2025-2026 and an amount not to exceed $21,800,000.00 for reimbursements to intermediate districts as required under section 15b of the brownfield redevelopment financing act, 1996 PA 381, MCL 125.2665b.

(2) The amounts reimbursed under subsection (1) must be used by the intermediate district only for the purposes for which the property taxes were originally levied.

(3) The Michigan strategic fund and the Michigan economic development corporation shall work with the department of treasury in identifying the amount of tax revenues that are to be reimbursed under subsection (1).

(4) Notwithstanding section 17b, the department of treasury shall make payments under this section on a schedule determined by the department of treasury.

Sec. 27a. (1) From the educator fellowship public provider fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2025-2026 2026-2027 an amount not to exceed $10,000,000.00, from the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2025-2026 2026-2027 an amount not to exceed $10,000,000.00, and from the general fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2025-2026 2026-2027 only an amount not to exceed $5,000,000.00 for the MI future educator fellowship program. The funds allocated under this section must be used to offset tuition costs for individuals who are working toward earning their initial teacher certification. At the close of the fiscal year, money allocated under this section that is unspent must be deposited as follows:

(a) For state school aid fund money, into the educator fellowship public provider fund in section 27d.

(b) For general fund money, into the educator fellowship private provider fund in section 27e.

(2) To establish initial eligibility for an award from funding under this section, an individual must meet all of the following conditions by the date of enrollment described in subdivision (b):(a):

(a) Have graduated from high school with a diploma or certificate of completion or achieved a high school equivalency certificate.

(a) (b) Be admitted to an eligible educator preparation program; be working toward a teacher certification; be enrolled in enough coursework to be considered enrolled full-time during the academic year, as determined by the student's educator preparation program, or the equivalent of full-time participation for individuals enrolled in an alternative certification program, as defined by the department; and, for students at institutions of higher education, be considered at least a junior-level student, as determined by the institution of higher education.

(b) (c) Not have previously earned a teacher certification.

(c) (d) Timely complete a grant application in a form and manner prescribed by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential.

(d) (e) Timely file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid for the enrollment period described in subdivision (b).(a).

(e) (f) Timely apply for all available gift aid for the enrollment period described in subdivision (b).(a).

(f) (g) Agree to repay any funds received from funding under this section if the individual does not maintain enrollment in their educator preparation program, the individual does not successfully complete their educator program, or the individual does not complete the work requirement described in subsection (7).

(g) (h) Have a high school or college grade point average of at least 3.0.

(h) (i) Be a resident of this state, as determined for purposes of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

(3) To establish continuing eligibility for an award under this section at an eligible educator preparation program, an individual must meet all of the following conditions:

(a) Maintain full-time continuous enrollment in an eligible educator preparation program, as determined by the educator preparation program, or the equivalent of full-time participation for individuals enrolled in an alternative certification program, as defined by the department, excluding any period of time missed due to a medical or other emergency, as determined by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential.

(b) Maintain satisfactory academic progress, including a grade point average of at least 3.0, in courses provided by the eligible educator preparation program and meet requirements established by the eligible educator preparation program.

(d) Timely file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid for each academic year in which the individual receives an award from funding under this section.

(e) Timely apply for all available gift aid for each academic year in which the individual applies for funding under this section.

(f) Maintain residency in this state, as determined for purposes of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

(4) An award under this section must not exceed $10,000.00 per academic year or the cost of tuition at the eligible educator preparation program attended, whichever is less. As used in this subsection, the cost of tuition at an educator preparation program that is an institution of higher education is the in-district resident rate plus other required fees, as determined by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential; and the cost of tuition at an educator preparation program that is an alternative certification provider is the cost of tuition plus other required fees, as determined by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential.

(5) Awards under this section must be distributed to eligible educator preparation programs on behalf of an eligible recipient on a timeline determined by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential.

(6) Pending available funds, applicants may renew their award for up to 3 years, or until program completion, whichever comes first.

(7) To be an eligible recipient of fellowship funding under this section, an individual must pledge to work as a certified teacher in a public school or a qualifying public preschool program in this state and must meet 1 of the following work requirements:

(a) For a recipient of funding under this section who received an award for 1 academic year, 3 years of work as a certified teacher in a public school or a qualifying public preschool program in this state.

(b) For a recipient of funding under this section who received an award for 2 academic years, 4 years of work as a certified teacher in a public school or a qualifying public preschool program in this state.

(c) For a recipient of funding under this section who received an award for 3 academic years, 5 years of work as a certified teacher in a public school or a qualifying public preschool program in this state.

(d) For a recipient working in a critical needs district, 3 years of work as a certified teacher. As used in this subdivision, "critical needs district" means a district with a median household income in the lowest quartile in each prosperity region, as determined by the department.

(8) If an award recipient does not maintain enrollment in their educator preparation program as required under subsection (3)(a), does not successfully complete their educator preparation program, or does not meet the work requirement described in subsection (7), any amount received from funds under this section converts to a 0% interest loan that must be repaid to this state within 10 years, plus any deferment period as determined and approved by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential. The amount of repayment must be reduced proportionate to the number of years worked in schools or qualifying public preschool programs in this state as a certificated teacher out of 5 years. The department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall develop guidance to enforce this subsection.

(9) An individual may not concurrently receive funding through programs funded under this section and grow your own programs funded under section 27b.

(10) If the amount allocated in subsection (1) is insufficient to fully fund awards under this section, there is appropriated from the educator fellowship public provider fund in section 27d or the educator fellowship private provider fund in section 27e, as applicable, the amount necessary to fully fund these programs. The state budget director shall provide notification to the house and senate appropriations subcommittees on K to 12 school aid and the house and senate fiscal agencies for any additional appropriation described under this subsection.

(11) Notwithstanding section 17b, the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall make payments under this section on a schedule determined by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential.

(12) The department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall report to the chairpersons of the house appropriations subcommittee on school aid and education and the senate appropriations subcommittee on pre-K to 12 by February 15 of the current fiscal year. The report must include the following:

(a) The number and amount of awards granted in the previous fiscal year.

(b) The number of recipients in the previous fiscal year that had their awards converted to loans under subsection (8).

(13) As used in this section, "eligible educator preparation program" means a public or nonpublic institution of higher education or an alternative route provider that meets all of the following, as applicable:

(a) Is approved by the department to offer teacher preparation programming.

(b) Enrolls 1 or more future educator fellowship recipients.

(c) Has not been deemed as ineligible to receive Michigan achievement scholarship funding under section 248 as a result of exceeding tuition restraint requirements described in section 248.

(d) Includes, as part of its required educator preparation coursework, pedagogical methods grounded in the science of reading. If an educator preparation program does not include pedagogical methods grounded in the science of reading, the program may maintain eligibility by providing to the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential a detailed public plan, in a form and manner determined by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, to comply with section 1531e of the revised school code, MCL 380.1531e, by not later than September 30, 2027.

Sec. 27b. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2025-2026 only an amount not to exceed $70,000,000.00 to districts, intermediate districts, and consortia of intermediate districts for grow your own programs and educator development programs as described in this section and subject to subsection (5), and there is allocated for 2026-2027 only an amount not to exceed $25,000,000.00 to districts, intermediate districts, and consortia of intermediate districts for grow your own programs, educator workforce innovation programs, and educator development and retention programs as described in this section.

(2) The department shall establish a competitive grant process to distribute funds under this section. A district, intermediate district, or consortium of intermediate districts must apply for funds in a form and manner prescribed by the department. As part of the application described in this subsection, a district, intermediate district, or consortium of intermediate districts must submit the following information and assurances:

(a) Demonstrated need for funding in the district, intermediate district, or consortium of intermediate districts or the broader community, including projected workforce needs, and a proposed spending plan on how the funds will be utilized that includes, but is not limited to, administrative costs, expected tuition, fees, and books for the program.

(b) Number of support staff projected to participate in a program described in this section.

(d) Projected outcomes of programs described in this section, which must include, but are not limited to, the following:

(i) Teacher and school leader retention and satisfaction.

(ii) Teacher and school leader efficacy.

(iii) Anticipated school or district partners, evidenced by signed partnership agreements.

(iv) Beginning in 2026-2027, demonstration of addressing projected workforce needs.

(e) Assurances that the programs described in this section will be no cost for participants and that participants will be compensated as an employee for the duration of their training, including a paid residency, fellowship, or student teaching.

(f) Beginning in 2026-2027, assurances that any educator preparation program partnering with the district, intermediate district, or consortium of intermediate districts to support a grow your own program under this section is approved by the department for the preparation of teachers in this state.

(3) Recipients of grants under this section must submit performance reports to the department not less than twice per year. Each report must include the following information:

(a) (i) The number of program participants served and retention in the program or district.

(b) (ii) Qualitative and quantitative participant feedback.

(4) The department shall ensure that all performance reports required under subsection (3) are made publicly available on the department's website.

(5) Grant awards under this section must be structured into 3 tiers, as described in subsections (6), (8), (9), and (11). (12), or be used for the purposes described in subsection (17). All programs funded under this section must address a measurable and critical problem related to the health and efficacy of this state's education talent working in Michigan schools and be data- and research-driven, demonstrating effectiveness against intended and measurable outcomes.

(6) Funding For 2025-2026 only, funding for tier 1 grant awards must not exceed $50,000,000.00, unless otherwise directed by the legislature. The In 2025-2026, the department shall allocate at least 1 tier 1 grant of not less than $40,000,000.00. Tier Subject to subsection (7), tier 1 grants must sustain or further scale grow your own programs or educator development programs that meet all of the following criteria:

(a) Have For 2025-2026 only, have been in operation in this state for at least 5 years, and evaluated for at least 2 years by a rigorous, independent Michigan-based evaluator, and results of the program have been made publicly available.

(b) Have For 2025-2026 only, have at least 2 consecutive years of public financial audits of the program with no material findings.

(c) Demonstrate For 2025-2026 only, demonstrate broad geographic reach and investment into teachers and school leaders at every experience level, in partnerships established with not fewer than 15 local education agencies across both urban and rural regions, that extend back to the start of the 2023-2024 school year, bound by written agreements that include data sharing with an independent evaluator for evaluation purposes.

(d) Generate For 2025-2026 only, generate private matching funds.

(e) For 2026-2027, have been in operation at least 3 years.

(f) For 2026-2027, demonstrate a proven track record of success, as evidenced by internal data showing both of the following:

(i) High rates of educator retention within the profession or participating districts after program completion.

(ii) Active and ongoing engagement and partnership with school districts in each of the state's intermediate districts.

(g) For 2026-2027, operate as a statewide program, demonstrating the ability to serve a geographically diverse population, including both urban and rural areas.

(h) For 2026-2027, have a demonstrated track record of receiving private philanthropic or corporate funding.

(7) For 2025-2026 only, tier 1 grants under subsection (6) may be used to support operating costs associated with teacher recruitment, retention, development, innovation, and evaluation costs.

(8) (7) Notwithstanding section 18a, funds allocated in 2025-2026 for programs described in subsection (6) may be available for expenditure until September 30, 2029. A recipient of funding for a program described in subsection (6) must return any unexpended funds to the department in a manner prescribed by the department by not later than October 30, 2029.

(9) (8) Tier 2 grants must scale or sustain grow your own programs or educator development programs that meet all of the following criteria:

(a) Have For 2025-2026 only, have been in operation for at least 3 years.

(b) Demonstrate For 2025-2026 only, demonstrate promising internal results, but are not yet supported by an independent evaluation.

(d) Have a demonstrated track record of receiving private philanthropic or corporate funding.

(e) For 2026-2027, have been in operation for at least 4 years.

(f) For 2026-2027, serve both K to 12 and the early childhood educator pipelines in a geographically diverse population, including both urban and rural areas.

(g) For 2026-2027, demonstrate promising internal results and have contracted with a third-party vendor.

(h) For 2026-2027, have a demonstrated track record of launching grow your own programs with more than 100 participants in geographically diverse areas of the state.

(i) For 2026-2027, have partnered with at least 6 school districts to adopt innovative staffing models, including strategic staffing.

(j) For 2026-2027, have led at least 1 program that supports updates and improvements to educator preparation programs.

(10) (9) Grant For 2025-2026 only, grant awards for programs described in subsection (8) (9) must not exceed $12,500,000.00 per year.

(11) (10) Notwithstanding section 18a, funds allocated in 2025-2026 for programs described in subsection (8) (9) may be available for expenditure until September 30, 2027. A recipient of funding in 2025-2026 for a program described in subsection (8) (9) must return any unexpended funds to the department in a manner prescribed by the department by not later than October 30, 2027.

(12) (11) Tier 3 grants must fund pilot-stage or early-stage grow your own programs or educator development programs that meet all of the following criteria:

(a) Have For 2025-2026 only, have been in operation for fewer than 2 years.

(b) Do not yet have independent evaluation data available.

(d) Include a documented path to scale or expand the program to serve more educators or additional districts.

(13) (12) Grant For 2025-2026 only, grant awards for programs described in subsection (11) (12) must not exceed $5,000,000.00 per year.

(14) (13) Notwithstanding section 18a, funds allocated in 2025-2026 for programs described in subsection (11) (12) may be available for expenditure until September 30, 2027. A recipient of funding for a program described in subsection (11) (12) must return any unexpended funds to the department in a manner prescribed by the department by not later than October 30, 2027.

(15) Notwithstanding section 18a, funds allocated in 2026-2027 for programs described in this section may be available for expenditure for up to 3 fiscal years after the fiscal year in which funds were made available to the program. A recipient of funding for a program under this section must return any unexpended funds to the department in a manner and time frame prescribed by the department.

(16) (14) An individual may not concurrently receive funding for programs under this section and programs funded under sections 27a and 27c.

(17) From the state school aid fund money allocated in subsection (1) for 2026-2027, an amount not to exceed $3,000,000.00 may be awarded by the department for school librarian specialist certification grants. These grants may be awarded to eligible grow your own programs, educator development programs, or other programs that provide a pathway for certified teachers to receive a school librarian specialist (NQ) endorsement from the department. In awarding grants under this subsection, the department shall prioritize awards for applicants serving in schools that have libraries but do not have staff with an NQ endorsement.

(18) (15) Notwithstanding section 17b, the department shall make payments under this section by not later than December 15, 2025.2026.

(19) The funds allocated under this section for 2026-2027 are a work project appropriation, and any unexpended funds for 2026-2027 are carried forward into 2027-2028. The purpose of the work project is to continue funding supports for grow your own educator programs. The estimated completion date of the work project is September 30, 2031.

Sec. 27c. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated $30,000,000.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 and from the educator fellowship public provider fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated $20,000,000.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 for the MI future educator student teacher stipend program. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the funds allocated under this section must be paid to eligible educator preparation programs for payments to eligible student teachers working in a district. At the close of the fiscal year, state school aid fund money allocated under this section that is unspent must be deposited into the educator fellowship public provider fund in section 27d.

(2) An eligible student teacher under this subsection must meet all of the following:

(a) The individual must be admitted to an eligible educator preparation program, be working toward a teacher certification, and be participating in required student teaching coursework. As used in this subdivision, "required student teaching coursework" means credit hours, or the program equivalent, required by an eligible educator preparation program for successful completion of the program. This coursework must include regular placement in a district where the student gains real-world, first-hand experience working in a classroom, teaching students, engaging in the day-to-day activities of a certified teacher, and working daily under the guidance of a certified teacher.

(b) The individual must timely complete an application in a form and manner prescribed by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential. The application must include the district in which the individual is working as a student teacher and must include a certification by the district and the individual's eligible educator preparation program that the student is working as a student teacher. If the individual's eligible educator preparation program is not provided by a public institution of higher education, the district in which the individual is working must also provide an assurance that they will forward any amount received under this section from the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential for purposes of the program described in this section to the individual's eligible educator preparation program.

(c) The individual must not have received a payment from funds under this subsection previously, unless the individual is enrolled in an eligible educator preparation program that requires multiple semesters of student teaching. An individual may receive not more than 2 awards under this section.

(d) If an individual is employed by their district as a teacher of record, they are not eligible for payment under this section.

(e) An individual that is a current City Year corps member enrolled in an eligible educator preparation program is eligible for payment under this section.

(3) The department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall pay each eligible educator preparation program an amount not to exceed $9,600.00 per academic semester for each eligible student teacher working in a district. If the individual's eligible educator preparation program is not provided by a public institution of higher education, the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall pay an amount not to exceed $9,600.00 per academic semester to the district in which the individual is working as a student teacher, and that district must forward the amount received to the individual's eligible educator preparation program. It is intended that payments under this subsection are made at the beginning of the semester in 1 lump sum for eligible student teachers.

(4) Eligible educator preparation programs shall pay funds received under this section, in entirety, to the eligible student teacher.

(5) Notwithstanding section 17b, the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall make payments under this section on a schedule determined by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential.

(6) If the amount allocated in subsection (1) is insufficient to fully fund awards under this section, there is appropriated from the educator fellowship public provider fund in section 27d the amount necessary to fully fund the programs described in this section. The state budget director shall notify the house and senate appropriations subcommittees on K to 12 school aid and the house and senate fiscal agencies of any additional appropriation described in this subsection.

(7) As used in this section, "eligible educator preparation program" means an institution of higher education that meets all of the following:

(a) Is a public or private institution of higher education in this state.

(b) Has an established school of education with an educator preparation program approved by the department.

(c) Has not been deemed as ineligible to receive Michigan achievement scholarship funding under section 248 as a result of exceeding tuition restraint requirements described in section 248.

(d) Includes, as part of its required educator preparation coursework, pedagogical methods grounded in the science of reading. If an educator preparation program does not meet this standard, the program may maintain eligibility by providing to the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential a detailed public plan, in a form and manner determined by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, to comply with section 1531e of the revised school code, MCL 380.1531e, by not later than September 30, 2027.

Sec. 27j. (1) The student loan repayment assistance reserve fund is created as a separate account within the state school aid fund. to provide supplemental funding for the student loan repayment assistance program in section 27k.

(2) The state treasurer may receive money or other assets from any source for deposit into the student loan repayment assistance reserve fund. The state treasurer shall direct the investment of the student loan repayment assistance reserve fund. The state treasurer shall credit to the student loan repayment assistance reserve fund interest and earnings from student loan repayment assistance reserve fund investments.

(3) Money in the student loan repayment assistance reserve fund at the close of the fiscal year remains in the student loan repayment assistance reserve fund and does not lapse lapses to the state school aid fund.

(4) The department of treasury is the administrator of the student loan repayment assistance reserve fund for auditing purposes.

(5) Money available in the student loan repayment assistance reserve fund must not be expended without a specific appropriation.

(6) At the close of each fiscal year, unspent funds from state sources allocated in section 27k must be deposited into the student loan repayment assistance reserve fund created in this section.

Sec. 27l. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated $203,000,000.00 $150,000,000.00 for 2024-2025 only, and from the MPSERS obligation reform reserve fund money appropriated under section 11, there is allocated the remaining balance, estimated at $147,300,000.00 for 2024-2025 2026-2027 only to districts and intermediate districts for the purposes of this section. The state school aid fund allocation in this section is conditional on the effective issuance of a directive by the state budget director, pursuant to section 451a of the management and budget act, 1984 PA 431, MCL 18.451a, to lapse all remaining funding from a work project that was established under section 27k in 2023-2024. The amount allocated from the state school aid fund under this section may not exceed the amount lapsed from the work project as described in the immediately preceding sentence.

(2) The state school aid fund money allocated in subsection (1) is allocated to districts and intermediate districts in an equal amount per pupil. Subject to subsection (3), (2), a district or intermediate district shall use all of the funding allocated under this subsection to increase compensation for educators in the district or intermediate district.

(2) (3) If there are 1 or multiple labor unions representing educators in the district or intermediate district, the district or intermediate district shall bargain any increases in compensation under subsection (2) (1) with those unions. All payments to educators made by districts or intermediate districts with funds allocated under subsection (2) (1) shall be in addition to any existing compensation negotiated in a collective bargaining agreement.

(4) The MPSERS obligation reform reserve fund money allocated in subsection (1) is allocated for payments to participating entities to offset normal costs associated with retiree health benefits. The amount allocated to each participating entity under this subsection must be based on the participating entity's proportion of the total funding distributed in 2024-2025 under section 147g. Participating entities must use funding distributed under this subsection as an offset for normal costs associated with retiree health benefits.

(3) (5) Notwithstanding section 17b, the department shall make payments under this section on a schedule determined by the department.

(6) The funds allocated under this section for 2024-2025 are a work project appropriation, and any unexpended funds for 2024-2025 are carried forward into 2025-2026. The purpose of the work project is to increase compensation for educators and offset normal costs associated with retiree health care benefits. The estimated completion date of the work project is September 30, 2026.

(4) The funds appropriated under this section for payments to educators are intended as 1-time bonus payments. Pursuant to section 3a(3) of the public school employees retirement act of 1979, 1980 PA 300, MCL 38.1303a, payments under this section are not considered compensation for retirement purposes and are not subject to member or employer contribution requirements under the Michigan public school employees' retirement system (MPSERS).

(5) (7) As used in this section, :

(a) "Educator" includes, but is not limited to, teachers, librarians, speech therapists, language therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, school counselors, school social workers, school psychologists, school nurses, paraprofessionals aids, food service workers, custodians, bus drivers, and literacy coaches. Educator also includes any other school employee covered under a collective bargaining agreement.

(b) "Participating entity" means a district, intermediate district, district library, or community college that is a reporting unit of the Michigan public school employees' retirement system under the public school employees retirement act of 1979, 1980 PA 300, MCL 38.1301 to 38.1437, and that reports employees to the Michigan public school employees' retirement system for the applicable fiscal year.

Sec. 27m. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated under section 11, there is allocated for 2023-2024 only, $4,000,000.00 Subject to the provisions in this subsection, and in addition to the funds appropriated in section 11, from the state school aid fund, there is appropriated and allocated an amount not to exceed $2,900,000.00 to districts and intermediate districts to fund financial awards to eligible Michigan teachers who hold National Board Certification. The appropriation and allocation under this subsection is contingent on the effective issuance of a directive by the budget director, pursuant to section 451a of the management and budget act, 1984 PA 431, MCL 18.1451a, to lapse the remaining funding from a work project that was established under this section in 2023-2024. The amount allocated under this subsection may not exceed the amount lapsed from the work project referenced in the immediately preceding sentence.

(2) A district or intermediate district must apply in a form and manner determined by the department. Awards must be granted as $4,000.00 to all eligible teachers who hold National Board Certification, and an additional $6,000.00 for eligible teachers who hold National Board Certification and serve in Title I schools.

(3) To be eligible to receive an award, eligible teachers must meet the following, as applicable:

(a) Be employed in classroom teaching at least 50% of the teacher's full-time hours, as determined by the district or intermediate district.

(b) To receive an award under subsection (4), hold National Board Certification by January 1, 2024.

(4) Subject to subsection (6), and notwithstanding section 17b, awards under subsection (2) must be paid to the districts and intermediate districts by April 30, 2024.

(5) If the amount allocated under subsection (1) is insufficient to fully make payments to all eligible participants as required under subsection (1), the department shall prorate the amount paid to districts and intermediate districts to distribute to all eligible participants on an equal basis.

(3) (6) If funding remains after the awards under subsection (4) are granted, the The department shall grant additional awards under subsection (2) this section on a first-come, first-served basis. An eligible teacher may receive more than 1 award under subsection (2), but shall not receive more than 1 award in a single fiscal year.

(7) In addition to the funds allocated in subsection (1), an amount not to exceed $1,000,000.00 for 2023-2024 only from the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11 must be used for eligible teachers to cover National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification fees for first-time candidates in Title I schools.

(8) A district or intermediate district shall apply for funding under subsection (7) in a form and manner determined by the department. The department shall approve applications under subsection (7) on a first-come, first-served basis. Notwithstanding section 17b, awards under subsection (7) must be paid on a schedule determined by the department.

(4) (9) The funds allocated under this section for 2023-2024 2026-2027 are a work project appropriation, and any unexpended funds for 2023-2024 2026-2027 are carried forward into 2024-2025. 2027-2028. The purpose of the work project is to enable and encourage teachers to get National Board Certification. The estimated completion date of the work project is September 30, 2026.2031.

(5) The funds appropriated under this section are intended as 1-time bonus payments. Pursuant to section 3a(3) of the public school employees retirement act of 1979, 1980 PA 300, MCL 38.1303a, these payments are not considered compensation for retirement purposes and are not subject to member or employer contribution requirements under the Michigan public school employees' retirement system (MPSERS).

(6) (10) As used in this section, "eligible teacher" includes individuals who hold a valid or expired Michigan teaching certificate and are employed by the district or intermediate district as teachers, including those in teacher leadership roles as a peer assistance and review coach, mentor, or other teacher support provider if the position does not require a school administrator certificate.

Sec. 28. (1) To recognize differentiated instructional costs for different types of pupils as well as additional costs to provide essential services in 2025-2026, 2026-2027, the following sections provide a weighted foundation allocation or an additional payment of some type in the following amounts, as allocated under those sections:

(a) Section 22b, weighted foundation payment, $1,696,087,600.00.

(b) (a) Section 22d, isolated and rural districts, $12,873,100.00.$13,772,300.00.

(d) Section 31a, at risk, $1,293,655,000.00.

(d) (e) Section 32d, great start readiness program, $656,217,600.00.$794,667,600.00.

(f) Section 41, bilingual education for English language learners, $62,732,600.00.

(e) (g) Section 51c, special education, mandated percentages, $1,107,900,000.00.$1,140,700,000.00.

(f) (h) Section 54d, early on, $23,670,700.00.$25,120,700.00.

(g) (i) Section 61a, career and technical education, standard reimbursement, $41,733,800.00.$44,233,800.00.

(j) Section 61d, career and technical education incentives, $13,400,000.00.

(h) Section 61b, career and technical education, early middle college and career and technical education, $8,868,000.00.

(2) The funding described in subsection (1) is not a separate allocation of any funding but is instead a listing of funding allocated in the sections listed in subsection (1).

Sec. 30d. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $200,000,000.00 for 2025-2026, 2026-2027, and from the general fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $1,600,000.00 for 2025-2026 only 2026-2027 for the purpose of making payments to participating entities to provide free school lunch and breakfast to public school and nonpublic school pupils in grades pre-K to 12.

(2) To receive funding under this section, a participating entity must participate in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program and must do all of the following:

(a) Provide reimbursable breakfasts and reimbursable lunches at no cost to all students for any school breakfast program or school lunch program operated by the participating entity.

(b) Submit information regarding the number of reimbursable breakfasts and reimbursable lunches served in a manner prescribed by the department.

(c) Maximize federal reimbursement for reimbursable breakfasts and reimbursable lunches by operating under the CEP if the participating entity has an identified student percentage greater than or equal to the minimum requirement to be eligible to participate in the CEP. For purposes of this subdivision, all eligible participating entities must elect CEP on behalf of a single school, a group or groups of schools, or all schools in the participating entity, as applicable, in a manner that maximizes federal reimbursement.

(d) Meet all applicable state and federal standards in its school breakfast and lunch programs, as determined by the department.

(e) Take all efforts to maximize and implement policies that require parents or guardians to fill out relevant family income information, in a manner prescribed by the department, for the purposes of determining student eligibility for federal free or reduced cost meal reimbursement rates and CEP eligibility determinations.

(f) Forgive all school meal debt related to federally reimbursable meals, as determined by the department.

(3) Participating entities are encouraged to offer meals that meet students' dietary restrictions, including the provision of gluten-free meals, vegetarian meals, vegan meals, and, upon request, kosher meals, halal meals, and meals meeting any allergy restrictions as confirmed by a doctor's note. Participating entities are encouraged to purchase food from Michigan growers when possible and practical.

(4) For each eligible participating entity, the department shall pay an amount equal to the following:

(a) The amount equal to the federal rate per student paid per pupil per free breakfast and lunch under the Child Nutrition Act child nutrition act of 1966, 42 USC 21 1771 to 1793, and the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, national school lunch act, 42 USC 1751 to 1769j, multiplied by the number of breakfasts and lunches provided by the participating entity to students, less the federal revenue received by the participating entity under the school breakfast program and the school lunch program under the Child Nutrition Act child nutrition act of 1966, 42 USC 21 1771 to 1793, and the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, national school lunch act, 42 USC 1751 to 1769j, and other state lunch payments received under section 31d.

(b) The amount equal to the federal rate per student paid per pupil per free breakfast and lunch under the Child Nutrition Act child nutrition act of 1966, 42 USC 21 1771 to 1793, and the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, national school lunch act, 42 USC 1751 to 1769j, multiplied by the number of breakfasts and lunches provided by the participating entity, as applicable, to children participating in the Great Start Readiness Program under section 32d at the participating entity, less all other federal and state lunch payments made for those children. For purposes of this subdivision, compliance with 7 CFR 226.9 is required. The department shall assign rates of reimbursement pursuant to 7 CFR 226.9, at least annually, on the basis of family size and income information reported by each eligible participating entity. Assigned rates of reimbursement must be adjusted annually to reflect changes in the national average payment rates.

(5) Notwithstanding section 17b, the department may make payments under this section on a schedule determined by the department.

(6) As used in this section:

(a) "CEP" means the Community Eligibility Provision under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, national school lunch act, 42 USC 1751 to 1769j.

(b) "Participating entity" means a district, intermediate district, nonpublic school, or the Michigan Schools for the Deaf and Blind.

(7) In addition to the appropriations in section 11, if the amount allocated in subsection (1) is insufficient to fully reimburse districts for meals as required in this section, there is appropriated from the school meals reserve fund created in section 30e the amount necessary to fully fund these reimbursements.

Sec. 31a. (1) There is allocated for 2025-2026 an amount not to exceed $1,336,805,000.00 from the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11 and an amount not to exceed $1,500,000.00 from the general fund money appropriated in section 11 for payments to eligible districts and eligible public school academies for the purposes of ensuring that pupils are proficient in English language arts by the end of grade 3, that pupils are proficient in mathematics by the end of grade 8, that pupils are attending school regularly, that high school graduates are career and college ready, and for the purposes under subsections (7), (8), and (23).

(2) For a district or public school academy to be eligible to receive funding under this section, other than funding under subsection (7), (8), or (23), the district or public school academy, for grades K to 12, must comply with the requirements under section 1280f of the revised school code, MCL 380.1280f, and must use resources to address early literacy and numeracy, and for at least grades K to 12 or, if the district or public school academy does not operate all of grades K to 12, for all of the grades it operates, must implement a multi-tiered system of supports that is an evidence-based framework that uses data driven problem solving to integrate academic and behavioral instruction and that uses intervention delivered to all pupils in varying intensities based on pupil needs. The multi-tiered system of supports described in this subsection must provide at least all of the following essential components:

(a) Team-based leadership.

(b) A tiered delivery system.

(d) A comprehensive screening and assessment system.

(e) Continuous data-based decision making.

(3) From the state school aid fund money allocated under subsection (1), there is allocated for 2025-2026 an amount not to exceed $1,293,655,000.00 to continue a weighted foundation per pupil payment for districts and public school academies enrolling economically disadvantaged pupils. The department shall pay under this subsection to each eligible district or eligible public school academy an amount per pupil equal to a percentage calculated under subsection (4) multiplied by the target foundation allowance for the following, as applicable:

(a) Except as otherwise provided under subdivision (b), (c), or (d) the greater of the following:

(i) The number of membership pupils in the district or public school academy who are determined to be economically disadvantaged, as reported to the center in the form and manner prescribed by the center not later than the fifth Wednesday after the pupil membership count day of the immediately preceding fiscal year.

(ii) If the district or public school academy is in the community eligibility program, the number of pupils determined to be eligible based on the product of the identified student percentage multiplied by the total number of pupils in the district or public school academy, as reported to the center in the form and manner prescribed by the center not later than the fifth Wednesday after the pupil membership count day of the immediately preceding fiscal year. These calculations must be made at the building level. This subparagraph only applies to an eligible district or eligible public school academy for the fiscal year immediately following the first fiscal year in which it is in the community eligibility program. As used in this subparagraph, "identified student percentage" means the quotient of the number of pupils in an eligible district or eligible public school academy who are determined to be economically disadvantaged, as reported to the center in a form and manner prescribed by the center, not later than the fifth Wednesday after the pupil membership count day in the fiscal year preceding the first fiscal year in which the eligible district or eligible public school academy is in the community eligibility program, divided by the total number of pupils counted in an eligible district or eligible public school academy on the pupil membership count day in the fiscal year preceding the first fiscal year in which the eligible district or eligible public school academy is in the community eligibility program.

(b) If the district or public school academy began operations as a district or public school academy after the pupil membership count day of the immediately preceding school year, the number of membership pupils in the district or public school academy who are determined to be economically disadvantaged, as reported to the center in the form and manner prescribed by the center not later than the fifth Wednesday after the pupil membership count day of the current fiscal year.

(c) If the district or public school academy began operations as a district or public school academy after the pupil membership count day of the current fiscal year, the number of membership pupils in the district or public school academy who are determined to be economically disadvantaged, as reported to the center in the form and manner prescribed by the center not later than the fifth Wednesday after the supplemental count day of the current fiscal year.

(d) If, for a particular fiscal year, the number of membership pupils in a district or public school academy who are determined under subdivision (a) to be economically disadvantaged or to be eligible based on the identified student percentage varies by more than 20 percentage points from the number of those pupils in the district or public school academy as calculated under subdivision (a) for the immediately preceding fiscal year caused by an egregious reporting error by the district or public school academy, the department may choose to have the calculations under subdivision (a) instead be made using the number of membership pupils in the district or public school academy who are determined to be economically disadvantaged, as reported to the center in the form and manner prescribed by the center not later than the fifth Wednesday after the supplemental count day of the immediately preceding fiscal year.

(4) Each district or public school academy must be assigned an opportunity index score each fiscal year, the value of which is the quotient of the number of economically disadvantaged pupils as determined under subsection (3) for the district or public school academy and the total number of pupils in the district or public school academy in the immediately preceding fiscal year, multiplied by 100 and rounded up to the nearest whole number. Each district or public school academy must be assigned an opportunity index band as follows:

(a) A district or public school academy with an opportunity index score greater than or equal to 0 but less than 20 must be assigned to band 1 and shall receive reimbursement under subsection (3) at a rate of at least 35.0% and less than 36.0%. The reimbursement rate under this subdivision must be an amount equal to the district's opportunity index score minus 1, multiplied by the band adjustment factor applicable to this subdivision, plus 35.0%.

(b) A district or public school academy with an opportunity index score greater than or equal to 20 but less than 44 must be assigned to band 2 and shall receive reimbursement under subsection (3) at a rate of at least 36.0% and less than 37.5%. The reimbursement rate under this subdivision must be an amount equal to the district's opportunity index score minus 20, multiplied by the band adjustment factor applicable to this subdivision, plus 36.0%.

(c) A district or public school academy with an opportunity index score greater than or equal to 44 but less than 59 must be assigned to band 3 and shall receive reimbursement under subsection (3) at a rate of at least 37.5% and less than 39.0%. The reimbursement rate under this subdivision must be an amount equal to the district's opportunity index score minus 44, multiplied by the band adjustment factor applicable to this subdivision, plus 37.5%.

(d) A district or public school academy with an opportunity index score greater than or equal to 59 but less than 73 must be assigned to band 4 and shall receive reimbursement under subsection (3) at a rate of at least 39.0% and less than 42.0%. The reimbursement rate under this subdivision must be an amount equal to the district's opportunity index score minus 59, multiplied by the band adjustment factor applicable to this subdivision, plus 39.0%.

(e) A district or public school academy with an opportunity index score greater than or equal to 73 but less than 85 must be assigned to band 5 and shall receive reimbursement under subsection (3) at a rate of at least 42.0% and less than 47.0%. The reimbursement rate under this subdivision must be an amount equal to the district's opportunity index score minus 73, multiplied by the band adjustment factor applicable to this subdivision, plus 42.0%.

(f) A district or public school academy with an opportunity index score greater than or equal to 85 must be assigned to band 6 and shall receive reimbursement under subsection (3) at a rate of 47.0%.

(g) As used in this subsection, "band adjustment factor" means an amount equal to the difference between the lowest and highest reimbursement bounds for each band, divided by the number of possible opportunity index scores in that band.

(5) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a district or public school academy receiving funding under this section shall use that money only to provide instructional programs and direct noninstructional services, including, but not limited to, medical, mental health, or counseling services, for at-risk pupils; for school health clinics; and for the purposes of subsection (6), (7), (8), or (23). In addition, a district that is a school district of the first class or a district or public school academy in which at least 50% of the pupils in membership were determined to be economically disadvantaged in the immediately preceding state fiscal year, as determined and reported as described in subsection (3), may use the funds it receives under this section for school security or school parent liaison personnel. The uses of the funds described in the immediately preceding sentence must align to the needs assessment and the multi-tiered system of supports model and, for funds spent on parent liaison personnel, must connect parents to the school community. A district or public school academy shall not use any of the money received under this section for administrative costs. The instruction or direct noninstructional services provided under this section may be conducted before or after regular school hours or by adding extra school days to the school year.

(6) A district or public school academy that receives funds under this section and that operates a school breakfast program under section 1272a of the revised school code, MCL 380.1272a, shall use from the funds received under this section an amount, not to exceed $10.00 per pupil for whom the district or public school academy receives funds under this section, necessary to pay for costs associated with the operation of the school breakfast program.

(1) (7) From the state school aid fund money allocated under subsection (1), appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2025-2026 2026-2027 an amount not to exceed $33,000,000.00, to support primary health care services provided to children and adolescents up to age 21. These funds must be expended in a form and manner determined jointly by the department and the department of health and human services. When making funding decisions for new adolescent health centers under this subsection, the department and department of health and human services shall prioritize support for primary health care services in unserved and underserved counties as determined by the department of health and human services. An amount equal to 4% of the funds allocated under this subsection must be made available for technical support and coordination services from a nonprofit organization exclusively dedicated to serving adolescent health centers in this state and that has a membership that includes federally qualified health centers, local public health departments, hospital systems, and public school districts. As a requirement of being awarded the funds under this subsection as prescribed under this subsection, a nonprofit organization described in this subsection shall make readily available technical support and coordination services to all child and adolescent health centers in this state.

(2) (8) From the state school aid fund money allocated under subsection (1), appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2025-2026 2026-2027 an amount not to exceed $10,150,000.00 for the state portion of the hearing and vision screenings as described in part 93 of the public health code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.9301 to 333.9329, and, from the general state school aid fund money allocated under subsection (1), appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2025-2026 2026-2027 an amount not to exceed $1,500,000.00 for the state portion of the dental screenings as described in part 93 of the public health code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.9301 to 333.9329. A local public health department shall pay at least 50% of the total cost of the screenings. The frequency of the vision screenings must be as required under R 325.13091 to R 325.13096 of the Michigan Administrative Code and the frequency of the hearing screenings must be as required under R 325.3271 to R 325.3276 of the Michigan Administrative Code. Funds must be awarded in a form and manner approved jointly by the department and the department of health and human services.

(3) Notwithstanding section 17b, the department shall make payments to eligible entities under this subsection section on a schedule determined by the department.

(9) Each district or public school academy receiving funds under this section shall submit to the department by July 15 of each fiscal year a report, in the form and manner prescribed by the department, that includes a brief description of each program conducted or services performed by the district or public school academy using funds under this section, the amount of funds under this section allocated to each of those programs or services, the total number of at-risk pupils served by each of those programs or services, and the data necessary for the department and the department of health and human services to verify matching funds for the temporary assistance for needy families program. In prescribing the form and manner of the report, the department shall ensure that districts are allowed to expend funds received under this section on any activities that are permissible under this section. If a district or public school academy does not comply with this subsection, the department shall withhold an amount equal to the August payment due under this section until the district or public school academy complies with this subsection. If the district or public school academy does not comply with this subsection by the end of the fiscal year, the withheld funds are forfeited to the school aid fund.

(10) To receive funds under this section, a district or public school academy must allow access for the department or the department's designee to audit all records related to the program for which it receives those funds. The district or public school academy shall reimburse the state for all disallowances found in the audit.

(11) Subject to subsections (6), (7), (8), and (23), for schools in which more than 40% of pupils are identified as at-risk, a district or public school academy may use the funds it receives under this section to implement tier 1, evidence-based practices in schoolwide reforms that are guided by the district's comprehensive needs assessment and are included in the district improvement plan. Schoolwide reforms must include parent and community supports, activities, and services, that may include the pathways to potential program created by the department of health and human services or the communities in schools program. As used in this subsection, "tier 1, evidence-based practices" means research based instruction and classroom interventions that are available to all learners and effectively meet the needs of most pupils.

(12) A district or public school academy that receives funds under this section may use those funds to provide research based professional development and to implement a coaching model that supports the multi-tiered system of supports framework. Professional development may be provided to district and school leadership and teachers and must be aligned to professional learning standards; integrated into district, school building, and classroom practices; and solely related to the following:

(a) Implementing the multi-tiered system of supports required in subsection (2) with fidelity and utilizing the data from that system to inform curriculum and instruction.

(b) Implementing section 1280f of the revised school code, MCL 380.1280f, as required under subsection (2), with fidelity.

(13) A district or public school academy that receives funds under subsection (3) may use funds received under subsection (3) for support staff providing services to at-risk pupils.

(14) A district or public school academy may use up to 60% of the funds it receives under this section for the following purposes:

(a) Up to 30% to reduce the teacher to pupil ratio in grades K to 3.

(b) Up to 30% to support retention and recruitment efforts that help reduce staff turnover and vacancies of instructional and support staff if the district or public school academy is assigned to opportunity index band 4, 5, or 6.

(15) Funds used as described in subsection (14) must align with the needs assessment and the multi-tiered system of supports model. A district or public school academy shall not use any of the money described in subsection (14) for administrative costs or to supplant existing funding, including, but not limited to, maintaining existing salaries or costs. A district or public school academy shall report its intent to use funds described in subsection (14) to the department by not later than November 1 of the current fiscal year.

(16) A district or public school academy determined to be eligible to use a portion of funds received under subsection (3) for the purposes described in subsection (14) retains the ability to use funding for the purposes described in subsection (14) for the fiscal year in which eligibility was determined plus 2 additional fiscal years beyond that fiscal year.

(17) Beginning with the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and each year thereafter, for a district receiving funding under this section through the opportunity index formula, the district must provide a report to parents or legal guardians that details the amount of funding received under that allocation, how the district distributed that funding in a way to target buildings with the highest needs, and what evidence-based interventions were implemented with those dollars. The report must include a method, including contact information, for parents or legal guardians to provide feedback on the use of these dollars as well as to seek more information about services and interventions available for their children.

(18) A district or public school academy that receives funds under this section may use up to 10% of the funds received under this section to provide evidence-based instruction for pre-kindergarten instructional and noninstructional services to at-risk pupils.

(19) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, if necessary, the department shall prorate payments under this section, except payments under subsection (7), (8), or (23), by reducing the amount of the allocation as otherwise calculated under this section by an equal percentage per district. Subject to the availability of funds, if proration is necessary under this subsection, the department must ensure that no district receives an amount less than 11.5% of the target foundation for each economically disadvantaged pupil enrolled in the district.

(20) If a district is dissolved pursuant to section 12 of the revised school code, MCL 380.12, the intermediate district to which the dissolved district was constituent shall determine the estimated number of pupils that are economically disadvantaged and that are enrolled in each of the other districts within the intermediate district and provide that estimate to the department for the purposes of distributing funds under this section within 60 days after the district is declared dissolved.

(21) A district or public school academy that receives funds under this section may use funds received under this section to provide an anti-bullying or crisis intervention program.

(22) The department shall collaborate with the department of health and human services to prioritize assigning Pathways to Potential success coaches to elementary schools that have a high percentage of pupils in grades K to 3 who are not proficient in English language arts, based upon state assessments for pupils in those grades.

(23) From the state school aid fund money appropriated under section 11, there is allocated for 2023-2024 only an amount not to exceed $10,000,000.00 for an electronic patient data and health care analytic system to be made available to each child and adolescent health center program. The department of health and human services shall collaborate on system implementation with a nonprofit organization exclusively dedicated to serving child and adolescent health center programs in this state and that has a membership that includes federally qualified health centers, local public health departments, hospital systems, and public school districts, including, but not limited to, technology assessment, design, coordination, and system implementation with child and adolescent health center programs. Funds appropriated under this subsection are a work project appropriation and any unexpended funds for 2023-2024 are carried forward into 2024-2025. The purpose of the work project is to continue to implement an electronic patient data and health care analytic system. The estimated completion date of the work project is September 30, 2028.

(24) As used in this section:

(a) "At-risk pupil" means a pupil in grades pre-K to 12 for whom the district has documentation that the pupil meets any of the following criteria:

(i) The pupil is economically disadvantaged.

(ii) The pupil is an English language learner.

(iii) The pupil is chronically absent as defined by and reported to the center.

(iv) The pupil is a victim of child abuse or neglect.

(v) The pupil is a pregnant teenager or teenage parent.

(vi) The pupil has a family history of school failure, incarceration, or substance abuse.

(vii) The pupil is an immigrant who has immigrated within the immediately preceding 3 years.

(viii) The pupil did not complete high school in 4 years and is still continuing in school as identified in the Michigan cohort graduation and dropout report.

(ix) For pupils for whom the results of the state summative assessment have been received, is a pupil who did not achieve proficiency on the English language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies content area assessment.

(x) Is a pupil who is at risk of not meeting the district's or public school academy's core academic curricular objectives in English language arts or mathematics, as demonstrated on local assessments.

(b) "Economically disadvantaged" means a pupil who has been determined eligible for free or reduced-price meals as determined under the Richard B. Russell national school lunch act, 42 USC 1751 to 1769j; who is in a household receiving supplemental nutrition assistance program or temporary assistance for needy families assistance; or who is homeless, migrant, or in foster care, as reported to the center.

(c) "English language learner" means limited English proficient pupils who speak a language other than English as their primary language and have difficulty speaking, reading, writing, or understanding English as reported to the center.

Sec. 31c. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2025-2026 2026-2027 only an amount not to exceed $65,000,000.00 $50,000,000.00 for grants to eligible districts for pilot programs to maintain or establish small classes in grades K to 3 in eligible school buildings in the district.

(2) To be eligible for a grant under subsection (1), a district must have at least 1 eligible school building and must apply to the department in the form and manner prescribed by the department. A district shall include in its application a projected budget for maintaining or establishing small classes in grades K to 3 and shall demonstrate in the projected budget that at least 30% 10% of the funds received by the district under section 31a 22b(4) will be used to support small classes under this section.

(3) For a school building to be considered an eligible school building under subsection (2), the school building must meet all of the following requirements:

(a) Operate at least 1 of grades K to 3.

(b) Be operated by a district that operates all of grades K to 12 and that receives funds under section 31a.22b.

(c) Be located in a district that is in an opportunity index band, as described in section 31a, determined under section 6(21), of 4 or higher.

(4) Not more than 25% of the total allocation under this section may be paid to any single district. The department shall make allocations under this section to districts that are geographically diverse, including urban, suburban, and rural districts. Grants issued under this section must be awarded to at least the following districts:

(a) Muskegon Heights Public School Academy System.

(b) Benton Harbor Area Schools.

(d) Wayne-Westland Community School District.

(5) A district that receives funds under this section shall use the funds to maintain or establish small classes in grades K to 3 in school buildings of the district for which funds are received under this section. The average class size must be not more than 17 pupils per class, with not more than 19 pupils in any particular class. A district that receives funds under this section shall use at least 30% 10% of the funds the district receives for 2025-2026 2026-2027 under section 31a 22b(4) for the purposes of this section.

(6) Funding to districts under this section for 2025-2026 2026-2027 is intended to be for the first of 2 years of funding.

(7) The funds allocated in this section for 2026-2027 are a work project appropriation, and any unexpended funds for 2025-2026 2026-2027 are carried forward into 2026-2027. 2027-2028. The purpose of the work project is to lower class sizes in grades K to 3. The estimated completion date of the work project is September 30, 2030.2031.

(8) Notwithstanding section 17b, the department shall make payments under this section on a schedule determined by the department.

Sec. 31d. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $29,553,400.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 for the purpose of making payments to districts and other eligible entities under this section.

(2) The amounts allocated from state sources under this section are used to pay the amount necessary to reimburse districts for 6.0127% of the necessary costs of the state mandated portion of lunch programs provided by those districts. The department shall calculate the amount due to each district under this section using the methods of calculation adopted by the Michigan supreme court in the consolidated cases known as Durant v State of Michigan, 456 Mich 175 (1997).

(3) The payments made under this section include all state payments made to districts so that each district receives at least 6.0127% of the necessary costs of operating the state mandated portion of the lunch program in a fiscal year.

(4) The payments made under this section to districts and other eligible entities that are not required under section 1272a of the revised school code, MCL 380.1272a, to provide a lunch program must be in an amount not to exceed $10.00 per eligible pupil plus 5 cents for each free lunch and 2 cents for each reduced price lunch provided, as determined by the department.

(5) From the federal funds appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2025-2026 2026-2027 all available federal funding, estimated at $901,400,000.00 for child nutrition programs and, for 2025-2026, 2026-2027, all available federal funding, estimated at $22,000,000.00, for food distribution programs.

(6) Notwithstanding section 17b, the department shall make payments to eligible entities other than districts under this section on a schedule determined by the department.

(7) In purchasing food for a lunch program funded under this section, a district or other eligible entity shall give preference to food that is grown or produced by Michigan businesses if it is competitively priced and of comparable quality.

(8) In addition to the appropriations in section 11, if the amount allocated in subsection (1) is insufficient to fully reimburse districts for meals as required under this section, there is appropriated from the school meals reserve fund created under section 30e the amount necessary to fully fund these reimbursements.

Sec. 31f. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $16,900,000.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 for the purpose of making payments to districts to reimburse for the cost of providing breakfast.

(2) The funds allocated under this section for school breakfast programs are made available to all eligible applicant districts that meet all of the following criteria:

(a) The district participates in the federal school breakfast program and meets all standards as prescribed by 7 CFR parts 210, 220, 225, 226, and 245.

(b) Each breakfast eligible for payment meets the federal standards described in subdivision (a).

(3) The payment for a district under this section is at a per meal rate equal to the lesser of the district's actual cost or 100% of the statewide average cost of a meal served, as determined and approved by the department, less federal reimbursement, participant payments, and state breakfast reimbursements received under section 30d. The department shall determine the statewide average cost using costs as reported in a manner approved by the department for the preceding school year.

(4) Notwithstanding section 17b, the department may make payments under this section pursuant to an agreement with the department.

(5) In purchasing food for a school breakfast program funded under this section, a district shall give preference to food that is grown or produced by Michigan businesses if it is competitively priced and of comparable quality.

(6) In addition to the appropriations in section 11, if the amount allocated in subsection (1) is insufficient to fully reimburse districts for meals as required under this section, there is appropriated from the school meals reserve fund created under section 30e the amount necessary to fully fund these reimbursements.

Sec. 31n. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2025-2026 2026-2027 for the purposes of this section an amount not to exceed $106,545,000.00 and from the general fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2025-2026 2026-2027 for the purposes of this section an amount not to exceed $1,300,000.00. The department and the department of health and human services shall continue a program to distribute this funding to add licensed behavioral health providers for general education pupils, and recipients of the funds under subsection (6) shall continue to seek federal Medicaid match funding for all eligible mental health and support services.

(2) The department and the department of health and human services shall maintain an advisory council for programs funded under this section and any other funding under this act to improve or maintain the mental health of students, pupils, except for programs funded under section 31a(7) and (8). 31a(1) and (2). The advisory council shall define goals for implementation of programs, and shall provide feedback on that implementation. At a minimum, the advisory council shall consist of representatives of state associations representing school health, school mental health, school counseling, education, health care, and other organizations, representatives from the department and the department of health and human services, and a representative from the school safety and mental health commission. The department and department of health and human services, working with the advisory council, shall determine an approach to increase capacity for mental health and support services in schools for general education pupils, and shall determine where that increase in capacity qualifies for federal Medicaid match funding.

(3) The advisory council shall develop a fiduciary agent checklist for intermediate districts to facilitate development of a plan to submit to the department and to the department of health and human services. The department and department of health and human services shall determine the requirements and format for intermediate districts to submit a plan for possible funding under subsection (6). The department shall make applications for funding for this program available to districts and intermediate districts by not later than December 1 of each fiscal year for which funds are allocated under this section and shall award the funding by not later than February 1 of each fiscal year for which funds are allocated under this section.

(4) The department of health and human services shall amend ensure that the state Medicaid plan continues to be written in a way sufficient to obtain appropriate Medicaid waivers as necessary for the purpose of generating to generate additional Medicaid match funding for school mental health and support services for general education pupils , and this expansion is called through the Caring for Students (C4S) expansion.

(5) From the state school aid fund money allocated under subsection (1), there is allocated for 2025-2026 2026-2027 an amount not to exceed $14,300,000.00 to be distributed to the network of child and adolescent health centers to place a licensed master's level behavioral health provider in schools that do not currently have services available to general education students. pupils. Child and adolescent health centers that are part of the network described in this subsection shall provide a commitment to maintain services and implement all available federal Medicaid match methodologies. The department of health and human services shall use all existing or additional federal Medicaid match opportunities to maximize funding allocated under this subsection. The department shall provide funds under this subsection to child and adolescent health centers that are part of the network described in this subsection in the same proportion that funding under section 31a(7) 31a(1) is provided to child and adolescent health centers that are part of the network described in this subsection and that are located and operating in those districts. A payment from funding allocated under this subsection must not be paid to an entity that is not part of the network described in this subsection.

(6) From the state school aid fund money allocated under subsection (1), there is allocated for 2025-2026 2026-2027 an amount not to exceed $87,245,000.00 to be distributed to intermediate districts for the provision of mental health and support services to general education students. pupils. Recipients of funds under this subsection shall continue to seek federal Medicaid match funding for all eligible mental health and support services. If a district or intermediate district is not able to procure the services of a licensed master's level behavioral health provider, the district or intermediate district shall notify the department and the department of health and human services and, if the department and department of health and human services verify that the district or intermediate district attempted to procure services from a master's level behavioral health provider and was not able to do so, then the district or intermediate district may instead procure services from a provider with less than a master's degree in behavioral health. To be able to use the exemption in the immediately preceding sentence, the district or intermediate district must submit evidence satisfactory to the department and department of health and human services demonstrating that the district or intermediate district took measures to procure the services of a licensed master's level behavioral health provider but was unable to do so, and the department and department of health and human services must be able to verify this evidence. From the first $56,173,600.00 of the funds allocated under this subsection, the department shall distribute up to $1,003,100.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 to each intermediate district that submits a plan approved by the department and the department of health and human services by February 1 of each fiscal year for which funds are allocated under this section. The department shall distribute the remaining $31,071,400.00 of the funds allocated under this subsection for 2025-2026 2026-2027 to intermediate districts that submit a plan approved by the department and the department of health and human services by February 1 of each fiscal year for which funds are allocated under this section on an equal per-pupil basis based on the combined total number of pupils in membership in the intermediate district and its constituent districts, including public school academies that are considered to be constituent districts under section 705(7) of the revised school code, MCL 380.705. The department and department of health and human services shall work cooperatively in providing oversight and assistance to intermediate districts and shall monitor the program upon implementation. An intermediate district shall use funds awarded under this subsection to provide funding to its constituent districts, including public school academies that are considered to be constituent districts under section 705(7) of the revised school code, MCL 380.705, for the provision of mental health and support services to general education students. pupils. In addition to the criteria identified under subsection (9), an intermediate district shall consider geography, cost, or other challenges when awarding funding to its constituent districts. Districts receiving funding under this subsection are encouraged to provide suicide prevention and awareness education and counseling.

(7) If funding awarded to an intermediate district remains after funds are provided by the intermediate district to its constituent districts, the intermediate district shall notify the department and department of health and human services and submit evidence satisfactory to the department and department of health and human services demonstrating how it would like to use funds for purposes other than hiring licensed behavioral health providers for general education pupils. With permission from the department and department of health and human services, the intermediate district may hire or contract for experts to provide mental health and support services to general education students pupils residing within the boundaries of the intermediate district, including, but not limited to, expanding, hiring, or contracting for staff and experts to provide those services directly or to increase access to those services through coordination with outside mental health agencies; the intermediate district may also contract with 1 or more other intermediate districts for coordination and the facilitation of activities related to providing mental health and support services to general education students pupils residing within the boundaries of the intermediate district; the intermediate district may also use the funds under this section to create or strengthen school-based behavioral health assessment teams that focus on providing age-appropriate interventions, identifying behaviors that suggest a pupil may be struggling with mental health challenges, providing treatment and support of the pupil, and using disciplinary interventions and the criminal justice system as methods of last resort; and the intermediate district may also use the funds under this section to provide evidence-based trainings that support student pupil mental health.

(8) If funding awarded to an intermediate district under this section remains unspent, or if the intermediate district submits an application requesting a lower allocation than the maximum amount permitted, the department, in conjunction with the intermediate district, may reallocate the funds to another intermediate district or other intermediate districts capable of expending the funds before the funding deadline in accordance with this section as if those funds were originally allocated to the intermediate district or intermediate districts to which the funds are being reallocated.

(9) A district requesting funds under this section from the intermediate district in which it is located shall submit an application for funding for the provision of mental health and support services to general education pupils. A district receiving funding from the application process described in this subsection shall provide services to nonpublic students pupils upon request. An intermediate district shall not discriminate against an application submitted by a public school academy simply on the basis of the applicant being a public school academy. The department shall approve grant applications based on the following criteria:

(a) The district's commitment to maintain mental health and support services delivered by licensed providers into future fiscal years.

(b) The district's commitment to work with its intermediate district to use funding it receives under this section that is spent by the district for general education pupils toward participation in federal Medicaid match methodologies. A district must provide a local match of at least 20% of the funding allocated to the district under section 31n.

(c) The district's commitment to adhere to any local funding requirements determined by the department and the department of health and human services.

(d) The extent of the district's existing partnerships with community health care providers or the ability of the district to establish such partnerships.

(e) The district's documentation of need, including gaps in current mental health and support services for the general education population.

(f) The district's submission of a formal plan of action identifying the number of schools and students pupils to be served.

(g) Whether the district will participate in ongoing trainings.

(h) Whether the district will submit an annual report to the state.

(i) Whether the district demonstrates a willingness to work with the state to establish program and service delivery benchmarks.

(j) Whether the district has developed a school safety plan or is in the process of developing a school safety plan.

(k) Any other requirements determined by the department or the department of health and human services.

(10) Funding under this section, including any federal Medicaid funds that are generated, must not be used to supplant existing services.

(11) Both of the following are allocated to the department of health and human services from the general fund money allocated under subsection (1):

(a) For 2025-2026, 2026-2027, an amount not to exceed $1,000,000.00 for the purpose of upgrading technology and systems infrastructure and other administrative requirements to support the programs funded under this section.

(b) For 2025-2026, 2026-2027, an amount not to exceed $300,000.00 for the purpose of administering the programs under this section and working on generating additional Medicaid funds as a result of programs funded under this section.

(12) From the state school aid fund money allocated under subsection (1), there is allocated for 2025-2026 2026-2027 an amount not to exceed $5,000,000.00 to intermediate districts on an equal per intermediate district basis for the purpose of administering programs funded under this section. Recipients of the funds under this subsection shall continue to seek federal Medicaid match funding for all eligible mental health and support services and participate in all learning collaboratives about C4S required by the department and department of health and human services.

(13) The department and the department of health and human services shall work with the advisory council to develop proposed measurements of outcomes and performance. Those measurements must include, at a minimum, the number of pupils served, the number of schools served, and where those pupils and schools were located. The department and the department of health and human services shall compile data necessary to measure outcomes and performance, and districts and intermediate districts receiving funding under this section shall provide data requested by the department and department of health and human services for the measurement of outcomes and performance. The department and department of health and human services shall provide an annual report by not later than December 1 of each year to the house and senate appropriations subcommittees on school aid and health and human services, to the house and senate fiscal agencies, and to the state budget director. At a minimum, the report must include measurements of outcomes and performance, proposals to increase efficacy and usefulness, proposals to increase performance, and proposals to expand coverage.

(14) A district or intermediate district that receives funding directly or indirectly under this section may carry over any unexpended funds received under this section for up to 2 fiscal years beyond the fiscal year in which the funds were received.

(15) As used in this section, "general education pupil" includes children served under sections 32d and 32t.

Sec. 31aa. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated $300,000,000.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 only, and from the general fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated $21,000,000.00 for 2025-2026 only, to support school safety and mental health.

(2) From the state school aid fund money allocated in subsection (1), an amount not to exceed $200,000,000.00, and from the general fund money allocated in subsection (1), an amount not to exceed $14,000,000.00 $255,000,000.00 may be used to provide payments to districts, intermediate districts, nonpublic schools, and the Michigan Schools for the Deaf and Blind that opt in and agree to receive funding under this subsection, for activities to improve student mental health and improve student safety. The allowable expenditures of funds under this subsection are as follows:

(a) Hiring or contracting for support staff for student mental health needs, including, but not limited to, school psychologists, social workers, counselors, and school nurses.

(b) Purchasing and implementing mental health screening tools.

(c) Purchasing a statewide, integrated technology platform that streamlines behavioral health documentation and care coordination.

(d) Providing school-based mental health personnel access to consultation with behavioral health clinicians to respond to complex student mental health needs.

(e) Purchasing and implementing an online behavioral health tool moderated and led by licensed behavioral health professionals.

(f) Hiring or contracting a behavioral health coordinator.

(g) Evidence-based trainings to support mental health.

(h) Costs associated with collaboration between school employees, families, and community partners to address the academic, behavioral, and social needs of all students through collaborative partnerships, resource coordination, data collection, and data sharing.

(i) Costs associated with conducting a systematic school mental health needs assessment and resource mapping that identifies programmatic and systemic needs and helps staff determine priorities and create action plans.

(j) Coordination with local law enforcement.

(k) Training for school staff on threat assessment.

(l) Training for school staff and students on threat response.

(m) Training for school staff on crisis communication.

(n) Safety infrastructure, including, but not limited to, cameras, door blocks, hardened vestibules, window screening, and technology necessary to operate buzzer systems. This may also include firearm detection software that integrates to existing security cameras to detect and alert school personnel and first responders to visible firearms on school property.

(o) Age-appropriate training for students and families on responsible firearm ownership, including safe handling and safe storage of firearms.

(p) School resource officers and safety dogs. School resource officers hired under this subsection must be properly licensed and in good standing with the Michigan commission on law enforcement standards, and must be in compliance with all applicable laws.

(q) Student Safety Management System, the information technology platform and related services to improve student safety by mitigating cyberbullying, school violence, human trafficking, and self-harm that supports students from grades K to 12.

(r) A secure platform, administered by the department of state police, for school officials, emergency responders, and emergency management coordinators to house all school safety-related items, including, but not limited to, EOP templates, EOP guidance, reference documents, and security assessments. The platform should use existing password-protected access control methods schools currently utilize and, to the extent possible, be capable of integrating with existing platforms or technologies used by districts for school safety. Through permissions-based access control, the platform should be able to relay information clearly and in real time to each person or entity necessary to provide a unified response to a safety incident, or to take appropriate action in response to an anticipated disruption to the normal functions of the surrounding community.

(s) Emergency infrastructure needs to respond to an immediate threat to the health or safety of students and staff in the district, intermediate district, nonpublic school, or the Michigan Schools for the Deaf and Blind. A district, intermediate district, nonpublic school, or the Michigan Schools for the Deaf and Blind shall not expend funds for this purpose without first obtaining approval from the department. In making a determination of approval, the department shall, at a minimum, assess whether the district, intermediate district, nonpublic school, or the Michigan Schools for the Deaf and Blind is responding to an immediate threat to the health or safety of students and staff, and whether the district, intermediate district, nonpublic school, or the Michigan Schools for the Deaf and Blind has other sources of funding that should be utilized first.

(t) A contract with a vendor for a comprehensive safety and security assessment or a comprehensive safety and security event assessment in schools operated by the district, intermediate district, nonpublic school, or the Michigan Schools for the Deaf and Blind.

(u) An emergency response system.

(v) Implementing cell phone free school policies. As used in this subdivision, "cell phone free school policy" means a policy that prohibits students from accessing or using a personal communication device capable of telecommunication or digital communication during instructional time, as determined by the school.

(3) By not later than December 31 of each fiscal year, from the state school aid fund money allocated in subsection (1), the department shall make payments to districts, intermediate districts, and the Michigan Schools for the Deaf and Blind that opt in and agree to receive funding in an equal amount per pupil based on the total number of pupils in membership in each district, intermediate district, and the Michigan Schools for the Deaf and Blind that opts in and agrees to receive funding. By December 31 of each fiscal year, from the general fund money allocated in subsection (2), the department shall make payments to nonpublic schools that opt in and agree to receive funding in an equal amount per pupil based on the total number of pupils in membership in each nonpublic school that opts in and agrees to receive funding, using pupil counts determined by the department. The department shall ensure that the amount per pupil paid to nonpublic schools does not exceed the amount per pupil paid to districts and intermediate districts. Districts, intermediate districts, and the Michigan Schools for the Deaf and Blind , and nonpublic schools may opt in and agree to receive funding in a form and manner determined by the department.

(4) From the state school aid fund money allocated in subsection (1), there is allocated an amount not to exceed $50,000,000.00, and from the general fund money allocated in subsection (1), there is allocated an amount not to exceed $3,500,000.00 for competitive grants to districts, intermediate districts, and nonpublic schools for school resource officers and safety dogs. To receive funding under this subsection, a district, intermediate district, or nonpublic school must apply for funding to the department in a form and manner prescribed by the department. The department shall prioritize applicants who include a spending plan to sustain salaries after grant funding has concluded. Recipients of funding under this subsection shall ensure that any school resource officer hired with these funds has completed training by the Michigan commission on law enforcement standards.$20,000,000.00 for grants to districts to support the efforts of community violence intervention plans to reduce or prevent youth violence. Both of the following apply to grants described in this subsection:

(a) Districts must apply on a competitive basis for funding under this subsection in a form and manner determined by the department. The department shall coordinate with the office of community violence intervention in the department of health and human services to evaluate applications submitted under this subsection. Awards must be granted based on competitive criteria determined by the department and the department of health and human services but must prioritize grants for local district plans that include comprehensive strategies with demonstrated external partnerships to support successful implementation.

(b) Districts may use funding received under this subsection to contract with nonprofits, community-based organizations, subject matter experts, or other governmental entities to implement a plan to reduce or prevent youth violence. A plan to reduce or prevent youth violence implemented under this subsection must use evidence-based practices, include mentorship and community engagement strategies, and may include, but is not limited to, increased academic, counseling, health, and wrap-around services to youth.

(5) From the state school aid fund money allocated in subsection (1), there is allocated an amount not to exceed $50,000,000.00 and from the general fund money allocated in subsection (1), there is allocated an amount not to exceed $3,500,000.00 for competitive grants to districts, intermediate districts, and nonpublic schools to hire or contract for support staff for student mental health needs, including, but not limited to, school psychologists, social workers, and counselors. To receive funding under this subsection, a district, intermediate district, or nonpublic school must apply for funding to the department in a form and manner prescribed by the department. The department shall prioritize applicants that include a spending plan to sustain salaries after grant funding has concluded. $25,000,000.00 to districts and intermediate districts that opt in and agree to receive funding on an equal per-pupil basis. All of the following apply to funds received under this subsection:

(a) Districts and intermediate districts that receive funds under this subsection must implement a behavior warning system described in this subdivision. The department shall select a vendor to provide districts and intermediate districts with a computer-based behavior warning system that meets all of the following requirements:

(i) Provides a common way of identifying and collecting early behaviors that could require intervention to prevent abuse, self-harm, or violence in schools. As used in this subparagraph, "early behaviors that require intervention to prevent abuse, self-harm, or violence in schools" includes, but is not limited to, any of the following behaviors:

(A) Changes in attendance.

(B) Changes in academic performance.

(D) Withdrawal.

(E) The beginning signs of self-harm.

(F) Problematic peer interaction.

(G) Discipline concerns that could result in any of the following outcomes:

(I) Specific interventions, including mental health or behavioral supports.

(II) Academic support.

(III) Parent or legal guardian conferences.

(IV) Discipline referrals.

(V) Other restorative practices.

(ii) Utilizes tools to inform any behavioral threat assessment and assessment teams.

(iii) Ensures that all information recorded in the computer-based system remains confidential, in accordance with 20 USC 1232g, commonly referred to as the family educational rights and privacy act of 1974, and state law.

(b) The vendor selected under subdivision (a) must provide school personnel with training to identify warning signs and how to use the computer-based system described in subdivision (a).

(c) Using funds allocated under this subsection, districts shall implement a technology tool capable of screening visitors against national sex offender registries in all states. The technology tool described in this subdivision must provide a badge to the visitor, and must store a picture of the visitor and a record of the visitor's campus destinations. A district shall request that a visitor provide identification before receiving a badge described in this subdivision. However, a district may accommodate a visitor without any form of identification in a way that aligns with district policy and prioritizes the protection of students, teachers, and staff. As used in this subdivision, "visitor" includes any contractor hired by the district.

(d) Using funds allocated under this subsection, districts must implement a mobile panic alert system capable of connecting disparate emergency services technologies to ensure real-time coordination between local and state law enforcement and first responder agencies. The system described in this subdivision must integrate with local public safety answering point infrastructure to transmit 9-1-1 calls and mobile activations.

(e) Districts and intermediate districts may use funds allocated under this subsection for activities and equipment that further promote cardiac emergency response plan preparedness, including, but not limited to, the purchase and maintenance of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), the purchase of CPR training kits or CPR training for faculty and staff, or the purchase of basic first aid training and educational material.

(6) Recipients of funding under this section must provide a final expense report to the department by July 1 of each fiscal year. If the department determines that the eligible recipient has misused the funds allocated under this section, the eligible recipient shall reimburse the department for the amount of state funding misused.

(7) The department shall use the information received under subsection (6) to compile a report that includes the number of recipients that have hired school resource officers using funds received under this section and any supporting information provided by the recipients. By not later than August 1 of each year, the department shall provide the report compiled under this subsection to the senate and house appropriations subcommittees on school aid, the senate and house fiscal agencies, the senate and house policy offices, the state budget office, and the Michigan commission on law enforcement standards.

(8) Districts receiving funds under this section must coordinate with intermediate districts to avoid duplication of services and to streamline delivery of services to students.

(9) To receive funding under this section, a district, an intermediate district, a nonpublic school, or the Michigan Schools for the Deaf and Blind must agree to be subject to a comprehensive investigation , must affirmatively agree to waive any privilege that may otherwise protect information from disclosure in the event of a mass casualty event, and must agree to comply with a comprehensive investigation. after a mass casualty event, as defined in subsection (11). All of the following apply to a comprehensive investigation described in this subsection:

(a) The comprehensive investigation will assess the circumstances surrounding the mass casualty event, including, but not limited to:

(i) Emergency response effectiveness.

(ii) Compliance with safety protocols.

(iii) Communication procedures.

(iv) Any factors contributing to the incident.

(b) The governor shall designate an appropriate person or investigative entity to conduct the comprehensive investigation. This person or investigative entity may include, but is not limited to, state law enforcement agencies, independent review boards, or specially appointed task forces. The person or designated investigative entity has the authority to do all of the following:

(i) Access relevant records and data from the district.

(ii) Interview witnesses and district personnel involved.

(iii) Issue findings and recommendations based on the investigation.

(c) The person or investigative entity designated in subdivision (b) shall prepare a detailed report of its findings and submit the report to the governor and relevant legislative committees within 90 days following the conclusion of the investigation. The report must include recommendations for preventing future incidents and improving school safety protocols.

(10) Funds allocated under subsection (4) for 2025-2026 2026-2027 are a work project appropriation, and any unexpended funds for 2025-2026 2026-2027 are carried forward into 2026-2027. 2027-2028. The purpose of the work project is to continue providing funding to support districts, intermediate districts, and nonpublic schools in having school resource officers. support the work of community violence intervention programs in districts and intermediate districts. The estimated completion date of the work project is September 30, 2029.2031.

(11) Funds allocated under subsection (5) for 2025-2026 are a work project appropriation, and any unexpended funds for 2025-2026 are carried forward into 2026-2027. The purpose of the work project is to continue providing funding to support districts, intermediate districts, and nonpublic schools in hiring staff to support student mental health. The estimated completion date of the work project is September 30, 2029.

(11) (12) As used in this section:

(a) "Mass casualty event" means any of the following that occur an incident of targeted violence that occurs on school grounds or at a school-sponsored event and that meets all of the following criteria:

(i) An incident resulting in significant injuries to not fewer than 3 individuals.The incident involves the use of a lethal weapon. As used in this subparagraph, "lethal weapon" means a firearm as defined in 18 USC 921, an explosive or incendiary device, or a weapon defined in section 222 of the Michigan penal code, 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.222.

(ii) An The incident resulting in fatalities.results in at least 1 fatality, or significant bodily injuries to not fewer than 2 individuals, excluding the perpetrator.

(iii) An The incident that exceeds the normal resources for emergency response available in the jurisdiction where the incident takes place.

(iv) An incident that results in a sudden and timely surge of injured individuals necessitating emergency services.

(b) "Safety dog" means a dog that is contracted by a law enforcement agency of this state, a local unit of government of this state, or a district or an intermediate district and that is trained for detection of firearms, explosives, narcotics, or vape substances.is the result of a deliberate and malicious act and is not a motor vehicle accident.

(b) "Motor vehicle accident" means that term as defined in section 503 of the Michigan vehicle code, 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.503.

(c) "School grounds" means all properties owned or operated by the district, including transportation vehicles owned or operated by the district.

(d) "School-sponsored event" means any activity organized or sanctioned by the district.

(12) (13) Notwithstanding section 17b, the department shall make payments under this section on a schedule determined by the department.

Sec. 32d. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated to eligible intermediate districts and consortia of intermediate districts for great start readiness programs and other purposes described in this section an amount not to exceed $609,720,000.00 for 2024-2025 and $638,217,600.00 for 2025-2026. From the general fund money appropriated under section 11, there is allocated $600,000.00 for 2024-2025 and $350,000.00 for 2025-2026, $801,667,600.00 for 2026-2027, and from the great start readiness reserve fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated $18,000,000.00 for 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 2026-2027 for the purposes of this section. For 2024-2025, an intermediate district or consortium shall use funds allocated under this section for great start readiness programs to provide part-day programs, school-day programs, GSRP extended programs, GSRP/Head Start school-day blended programs, or GSRP/Head Start extended blended programs that are comprehensive, free, compensatory classroom programs designed to improve the readiness and subsequent achievement of children who meet the participant eligibility and prioritization guidelines as defined by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential. For 2025-2026, an An intermediate district or consortium shall use funds allocated under this section for eligible great start readiness program options. For a child to be eligible to participate in a program under this section, the child must be at least 4, but less than 5, years of age as of September 1 of the school year in which the program is offered and must meet those eligibility and prioritization guidelines. After eligible children who will be 4 years of age as of September 1 are enrolled, a child who is not 4 years of age as of September 1, but who will be 4 years of age by not later than December 1, is eligible to participate if both of the following are met:

(a) The child's parent or legal guardian seeks a waiver from the September 1 eligibility date by submitting a request for enrollment in a program to the responsible intermediate district.

(b) The child meets eligibility and prioritization guidelines.

(2) From the state school aid fund money allocated under subsection (1), an amount not to exceed $597,720,000.00 for 2024-2025 and $626,217,600.00 $764,667,600.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 is allocated to intermediate districts or consortia of intermediate districts based on the formula in section 39. An intermediate district or consortium of intermediate districts receiving funding under this section shall act as the fiduciary for the great start readiness programs. An intermediate district or consortium of intermediate districts receiving funding under this section may collaborate with local governments to identify children eligible for programs funded under this section and may contract with local governments to provide services. To be eligible to receive funds allocated under this subsection from an intermediate district or consortium of intermediate districts, a district, a consortium of districts, a local government, or a public or private for-profit or nonprofit legal entity or agency must comply with this section and section 39. For 2024-2025, if, due to the number of GSRP extended program or GSRP/Head Start extended blended program slots awarded, the amount allocated in this subsection is insufficient to award at least the same number of part-day program and school-day program slots as awarded in the immediately preceding fiscal year, there is appropriated from the great start readiness program reserve fund the amount necessary to fully award the same number of part-day program and full-day program slots as awarded in the immediately preceding fiscal year. For 2025-2026, if If the amount allocated in this subsection is insufficient to fully fund allocations calculated under section 39, there is appropriated from the great start readiness program reserve fund the amount necessary and available to fully fund those allocations.

(3) From the general state school aid fund money allocated under subsection (1), there is allocated an amount not to exceed $600,000.00 for 2024-2025 and an amount not to exceed $350,000.00 for 2025-2026 for (2), the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall award a competitive grant to a state public university to continue a longitudinal evaluation of children who have participated in great start readiness programs.

(4) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (5), to be eligible for funding under this section, a program must prepare children for success in school through comprehensive part-day programs, school-day programs, GSRP extended programs, GSRP/Head Start school-day blended programs, GSRP/Head Start extended blended programs, or other eligible great start readiness program options that contain all of the following program components, as determined by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential:

(a) Participation in a collaborative recruitment and enrollment process to ensure that each child is enrolled in the program most appropriate to the child's needs and to maximize the use of federal, state, and local funds. For 2025-2026, as part of this requirement, programs Programs receiving funding under this section must provide current enrollment data, including slots open for enrollment and slots filled, to the intermediate district or consortium of intermediate districts from which funding is received for that program. The enrollment process must ensure that children in families with lower income and children with other risk factors, as determined by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, are enrolled before children with lesser needs.

(b) An age-appropriate educational curriculum that is in compliance with the early childhood standards of quality for birth to kindergarten children adopted by the state board, including, at least, the Connect4Learning curriculum.

(d) Physical and dental health and developmental screening services for all program participants.

(e) Referral services for families of program participants to community social service agencies, including mental health services, as appropriate.

(f) Active and continuous involvement of the parents or guardians of the program participants.

(g) A plan to conduct and report annual great start readiness program evaluations and continuous improvement plans using criteria approved by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential.

(h) Participation in a school readiness advisory committee convened as a workgroup of the great start collaborative that provides for the involvement of classroom teachers, parents or guardians of program participants, and community, volunteer, and social service agencies and organizations, as appropriate. The advisory committee shall annually review and make recommendations regarding the program components listed in this subsection. The advisory committee also shall make recommendations to the great start collaborative regarding other community services designed to improve all children's school readiness.

(i) The ongoing articulation of the kindergarten and first grade programs offered by the program provider.

(j) Participation in this state's great start to quality process with a level of at least enhancing quality level.

(5) To help expand access to great start readiness programs, the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential may waive the requirements under subsections (4) and (8)(c) subsection (4) and a program may be eligible for funding under this section for new or expanding programs if the program demonstrates to the satisfaction of the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential that the program meets all of the following:

(a) Is a licensed group or child care center or is a licensed program.

(b) Provides the minimum instructional time as required by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential.

(c) Participates in this state's quality improvement system at a level determined by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential.

(d) Implements a professional educator preparation plan, as defined by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, for educators not meeting teacher credentialing standards described in subsection (8). or (9).

(e) Uses a developmentally appropriate curriculum, as determined by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential.

(f) Conducts a developmental screening and referral process, as determined by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential.

(g) Commits to participating in program financial review and monitoring, as determined by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential.

(h) Provides a plan to implement an approved great start readiness program curriculum and meet additional great start readiness program standards, as determined by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential.

(6) A waiver under subsection (5) may be granted for up to 3 years for requirements related to program credentialing and may be granted for up to 2 years for all other requirements, as determined by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential.

(7) The department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall provide a report to the house and senate appropriations subcommittees on school aid, the state budget director, and the house and senate fiscal agencies that summarizes the number and types of exemptions granted under subsection (5) and progress made by programs granted waivers under subsection (5) by September 30 of each fiscal year. It is the intent of the legislature to review the waiver allowability under subsection (5) before the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027.

(8) For applications submitted before September 30, 2025, an application for funding under this section must provide for the following, in a form and manner determined by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential:

(a) Ensure either of the following:

(i) That the applicant complies with all program components described in subsection (4).

(ii) That the applicant meets the requirements of a waiver under subsection (5).

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subdivision, ensure that children participating in an eligible great start readiness program for whom the intermediate district is receiving funds under this section are children who live with families with a household income that is equal to or less than 400% of the federal poverty guidelines. If the intermediate district determines that all eligible children are being served and that there are no children on the waiting list who live with families with a household income that is equal to or less than 400% of the federal poverty guidelines, the intermediate district may then enroll children who live with families with a household income that is greater than 400% of the federal poverty guidelines. The enrollment process must consider income and risk factors, such that children determined with higher need are enrolled before children with lesser need. For purposes of this subdivision, all age-eligible children served in foster care or who are experiencing homelessness or who have individualized education programs recommending placement in an inclusive preschool setting are considered to live with families with household income equal to or less than 400% of the federal poverty guidelines regardless of actual family income and are prioritized for enrollment within the lowest quintile. The department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall publish the household income thresholds under this subdivision in a clear manner on its website and the great start to quality website.

(c) Except as provided in subsection (5), ensure that the applicant only uses qualified personnel for this program, as follows:

(i) Teachers possessing proper training. A lead teacher must have a valid Michigan teaching certificate with an early childhood or lower elementary endorsement or a bachelor's or higher degree in child development or early childhood education with specialization in preschool teaching. However, except as otherwise provided in this subparagraph, if an applicant demonstrates to the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential that it is unable to fully comply with this subparagraph after making reasonable efforts to comply, teachers or paraprofessionals with at least 5 years of experience as a paraprofessional in a great start readiness program, Head Start, or licensed child care center classroom who have significant but incomplete training in early childhood education or child development may be used if the applicant provides to the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, and the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential approves, a plan for each teacher to come into compliance with the standards in this subparagraph. Individuals may qualify with at least 3 years of experience and significant training in early childhood education or child development, based on the recommendation of the intermediate district after a classroom observation. A teacher's compliance plan must be completed within 3 years of the date of employment. Progress toward completion of the compliance plan consists of at least 2 courses per calendar year.

(ii) Paraprofessionals possessing proper training in early childhood education, including an associate degree in early childhood education or child development or the equivalent, or a child development associate (CDA) credential. However, if an applicant demonstrates to the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential that it is unable to fully comply with this subparagraph after making reasonable efforts to comply, the applicant may use paraprofessionals who have completed at least 1 course that earns college credit in early childhood education or child development or enroll in a child development associate credential with at least 6 months of verified experience in early education and care, if the applicant provides to the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, and the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential approves, a plan for each paraprofessional to come into compliance with the standards in this subparagraph. A paraprofessional's compliance plan must be completed within 3 years of the date of employment. Progress toward completion of the compliance plan consists of at least 2 courses, 60 clock hours, or an equivalent of training per calendar year.

(d) Include a program budget that contains only those costs that are not reimbursed or reimbursable by federal funding, that are clearly and directly attributable to the great start readiness program, and that would not be incurred if the program were not being offered. Eligible costs include transportation costs. The program budget must indicate the extent to which these funds will supplement other federal, state, local, or private funds. An applicant shall not use funds received under this section to supplant any federal funds received by the applicant to serve children eligible for a federally funded preschool program that has the capacity to serve those children.

(8) (9) Beginning in 2025-2026, applications Applications for funding under this section must be submitted to the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential in a form and manner determined by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential. The application must demonstrate, at a minimum, compliance with program requirements described in subsection (4) or (5) and must ensure that recipients will only utilize qualified personnel, as determined by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, for eligible great start readiness program options.

(10) For a grant recipient that enrolls pupils in a school-day program or GSRP extended program funded under this section, each child enrolled in the school-day program or GSRP extended program is counted as described in section 39 for purposes of determining the amount of the grant award. This subsection does not apply after September 30, 2025.

(9) (11) For a grant recipient that enrolls pupils in an eligible great start readiness program option that blends GSRP and Head Start programming, the grant recipient shall ensure that all Head Start and GSRP policies and regulations are applied to the blended slots, with adherence to the highest standard from either program, to the extent allowable under federal law. A grant recipient may request a waiver from the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential to align GSRP policies and regulations with Head Start national standards for quality, including ratios, and the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential may approve the waiver. Not later than March 1 of each year, the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential will report to the legislature and post on a publicly available website a list by intermediate district or consortium with the number and type of each waiver requested and approved.

(10) (12) To help expand access to great start readiness programs, the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential may allow great start readiness programs to implement Head Start national performance standards for quality as an alternative to great start readiness program policies and regulations if the great start readiness program demonstrates to the satisfaction of the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential that the great start readiness program is meeting the requirements of the Head Start national performance standards.

(11) (13) Beginning in 2025-2026, an An intermediate district or consortia of intermediate districts receiving funding under this section must publish, on an easily accessible website, a data dashboard containing the number of allocations requested from the state, a list of programs offering great start readiness programs in their boundaries, and current enrollment data for each subrecipient, including total slots open for enrollment, slots filled, and waitlist information, if applicable. A link to this website must be provided to families on waitlists for any great start readiness program in their boundaries.

(12) (14) An intermediate district or consortium of intermediate districts receiving a grant under this section shall designate an early childhood coordinator, and may provide services directly or may contract with 1 or more districts or public or private for-profit or nonprofit providers that meet all requirements of subsection (4) , (8), or (9), or (8), as applicable.

(13) (15) An intermediate district or consortium of intermediate districts may retain for administrative services provided by the intermediate district or consortium of intermediate districts an amount not to exceed 4% of the grant amount. Expenses incurred by subrecipients engaged by the intermediate district or consortium of intermediate districts for directly running portions of the program are considered program costs or a contracted program fee for service. Subrecipients operating early childhood programs may include indirect costs, not to exceed the federal de minimis.

(14) (16) An intermediate district or consortium of intermediate districts may expend not more than 2% of the total grant amount for outreach, recruiting, and public awareness of the program, if the intermediate district or consortium of intermediate districts also participates in related statewide marketing and outreach efforts.

(17) Each grant recipient shall enroll children identified under subsection (8)(b) according to how far the child's household income is below 400% of the federal poverty guidelines by ranking each applicant child's household income from lowest to highest and dividing the applicant children into quintiles based on how far the child's household income is below 400% of the federal poverty guidelines, and then enrolling children in the quintile with the lowest household income before enrolling children in the quintile with the next lowest household income until slots are completely filled. If the grant recipient determines that all eligible children are being served and that there are no children on the waiting list who live with families with a household income that is equal to or less than 400% of the federal poverty guidelines, the grant recipient may then enroll children who live with families with a household income that is greater than 400% of the federal poverty guidelines. The enrollment process must consider income and risk factors, such that children determined with higher need are enrolled before children with lesser need. For purposes of this subsection, all age-eligible children served in foster care or who are experiencing homelessness or who have individualized education programs recommending placement in an inclusive preschool setting are considered to live with families with household income equal to or less than 400% of the federal poverty guidelines regardless of actual family income and are prioritized for enrollment within the lowest quintile. This subsection does not apply after September 30, 2025.

(15) (18) An intermediate district or consortium of intermediate districts receiving a grant under this section shall allow parents of eligible children who are residents of the intermediate district or within the consortium to choose a program operated by or contracted with another intermediate district or consortium of intermediate districts and shall enter into a written agreement regarding payment, in a manner prescribed by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential.

(16) (19) An intermediate district or consortium of intermediate districts receiving a grant under this section shall conduct a local process to contract with interested and eligible public and private for-profit and nonprofit community-based providers that meet all requirements of subsection (4) for at least 30% of its total allocation. For 2024-2025, for the purposes of this 30% allocation, an intermediate district or consortium of intermediate districts may count children served by a Head Start grantee or delegate in a GSRP/Head Start school-day blended program, GSRP/Head Start extended blended program, GSRP extended program, and great start readiness school-day program. Children served in a program funded only through only Head Start are not counted toward this 30% allocation. Beginning in 2025-2026, the The department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall provide guidance to intermediate districts and consortia of intermediate districts on counting children served by Head Start programming for the purposes of this 30% allocation. For 2024-2025, an intermediate district or consortium shall report to the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, in a manner prescribed by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, a detailed list of community-based providers by provider type, including private for-profit, private nonprofit, community college or university, Head Start grantee or delegate, and district or intermediate district, and the number and proportion of its total allocation allocated to each provider as subrecipient. Beginning in 2025-2026, an An intermediate district or consortium shall report to the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, in a manner prescribed by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, information necessary for the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential to determine the intermediate district's or consortium of intermediate districts' compliance with this subsection. If the intermediate district or consortium is not able to contract for at least 30% of its total allocation, the intermediate district or consortium shall notify the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential and, if the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential verifies that the intermediate district or consortium attempted to contract for at least 30% of its total allocation and was not able to do so, the intermediate district or consortium may retain and use all of its allocation as provided under this section. To be able to use this exemption, the intermediate district or consortium shall demonstrate to the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential that the intermediate district or consortium increased the percentage of its total allocation for which it contracts with a community-based provider and the intermediate district or consortium shall submit evidence satisfactory to the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, and the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential must be able to verify this evidence, demonstrating that the intermediate district or consortium took measures to contract for at least 30% of its total allocation as required under this subsection, including, but not limited to, at least all of the following measures:

(a) The intermediate district or consortium notified each nonparticipating licensed child care center located in the service area of the intermediate district or consortium regarding the center's eligibility to participate, in a manner prescribed by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential.

(b) The intermediate district or consortium provided to each nonparticipating licensed child care center located in the service area of the intermediate district or consortium information regarding great start readiness program requirements and a description of the application and selection process for community-based providers.

(c) The intermediate district or consortium provided to the public and to participating families a list of community-based great start readiness program subrecipients with a great start to quality level of at least enhancing quality level.

(17) (20) If an intermediate district or consortium of intermediate districts receiving a grant under this section fails to submit satisfactory evidence to demonstrate its effort to contract for at least 30% of its total allocation, as required under subsection (19), (16), the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential may reduce the allocation to the intermediate district or consortium by a percentage equal to the difference between the percentage of an intermediate district's or consortium's total allocation awarded to community-based providers and 30% of its total allocation.

(18) (21) To assist intermediate districts and consortia in complying with the requirement to contract with community-based providers, for at least 30% of their total allocation, the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall do all of the following:

(a) Ensure that a great start resource center or the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential provides each intermediate district or consortium receiving a grant under this section with the contact information for each licensed child care center located in the service area of the intermediate district or consortium by March 1 of each year.

(b) Provide, or ensure that an organization with which the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential contracts provides, a community-based provider with a validated great start to quality rating within 90 days of the provider's having submitted a request and self-assessment. This subdivision does not apply after September 30, 2025.

(b) (c) Ensure that all intermediate district, district, community college or university, Head Start grantee or delegate, private for-profit, and private nonprofit providers are subject to a single great start to quality continuous quality improvement system. The continuous quality improvement system must ensure that regulators process all prospective providers at the same pace on a first-come, first-served basis and must not allow 1 type of provider to receive a great start to quality level ahead of any other type of provider.

(c) (d) By not later than March 1 of each year, compile the results of the information reported by each intermediate district or consortium under subsection (19) (16) and report to the legislature and post on a publicly available website a list by intermediate district or consortium with the number and percentage of each intermediate district's or consortium's total allocation allocated to community-based providers by provider type, including private for-profit, private nonprofit, community college or university, Head Start grantee or delegate, and district or intermediate district.

(d) (e) Allow intermediate districts and consortia and eligible community-based providers to utilize materials and supplies purchased for great start readiness programs within their facilities for other early care and education activities, in the following order of priority:

(i) Early care and education activities under a federal award.

(ii) Early care and education activities under other state awards.

(iii) Early care and education activities under local or regional awards.

(19) (22) A recipient of funds under this section shall report to the center in a form and manner prescribed by the center the information necessary to derive the number of children participating in the program, the number of eligible children not participating in the program and on a waitlist, and the total number of children participating in the program by various demographic groups and eligibility factors necessary to analyze equitable and priority access to services for the purposes of subsection (3).

(20) (23) As used in this section:

(a) "Child care center" means that term as defined in section 1 of 1973 PA 116, MCL 722.111.

(b) "Eligible great start readiness program options" means a program option that operates on a school-day, part-day, or extended schedule length, as determined by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential. The department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential must maintain and publish on its website requirements for each eligible schedule length, including the minimum day length, the minimum number of days per week, and the minimum number of weeks per year. These programs may be blended with Head Start programs, if allowable by federal rules and regulations.

(c) "Federal poverty guidelines" means the guidelines published annually in the Federal Register by the United States Department of Health and Human Services under its authority to revise the poverty line under 42 USC 9902.

(d) "GSRP extended program" means a program that operates for at least the same length of day as a district's first grade program for a minimum of 5 days per week, 36 weeks per year.

(e) "GSRP/Head Start extended blended program" means a program funded under this section and a Head Start program that are combined for an extended program.

(f) "GSRP/Head Start school-day blended program" means a part-day program funded under this section and a Head Start program, which are combined for a school-day program.

(g) "Licensed child care center" means a child care center that has been issued a license under 1973 PA 116, MCL 722.111 to 722.128, to operate a child care center.

(h) "Part-day program" means a program that operates at least 4 days per week, 30 weeks per year, for at least 3 hours of teacher-child contact time per day but for fewer hours of teacher-child contact time per day than a school-day program.

(i) "School-day program" means a program that operates for at least the same length of day as a district's first grade program for a minimum of 4 days per week, 30 weeks per year. A classroom that offers a school-day program must enroll all children for the school day to be considered a school-day program.

(21) (24) From the state school aid fund money allocated in subsection (1), there is allocated for 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 2026-2027 an amount not to exceed $10,000,000.00 and, from the great start readiness program reserve fund money allocated in subsection (1), there is allocated for 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 2026-2027 an amount not to exceed $18,000,000.00 for reimbursement of transportation costs for children attending great start readiness programs funded under this section. To receive reimbursement under this subsection, by not later than November 1 of each year, a program funded under this section that provides transportation shall submit to the intermediate district that is the fiscal agent for the program a projected transportation budget. The amount of the reimbursement for transportation under this subsection is no more than the projected transportation budget or $500.00 multiplied by the number of children funded for the program under this section. If the amount allocated under this subsection is insufficient to fully reimburse the transportation costs for all programs that provide transportation and submit the required information, the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall prorate the reimbursement in an equal amount per child funded. The department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall make payments to the intermediate district that is the fiscal agent for each program, and the intermediate district shall then reimburse the program provider for transportation costs as prescribed under this subsection.

(22) (25) For 2024-2025, subject to, and from the funds allocated under, subsection (24), the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall reimburse a program for transportation costs related to parent- or guardian-accompanied transportation provided by transportation service companies, buses, or other public transportation services. Beginning in 2025-2026, subject Subject to, and from the funds allocated under, subsection (24), (21), the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall allow programs to utilize those funds for costs related to parent- or guardian-provided transportation and for costs related to parent- or guardian-accompanied transportation provided by transportation service companies, buses, or other public transportation services. For payments related to parent- or guardian-provided transportation, the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall develop parameters to ensure dollars are utilized in a way that improves access to eligible great start readiness program options for low-income and geographically isolated families. To be eligible for reimbursement under this subsection in 2024-2025, and to utilize funding under this subsection, in 2025-2026, a program must submit to the intermediate district or consortia of intermediate districts all of the following:

(a) The names of families provided with transportation support along with a documented reason for the need for transportation support and the type of transportation provided.

(b) Financial documentation of actual transportation costs incurred by the program, including, but not limited to, receipts and mileage reports, as determined by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential.

(c) Any other documentation or information determined necessary by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential.

(23) (26) The department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall implement a process to review and approve age-appropriate comprehensive classroom level quality assessments for GSRP grantees that support the early childhood standards of quality for birth to kindergarten children adopted by the state board. The department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall make available to intermediate districts at least 2 classroom level quality assessments that have been approved by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential.

(24) (27) An intermediate district that is a GSRP grantee may approve the use of a supplemental curriculum that aligns with and enhances the age-appropriate educational curriculum in the classroom. If the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential objects to the use of a supplemental curriculum approved by an intermediate district, the director of the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall establish a review committee independent of the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential. The review committee shall meet within 60 days of the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential registering its objection in writing and provide a final determination on the validity of the objection within 60 days of the review committee's first meeting.

(25) (28) The department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall implement a process to evaluate and approve age-appropriate educational curricula that are in compliance with the early childhood standards of quality for birth to kindergarten children adopted by the state board.

(26) (29) From the state school aid fund money allocated under subsection (1), there is allocated for 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 2026-2027 an amount not to exceed $2,000,000.00 for payments to intermediate districts or consortia of intermediate districts for professional development and training materials for educators in programs implementing new curricula or child assessment tools approved for use in the great start readiness program. Curricula and child assessment tools purchased with funds received under this subsection must be in compliance with early childhood standards of quality for birth to kindergarten children.

(27) (30) A great start readiness program, a GSRP extended program, a GSRP/Head Start school-day blended program, a GSRP/Head Start extended blended program, or other eligible great start readiness programs funded under this section are permitted to utilize AmeriCorps Pre-K Reading Corps members in classrooms implementing research-based early literacy intervention strategies.

(28) (31) In addition to the allocation From the state school aid fund money allocated under subsection (1), from the state school aid fund money appropriated under section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $25,000,000.00 for 2024-2025 and an amount not to exceed $10,000,000.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 only for classroom start up grants to intermediate districts and consortia of intermediate districts for new or expanding great start readiness classrooms. All of the following apply to funding allocated under this subsection:

(a) To receive funding under this subsection, intermediate districts and consortia of intermediate districts must apply for the funding in a form and manner prescribed by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential.

(b) The department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall pay an amount not to exceed $50,000.00 for each new or expanded classroom. If funding is insufficient to fully fund all eligible applicants, the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential must prorate the per-classroom amount on an equal basis. If the allocation is not fully paid in the current fiscal year, the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential may award any remaining funding from fiscal year 2024-2025 during fiscal year 2025-2026, and may award any remaining funding from fiscal year 2025-2026 during fiscal year 2026-2027 for each new or expanded classroom at an equal amount per classroom, based on remaining available funds, not to exceed $50,000.00 per classroom.

(c) Funds received under this subsection by intermediate districts and consortia of intermediate districts must be paid in full to the entity operating the classroom and may be used for 1 or more of the following purposes:

(i) Costs associated with attracting, recruiting, retaining, and licensing required classroom education personnel to staff new or expanded classrooms.

(ii) Supporting facility improvements or purchasing facility space or modular classroom units necessary to provide a safe, high-quality learning environment for children in each new or expanded classroom, and for costs to become a licensed facility such as architectural drawings, permits, and other prelicensure inspection fees.

(iii) Outreach material necessary for public awareness that the great start readiness program has openings in the area and for costs associated with enrolling eligible children in new or expanded classrooms.

(iv) Supporting costs in each new or expanded classroom associated with improving a provider's great start to quality level.

(d) Recipients of funds under this subsection must demonstrate that instructional staff have completed, or are in the process of completing, professional learning in the science of reading. Grant funds may be used to support this professional learning and are intended to ensure new classrooms are well equipped to implement evidence-based early literacy strategies.

(e) The funds allocated under this subsection for 2024-2025 are a work project appropriation, and any unexpended funds for 2024-2025 do not lapse to the state school aid fund and are carried forward into 2025-2026. The purpose of the work project is to continue support for new or expanded great start readiness classrooms. The estimated completion date of the work project is September 30, 2026.

(f) The funds allocated under this subsection for 2025-2026 are a work project appropriation, and any unexpended funds for 2025-2026 do not lapse to the state school aid fund and are carried forward into 2026-2027. The purpose of the work project is to continue support for new or expanded great start readiness classrooms. The estimated completion date of the work project is September 30, 2027.

(e) (g) Notwithstanding section 17b, the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall make payments under this subsection on a schedule determined by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential.

(32) In addition to the funds allocated in subsection (1), there is allocated from the general fund money appropriated under section 11 for 2024-2025 only an amount not to exceed $1,950,000.00 for an intermediate district or a consortium of intermediate districts to partner with the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential and community-based organizations to continue implementing statewide outreach and enrollment campaign activities to raise awareness about the availability of services through the great start readiness program, and to promote enrollment.

(33) The funds allocated under subsection (32) for 2024-2025 are a work project appropriation, and any unexpended funds for 2024-2025 are carried forward into 2025-2026. The purpose of the work project is to raise awareness of and participation in great start readiness programming. The estimated completion date of the work project is September 30, 2027.

(34) Notwithstanding section 17b, the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall make payments under subsection (32) on a schedule determined by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential.

Sec. 32n. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2024-2025 2026-2027 only an amount not to exceed $79,000,000.00, $50,000,000.00, and from the state school aid pupil support reserve fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2025-2026 only an amount not to exceed $75,000,000.00 and for 2026-2027 only an amount not to exceed $85,000,000.00 to Clinton County RESA to collaborate with the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, for the purposes of this section. It is the intent of the legislature that, for 2026-2027, the allocation from the state school aid pupil support reserve fund money appropriated in section 11 for the purposes described in this section will be $85,000,000.00. It is the intent of the legislature that, for 2027-2028, the allocation from the state school aid pupil support reserve fund money appropriated in section 11 for the purposes described in this section will be $100,000,000.00.

(2) From the state school aid fund money allocated in subsection (1), there is allocated for 2024-2025 2026-2027 only an amount not to exceed $57,000,000.00, $50,000,000.00, and from the state school aid pupil support reserve fund money allocated in subsection (1), there is allocated for 2025-2026 2026-2027 only an amount not to exceed $75,000,000.00 $85,000,000.00 for a grant program for eligible applicants to expand access to quality, affordable programming before and after the school day or during the summer for young people. The department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall establish competitive grant criteria for the program described in this subsection. To be eligible for a grant under this subsection, section, the applicant must meet, at a minimum, all of the following criteria:

(a) Serve children in any of grades K to 12.

(b) Be a community-based organization that is exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code, 26 USC 501, an institution of higher education, a public library, a local government, or an intermediate district.

(c) Provide before-school, after-school, before-and-after-school, or summer school programming to children described in subdivision (a). These programs must be used to support expanded learning opportunities, including, but not limited to, mentoring, leadership, community engagement, agriculture, visual and performing arts, literacy, science, technology, engineering, mathematics, health and wellness, recreation, financial literacy, physical fitness, career and college exploration, youth voice, 21st century skills, conflict resolution, and social engagement programming.

(d) Address not fewer than 3 measurable goals, including, but not limited to, improved school attendance, academic outcomes, improved attitudes toward school, improved positive behaviors, skill development and retention, higher education aspirations, and improved family engagement and include activities linked to research or quality practices.

(e) Be 1 of the following:

(i) A licensed child care organization.

(ii) An entity that has an active application to be a licensed child care organization.

(iii) An exempt entity.

(f) For entities meeting eligibility requirements under subdivision (e)(ii) and (iii), demonstrate in a form and manner determined by the department that all of the following are in place for staff working with youth:

(i) Background checks through the Central Registry Clearance and the Internet Criminal History Access Tool.

(ii) First aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training.

(iii) Health and Safety Training Courses for Child Care Providers, Modules A, B, and C.

(3) The department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall establish a competitive grant process for awarding funding under subsection (2). The department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall develop the form and manner for applying for the grants. The application must include a request for information on the applicant's outreach to children, youth, and families who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals under the Richard B. Russell national school lunch act, 42 USC 1751 to 1769j. The application must be open for not less than 30 calendar days. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, at At least 30 days before the application is opened, the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential must publish on its public website the criteria that will be used in evaluating the application that must include, but are not limited to, priorities under subsection (5). For 2025-2026 only, the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, is not required to publish the evaluation criteria at least 30 days before the application is opened.

(4) Subject to subsection (9), (8), in determining award amounts under subsection (2), the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall, to the extent practicable, ensure that eligible entities in all geographic regions of this state are represented in the distribution of grant funding under subsection (2).

(5) Subject to subsection (9), (8), the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall prioritize the distribution of grant funding under subsection (2) based on, at a minimum, the following:

(a) An applicant's demonstrated need.

(b) The percentage of low-income families in the geographic area being served. Prioritization must be determined by the average percentage of pupils in the district who are eligible for free and reduced-priced meals as determined under the Richard B. Russell national school lunch act, 42 USC 1751 to 1769j, where eligible entities will provide before-and-after-school or summer school programs.

(d) The applicant's track record for providing quality, affordable before-and-after-school or summer school services.

(e) Whether an applicant serving children in any of grades K to 8 is a licensed child care organization, is an entity that has an active application to be a licensed child care organization, or has implemented the Michigan Out-of-School Time Standards of Quality if the applicant is an exempt entity and, beginning in 2025-2026, serves at least 15 school-age youth at a single location in grades K to 12.

(6) Subject to subsection (7), an An eligible entity that receives grant funding under subsection (2) shall use the funding only to provide before-school, after-school, before-and-after-school, or summer school programming to children described in subsection (2)(a). The programming offered under subsection (2) must meet all of the following:

(a) For programming that is offered by a licensed child care organization, be provided to children and youth in a manner in which the children are physically present at the building or location for which the licensed child care organization received its license under 1973 PA 116, MCL 722.111 to 722.128, or, for programming that is offered by an exempt entity serving grades K to 12, be provided to children and youth in a manner in which the children and youth are physically present at a building or location designated by the exempt entity.

(b) Provide educational programming in core subject areas, including, but not limited to, mathematics, reading, and science.

(c) Provide data to evaluate the program in a form and manner as prescribed by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential.

(7) For 2024-2025 only, and subject to subsections (4) and (5), up to 2% of funding allocated under subsection (2) must be allocated to a nonprofit entity with experience serving youth-serving organizations to provide start-up grants and capacity building, professional development, and technical assistance for implementation of high-quality, evidence-based out-of-school time learning opportunities.

(7) (8) Beginning in 2025-2026, all All of the following apply to funding allocated under this section:

(a) An amount not to exceed 0.25% of the funding allocated under subsection (2) or $250,000.00, whichever is greater, may be retained by Clinton County RESA for administrative costs.

(b) An amount not to exceed $500,000.00 of the funding allocated under subsection (2) must be allocated by Clinton County RESA, as directed by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, and in collaboration with the center and the Michigan afterschool partnership as needed, to provide statewide evaluation activities of eligible youth served, their families, and programs funded under this section. This evaluation must allow for a comparative analysis between program youth and their peers in grades K to 12.

(c) An amount not to exceed 1.5% of the funding allocated under subsection (2) must be allocated by Clinton County RESA, as directed by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, and in collaboration with the Michigan afterschool partnership, to provide statewide out-of-school time activities and supports including, but not limited to, capacity building initiatives, professional development, and technical assistance to increase the likelihood for implementation of high quality, evidence-based, out-of-school time learning opportunities by eligible entities under subsections (4) and (5).

(8) (9) The department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall award not less than 60% of the funding under subsection (2) to community-based organizations.

(9) (10) Notwithstanding section 17b, the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall make payments under this section in full upon grant award. Grantees that do not comply with reporting requirements, fail to provide the services proposed in their grant application, or close during the grant period may be required to repay the funding they received under this section to the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential.

(10) (11) The department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, in collaboration with the Michigan Afterschool Partnership, shall convene an advisory committee to review the program components listed within this section and make recommendations to the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential for changes on the program described in this section. The advisory committee shall meet at a schedule set by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, or at least quarterly. The advisory committee shall provide for the involvement of, but not limited to, community-based organizations, regional intermediaries, district administrators, youth, parents, and representatives from the business and philanthropic communities, as appropriate.

(12) From the state school aid fund money allocated in subsection (1), Clinton County RESA shall allocate $22,000,000.00 in 2024-2025 only to recipients under this subsection as follows:

(a) $4,000,000.00 to support the efforts of FFA.

(b) $4,000,000.00 to the Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan in Detroit to expand programming. Programming expansion includes, but is not limited to, construction or remodeling of facilities to allow for new or extended programs.

(c) $4,000,000.00 to the HYPE Athletics Center in Dearborn Heights to provide programming that may include, but is not limited to, science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) programs; literacy and reading programs; after-school programs; youth fitness and athletic programs; and mental health and behavioral health services.

(d) $1,500,000.00 to Brilliant Detroit to support delivery of high-dosage neighborhood-based tutoring and direct noninstructional services for at-risk pupils who are 3 to 12 years of age. Funding under this subdivision is intended to ensure that pupils are proficient in English language arts by the end of grade 3 and proficient in mathematics by the end of grade 8, that all participants are kindergarten ready, and that pupils are prepared to attend school regularly. As used in this subdivision, "at-risk pupil" means that term as defined in section 31a.

(e) $1,200,000.00 to the State Alliance of Michigan YMCAs to provide students in grades 6 to 12 with hands-on civics and model-government programs that offer statewide engagement with peers across this state for the purpose of expanding those students' opportunities to improve their social studies knowledge, thinking skills, and intellectual processes and dispositions required for active engagement in fulfilling responsibilities of civic participation.

(f) $1,000,000.00 to the Downtown Boxing Gym in Detroit to expand programming. Programming expansion includes, but is not limited to, construction or remodeling of facilities to allow for new or extended programs.

(g) $1,000,000.00 to support the operations of the Flint Center for Educational Excellence.

(h) $800,000.00 to the Detroit Opera for educational programming for grades pre-K to 12, including field trips, summer camps, and other learning opportunities. The funds allocated under this subdivision are a work project appropriation, and any unexpended funds for 2024-2025 are carried forward into 2025-2026. The purpose of the work project is to support the Detroit Opera educational programming as described in this subdivision. The estimated completion date of the work project is September 30, 2028.

(i) $500,000.00 to Special Olympics Michigan, a nonprofit organization organized under the laws of this state that is exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 501, that has a mission statement to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Funding under this subdivision must be used by the organization to expand the organization's programming.

(j) $500,000.00 to the Horatio Williams Foundation to support efforts to provide college preparation services, math leagues, sports programming, and literacy services in Detroit.

(k) $500,000.00 to Friends of the Children, a nonprofit organization that employs salaried professional mentors who support youth and their families from grades K to 12. The salaried professional mentorship program in this subdivision must employ a 2-generational approach to supporting youth in and outside of the classroom, particularly in reading and math comprehension; support students and their families by connecting them to concrete supports like education and employment pathways, housing, utility assistance, and food security; and be located in a city with a population greater than 600,000 in a county with a population greater than 1,500,000 according to the most recent federal decennial census.

(l) $500,000.00 to the Detroit Police Athletic League to support operations and programming including, but not limited to, athletic programs and youth enrichment programs.

(m) $500,000.00 to the Detroit Science Center, a nonprofit organization that is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 501, and located in a city with a population greater than 600,000 in a county with a population greater than 1,700,000 according to the most recent federal decennial census. Funds under this subdivision must be used by the nonprofit organization to expand the nonprofit organization's mission of providing opportunities for students to discover, explore, and appreciate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in a creative, dynamic learning environment.

(n) $2,000,000.00 to buildOn Detroit to expand the Service Learning Program for high school students.

(13) For 2024-2025 only, recipients of grants under subsection (12) may not apply for funding under subsection (2).

(14) Funds allocated under subsection (12) for 2024-2025 are a work project appropriation, and any unexpended funds for 2024-2025 are carried forward into 2025-2026. The purpose of the work project is to provide additional support to out-of-school time programs. The estimated completion date of the work project is September 30, 2026.

(11) Subject to subsection (2), the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall establish and implement a multi-tiered grant funding structure within its competitive grant process to account for statewide or regional grant applications, as well as midsize grants serving 6 to 14 program sites and smaller grants serving 1 to 5 program sites.

(12) (15) As used in this section:

(a) "An entity that has an active application to be a licensed child care organization" means an entity that has an active application to be a licensed child care organization under 1973 PA 116, MCL 722.111 to 722.128, and will be a licensed child care organization before the entity provides services for which a child care organization is required to be licensed under 1973 PA 116, MCL 722.111 to 722.128.

(b) "Child care organization" means that term as defined in section 1 of 1973 PA 116, MCL 722.111.

(d) "Licensed child care organization" means a child care organization that has been issued a license under 1973 PA 116, MCL 722.111 to 722.128, to operate a child care organization.

(e) "School-age" means a child who is eligible to attend a grade of kindergarten or higher, but is less than 13 years of age. A child is considered to be school age on the first day of the school year in which the child is eligible under section 1 of 1973 PA 116, MCL 722.111.

(f) "Statewide or regional grant" means a grant to 2 or more entities, community-based organizations, statewide network affiliations, or any combination of those entities working together with the objective of serving more than 2,000 children across at least 15 program sites statewide, or to serve more than 2,000 children across at least 15 program sites within a publicly defined boundary region, and that have a demonstrated track record of success in providing or organizing a statewide or regional system of out-of-school time programs. If an applicant applies for a statewide or regional grant, the applicant and the program sites included on their application may not appear on any other grant application submitted for funding under subsection (2).

Sec. 32p. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $30,000,000.00 for 2026-2027 to intermediate districts or consortia of intermediate districts to support evidence-based early childhood system building as described in this section.

(2) From the state school aid fund money allocated in subsection (1), there is allocated an amount not to exceed $15,900,000.00 to intermediate districts for the purpose of coordinating early childhood services to support the goals and outcomes under subsections (3), (5), (7), and (8) and to provide supports for early childhood programs for children prenatal through age 5. The funding provided to each intermediate district under this section is determined by the distribution formula established by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential for the former Great Start collaboratives. To receive funding under this section, each intermediate district must provide an application to the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, by a date determined by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, indicating the strategies planned to be provided and how the strategies align with the Help Me Grow National Fidelity Assessment.

(3) Each intermediate district or consortium of intermediate districts that receives funding under this section shall convene a Help Me Grow collaborative that includes an active partnership with families and multiple community-based organizations. Each intermediate district is required to employ at least a 0.8 FTE Help Me Grow lead responsible for local system building activities and at least a 0.5 FTE care coordinator for each intermediate district region. The goal of each Help Me Grow collaborative is to ensure the coordination and expansion of local early childhood systems and programs that achieve the following outcomes:

(a) Improve family access, leadership, and engagement.

(b) Enhance child development, learning, and well-being.

(4) The responsibilities of the intermediate district Help Me Grow lead described in subsection (3) include at least the following:

(a) Facilitating local Help Me Grow collaboratives and demonstrating growth toward fidelity to the Help Me Grow model by implementing the following 4 core components of the model and its key activities as indicated by the Help Me Grow National Fidelity Assessment:

(i) Centralized access point.

(ii) Family and community outreach.

(iii) Child health provider outreach.

(iv) Data collection and analysis.

(b) Ensuring that local early childhood initiatives are data driven and reflect the needs of the community, including literacy, home visiting, and other early childhood programs.

(c) Completing the annual Help Me Grow National Fidelity Assessment and tracking relevant data, including referrals, systems-building activities, outreach efforts, developmental screenings, and barriers, to demonstrate progress and inform continuous improvement.

(d) Providing universal access to developmental screening for children birth through age 5.

(e) Ensuring the local intermediate district has a dedicated care coordinator to support families in the community, either by hiring locally, collaborating amongst intermediate districts, or contracting with Help Me Grow Michigan. The care coordinator shall have sufficient time dedicated to provide all of the following:

(i) Regular support of a public telephone line during work hours to answer family questions.

(ii) Follow-up on universal developmental screenings and referrals to appropriate early childhood programs and services.

(iii) Data tracking to ensure referrals from Help Me Grow successfully connect to early childhood services.

(iv) Coordinated cross-sector supports to ensure that families are seamlessly connected to the full scope of services within the intermediate district region.

(5) From the state school aid fund money allocated in subsection (1), there is allocated an amount not to exceed $7,200,000.00 for the purpose of providing family support services, including, but not limited to, home visiting, to at-risk children and their families. From the funds allocated in this subsection, $3,500,000.00 must be distributed to intermediate districts that were awarded funds under former section 32p(4) in 2024-2025 to provide home visits. Any remaining funds must be distributed equally to all other intermediate districts. The family support services described in this subsection must be conducted as part of a locally coordinated, family-centered, evidence-based, data-driven strategic plan that is approved by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential and aligned with the Help Me Grow National Fidelity Assessment. The goals of the family support services funded under this subsection are to improve school readiness using evidence-based methods, including a focus on developmentally appropriate outcomes for early literacy, to improve positive parenting practices, and to improve family economic self-sufficiency while reducing the impact of high-risk factors through community resources and referrals. The department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall coordinate the goals of the strategic plans approved under this subsection with other state agency home visit programs in a way that strengthens Michigan's home visiting infrastructure and maximizes federal funds available for the purposes of at-risk family support services. The coordination among departments and agencies is intended to avoid duplication of state services and spending, and should emphasize efficient delivery of family support services.

(6) At a date determined by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential each year, each intermediate district shall provide a report to Help Me Grow Michigan detailing the strategies implemented during the immediately preceding year, data on families served, and progress toward model fidelity based upon the Help Me Grow National Fidelity Assessment. Help Me Grow Michigan shall provide a completed copy of the statewide report to the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, who will submit a summary, including progress made toward the goals and outcomes described in subsections (3), (5), (7), and (8), to the house and senate appropriations subcommittees on school aid and to the house and senate fiscal agencies by not later than March 31 of each year.

(7) From the state school aid fund money allocated in subsection (1), there is allocated an amount not to exceed $4,000,000.00 to improve literacy outcomes and advance school readiness for children prenatal through age 5 by implementing evidence-based practices through Help Me Grow collaboratives that engage families in education on reading aloud with their children, reading frequency, and other developmentally appropriate and evidence-based reading improvement techniques on a recurring basis. A Help Me Grow collaborative may only use the funding to implement family engagement practices that have an evidence base showing improvement in early literacy outcomes with children prenatal through age 5. Family engagements may occur through Early On visits, evidence-based home visits, and Reach Out and Read well-child visits. Early childhood and medical professionals who engage with the child's family must have participated in evidence-based training or coaching on the literacy strategies implemented. A Help Me Grow collaborative that receives funds under this subsection must report to the state data collected during these family engagements, including at least the type of engagement, frequency of engagement, coaching or training model, and outcome data. The formula described in subsection (1) must be used to allocate funds to intermediate districts under this subsection. If funding under this subsection is insufficient to enroll all interested families in the service, each intermediate district must prioritize enrollment to those families with the highest levels of economic need. If an intermediate district will not fully use funding received under this subsection, those funds must be returned to the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential for redistribution for the purposes under this subsection.

(8) From the funds allocated in subsection (1), there is allocated an amount not to exceed $1,500,000.00 to intermediate districts in a manner determined by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, to support MiFamily Engagement Regional Centers. To be eligible for funds awarded under this subsection, intermediate districts must partner with an entity with expertise in family leadership, as determined by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential.

(9) An intermediate district or consortium of intermediate districts that receives funding under this section may carry over any unexpended funds received under this section into the next fiscal year and may expend those unused funds through June 30 of the next fiscal year.

(10) From the state school aid fund money allocated in subsection (1), there is allocated an amount not to exceed $50,000.00 to Oakland Schools to provide strategic leadership to the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential and Help Me Grow Michigan. Oakland Schools may retain not more than 5% of the funding received under this section for administrative purposes and shall use remaining funding to support expansion and enhancement of Help Me Grow.

(11) From the state school aid fund money allocated in subsection (1), there is allocated an amount not to exceed $1,350,000.00 to Clinton County RESA as fiscal agent and partner for Help Me Grow Michigan to provide statewide leadership, a central access point, technical assistance, community outreach, and administrative support. Statewide strategic leadership will be supported as described in subsection (10). Clinton County RESA may retain not more than 5% of the funding received under this section for administrative purposes and shall use remaining funding to support expansion and enhancement of Help Me Grow.

(12) Notwithstanding section 17b, the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall make payments under this section on a schedule determined by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential.

Sec. 32t. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2025-2026 2026-2027 only an amount not to exceed $25,000,000.00 $11,000,000.00 to Clinton County RESA (CCRESA) for to continue phase 2 of a preschool pilot program to provide services to 3-year-old children. Eligible children are those whose age is less than 4 years on September 1 and greater than or equal to 3 years on December 1 of the current school year and whose family income is at or below 250% of the federal poverty level, with priority given to families with lower incomes. Additional factors such as developmental delay, language barriers, or challenging behaviors may also be considered for eligibility. These services must be designed for children who are age 3 and must be similar to the services provided through the great start readiness program. The program described in this section must be administered by CCRESA Strong Beginnings Implementation Team under the direction of the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, with assessment, data, and collection analysis for the program being provided by Michigan State University.

(2) The department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential must pay the funding under this section to Clinton County RESA in installments over 2 years. The department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall determine the amount to be used in each year.

(2) (3) This section is intended to provide planning for and implement continue phase 2 of the pilot preschool program for 3-year-old children. The second phase of the pilot will examine variations of the current program, such as part-day, 5-day-per-week, multiage grouping with the great start readiness program, and inclusion.

(3) (4) In order to evaluate the outcomes and impact of strong beginnings, Clinton County RESA and Michigan State University shall compare outcomes for children who attend strong beginnings and the great start readiness program with:

(a) Outcomes for children who attend the great start readiness program only.

(b) Outcomes for children who did not attend either program.

(4) (5) Data used for the purpose of comparisons under subsection (4) (3) must include, at a minimum, strong beginnings waitlist data, strong beginnings child assessment data, the great start readiness program child assessment data, kindergarten attendance data, and elementary standardized testing data.

(5) (6) At the end of phase 2, Clinton County RESA shall provide a report to the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential detailing all of the following:

(a) How the phase 2 pilot was conducted.

(b) Demographics of the children served.

(d) Scope of expansion, including successes and challenges the pilot faced and how the implementation team responded.

(e) An updated model, including phase 2 variations, this state could use to scale the program statewide, if funding were available.

(6) (7) The funds allocated under this section for 2025-2026 2026-2027 are a work project appropriation, and any unexpended funds for 2025-2026 2026-2027 are carried forward into 2026-2027. 2027-2028. The purpose of the work project is to expand phase 1 of the pilot to additional classrooms and initiate phase 2 of the pilot. The estimated completion date of the work project is September 30, 2029.2030.

(7) (8) Notwithstanding section 17b, the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall make payments under this section on a schedule determined by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential.

Sec. 35a. (1) From the appropriations in section 11, there is allocated for 2024-2025 an amount not to exceed $82,900,000.00 and for 2025-2026 an amount not to exceed $52,000,000.00 for 2026-2027 an amount not to exceed $102,500,000.00 from the state school aid fund for the purposes of this section. It is the intent of the legislature that, for 2026-2027, 2027-2028, the allocation from the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11 for the purposes described in this section will be $42,000,000.00. Excluding staff or contracted employees funded under subsection (8), the $52,500,000.00. The superintendent shall designate staff or contracted employees funded under this section as critical shortage. By not later than December 31 of each fiscal year in which funding is allocated under this section, the superintendent of public instruction shall do both of the following:

(a) Report in person to the house and senate appropriations subcommittees on school aid regarding progress on early literacy and be available for questioning as prescribed through a process developed by the chairs of the house and senate appropriations subcommittees on school aid.

(b) Submit a written report to the house and senate appropriations subcommittees on school aid regarding progress on early literacy. Beginning in 2025-2026, the The report described in this subdivision must include the number of literacy coaches supported by funding provided under subsection (4), (2), including the number of coaches supported in each intermediate district, and the percentage of supported coaches that have received, or are in the process of receiving, professional learning by the approved provider described in subsection (11).(5).

(2) A district that receives funds under subsection (5) may spend up to 5% of those funds for professional development for educators in a department-approved research-based training program related to current state literacy standards for pupils in grades pre-K to 5. The professional development must also include training in the use of screening and diagnostic tools, progress monitoring, and intervention methods used to address barriers to learning and delays in learning that are diagnosed through the use of these tools.

(3) A district that receives funds under subsection (5) may use up to 5% of those funds to administer department-approved screening and diagnostic tools to monitor the development of early literacy and early reading skills, and risk factors for word-level reading difficulties of pupils in grades pre-K to 5 and to support evidence-based professional learning described in subsection (11) for educators in administering and using screening, progress monitoring, and diagnostic assessment data to inform instruction through prevention and intervention in a multi-tiered system of supports framework. A department-approved screening and diagnostic tool administered by a district using funding under this section must include all of the following components: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, rapid automatized naming (RAN), and comprehension. Further, all of the following sub-skills must be assessed within each of these components:

(a) Phonemic awareness - segmentation, blending, and sound manipulation (deletion and substitution).

(b) Phonics - decoding (reading) and encoding (spelling).

(d) Comprehension - making meaning of text.

(2) (4) From the allocation under subsection (1), there is allocated an amount not to exceed $42,000,000.00 $52,500,000.00 for 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 2026-2027 for the purpose of providing early literacy coaches at intermediate districts to assist teachers in developing and implementing instructional strategies for pupils in grades pre-K to 5 so that pupils are reading at grade level by the end of grade 3. All of the following apply to funding under this subsection:

(a) The department shall develop an application process consistent with the provisions of this subsection. An application must provide assurances that literacy coaches funded under this subsection are knowledgeable about at least the following:

(i) Current state literacy standards for pupils in grades pre-K to 3.

(ii) Implementing an instructional delivery model based on frequent use of formative, screening, and diagnostic tools, known as a multi-tiered system of supports, to determine individual progress for pupils in grades pre-K to 5 so that pupils are reading at grade level by the end of grade 3.

(iii) The use of data from diagnostic tools to determine the necessary additional supports and interventions needed by individual pupils in grades pre-K to 5 to read at grade level.

(b) From the allocation under this subsection, the department shall award grants to intermediate districts for the support of early literacy coaches. The department shall provide this funding in the following manner:

(i) The department shall award each intermediate district grant funding to support the cost of 2 4 early literacy coaches in an equal amount per early literacy coach, not to exceed $125,000.00.

(ii) After distribution of the grant funding under subparagraph (i), the department shall distribute the remainder of grant funding for additional early literacy coaches in an amount not to exceed $125,000.00 per early literacy coach. The number of funded early literacy coaches for each intermediate district is The department shall ensure that each intermediate district receives funding for at least 1 additional literacy coach compared to the number of coaches funded under this section in 2025-2026.

(iii) If funding under this subsection remains available after the distributions in subparagraphs (i) and (ii), the department shall distribute the remaining funds based on the percentage of the total statewide number of pupils in grades K to 3 who meet the income eligibility standards for the federal free and reduced-price lunch programs who are enrolled in districts in the intermediate district. Funds may be distributed under this section only after the department ensures that no intermediate district receives funding for fewer literacy coaches in 2026-2027 compared to the number of coaches for which the intermediate district received funding in 2025-2026.

(c) If an intermediate district that receives funding under this subsection uses an assessment tool that screens for characteristics of dyslexia, the intermediate district shall use the assessment results from that assessment tool to identify pupils who demonstrate characteristics of dyslexia.

(d) All literacy coaches funded under this subsection must have already received, or be making progress toward receiving, professional learning by the approved provider described in subsection (11).(5).

(e) To be eligible to receive funding under this subsection, an intermediate district must provide the department with a list by September 1 of the immediately preceding fiscal year containing contact information for all literacy coaches funded under this subsection, in a form and manner determined by the department. An intermediate district shall communicate any personnel changes and changes to contact information for literacy coaches funded under this subsection to the department within 30 days of the personnel change or change in contact information.

(5) From the allocation under subsection (1), there is allocated an amount not to exceed $19,900,000.00 for 2024-2025 to districts that provide additional instructional time to those pupils in grades pre-K to 5 who have been identified by using department-approved screening and diagnostic tools as needing additional supports and interventions to read at grade level by the end of grade 3. Additional instructional time may be provided before, during, and after regular school hours or as part of a year-round balanced school calendar. All of the following apply to funding under this subsection:

(a) To be eligible to receive funding, a district must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the department that the district has done all of the following:

(i) Implemented a multi-tiered system of supports instructional delivery model that is an evidence-based model that uses data-driven problem solving to integrate academic and behavioral instruction and that uses intervention delivered to all pupils in varying intensities based on pupil needs. The multi-tiered system of supports must provide at least all of the following essential components:

(A) Team-based leadership.

(B) A tiered delivery system.

(D) A comprehensive screening and assessment system.

(E) Continuous data-based decision making.

(ii) Used department-approved research-based diagnostic tools to identify individual pupils in need of additional instructional time.

(iii) Used a reading instruction method that focuses on the 5 fundamental building blocks of reading: phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension and content knowledge.

(iv) Provided teachers of pupils in grades pre-K to 5 with research-based professional development in diagnostic data interpretation.

(v) Complied with the requirements under section 1280f of the revised school code, MCL 380.1280f.

(b) The department shall distribute funding allocated under this subsection to eligible districts on an equal per-first-grade-pupil basis.

(c) If the funds allocated under this subsection are insufficient to fully fund the payments under this subsection, payments under this subsection are prorated on an equal per-pupil basis based on grade 1 pupils.

(6) By not later than September 1 of each year, a district that receives funding under subsection (5) in conjunction with the Michigan student data system, if possible, shall provide to the department a report that includes at least both of the following, in a form and manner prescribed by the department:

(a) For pupils in grades pre-K to 5, the teachers, pupils, schools, and grades served with funds under this section and the categories of services provided.

(b) For pupils in grades pre-K to 5, pupil proficiency and growth data that allows analysis both in the aggregate and by each of the following subgroups, as applicable:

(i) School.

(ii) Grade level.

(iii) Gender.

(iv) Race.

(v) Ethnicity.

(vi) Economically disadvantaged status.

(vii) Disability.

(viii) Pupils identified as having reading deficiencies.

(7) From the allocation under subsection (1), there is allocated an amount not to exceed $6,000,000.00 for 2024-2025 to an intermediate district in which the combined total number of pupils in membership of all of its constituent districts is the fewest among all intermediate districts. All of the following apply to the funding under this subsection:

(a) Funding under this subsection must be used by the intermediate district, in partnership with an association that represents intermediate district administrators in this state, to implement all of the following:

(i) Literacy essentials teacher and principal training modules.

(ii) Face-to-face and online professional learning of literacy essentials teacher and principal training modules for literacy coaches, principals, and teachers.

(iii) The placement of regional lead literacy coaches to facilitate professional learning for early literacy coaches. These regional lead literacy coaches shall provide support for new literacy coaches, building teachers, and administrators and shall facilitate regional data collection to evaluate the effectiveness of statewide literacy coaches funded under this section.

(iv) Provide $500,000.00 from this subsection for literacy training, modeling, coaching, and feedback for district principals or chief administrators, as applicable. The training described in this subparagraph must use the pre-K and K to 3 essential instructional practices in literacy created by the general education leadership network as the framework for all training provided under this subparagraph.

(v) Job-embedded professional learning opportunities for mathematics teachers through mathematics instructional coaching. Funding must be used for professional learning for coaches, professional developers, administrators, and teachers; coaching for early mathematics educators; the development of statewide and regional professional learning networks in mathematics instructions; and the development and support of digital professional learning modules.

(b) By not later than September 1 of each year, the intermediate district described in this subsection, in consultation with grant recipients, shall submit a report to the chairs of the senate and house appropriations subcommittees on school aid, the chairs of the senate and house standing committees responsible for education legislation, the house and senate fiscal agencies, and the state budget director. The report described under this subdivision must include student achievement results in English language arts and mathematics and survey results with feedback from parents and teachers regarding the initiatives implemented under this subsection.

(c) Up to 2% of funds allocated under this subsection may be used by the association representing intermediate district administrators that is in partnership with the intermediate district specified in this subsection to administer this subsection.

(8) From the allocation under subsection (1), the department shall allocate the amount of $5,000,000.00 for 2024-2025 only to an intermediate district or a consortium of intermediate districts to partner with the Michigan Education Corps for the PreK Reading Corps, the K3 Reading Corps, and the Math Corps. An intermediate district or a consortium of intermediate districts receiving funding under this subsection must forward the amount received under this subsection to the Michigan Education Corps for statewide services. As conditions of receiving funding from an intermediate district or a consortium of intermediate districts, all of the following apply to funding received by the Michigan Education Corps under this subsection:

(a) By September 1 of the current fiscal year, the Michigan Education Corps shall provide a report concerning its use of the funding to the senate and house appropriations subcommittees on school aid, the senate and house fiscal agencies, and the senate and house caucus policy offices on outcomes and performance measures of the Michigan Education Corps, including, but not limited to, the degree to which the Michigan Education Corps' replication of the PreK Reading Corps, the K3 Reading Corps, and the Math Corps programs is demonstrating sufficient efficacy and impact. The report must include data pertaining to at least all of the following:

(i) The current impact of the programs on this state in terms of numbers of children and schools receiving support. This portion of the report must specify the number of children tutored, including dosage and completion, and the demographics of those children.

(ii) Whether the assessments and interventions are implemented with fidelity. This portion of the report must include details on the total number of assessments and interventions completed and the range, mean, and standard deviation.

(iii) Whether the literacy or math improvement of children participating in the programs is consistent with expectations. This portion of the report must detail at least all of the following:

(A) Growth rate by grade or age level, in comparison to targeted growth rate.

(B) Average linear growth rates.

(D) Percentage of children who exit who also meet or exceed spring benchmarks.

(iv) The impact of the programs on organizations and stakeholders, including, but not limited to, school administrators, internal coaches, and AmeriCorps members.

(b) If the department determines that the Michigan Education Corps has misused the funds allocated under this subsection, the Michigan Education Corps shall reimburse this state for the amount of state funding misused.

(c) An intermediate district or a consortium of intermediate districts may not reserve any portion of the allocation provided under this subsection for an evaluation of the Michigan Education Corps, the Michigan Education Corps' funding, or the Michigan Education Corps' programming unless agreed to in writing by the Michigan Education Corps. An intermediate district or a consortium of intermediate districts shall award the entire amount allocated under this subsection to the Michigan Education Corps and shall not condition the forwarding of this funding on the implementation of an independent evaluation.

(f) The department shall develop a coaching evaluation framework to be implemented in alignment to the literacy coaching model described in section 1280f of the revised school code, MCL 388.1280f.

(g) All literacy coaches funded under this subsection must comply with the requirements described in section 35o.

(3) (9) If a district or intermediate district expends any funding received under subsection (4) or (5) (2) for professional development in research-based effective reading instruction, the district or intermediate district shall select a professional development program from the list described in subdivision (a). All of the following apply to the requirement under this subsection:

(a) The department shall issue a request for proposals for professional development programs in research-based effective reading instruction to develop an initial approved list of professional development programs in research-based effective reading instruction. The department shall make the initial approved list public and shall determine if it will, on a rolling basis, approve any new proposals submitted for addition to its initial approved list.

(b) To be included as an approved professional development program in research-based effective reading instruction under subdivision (a), an applicant must demonstrate to the department in writing the program's competency in all of the following topics:

(i) Understanding of phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

(ii) Appropriate use of assessments and differentiated instruction.

(iii) Selection of appropriate instructional materials.

(iv) Application of research-based instructional practices.

(c) As used in this subsection, "effective reading instruction" means reading instruction scientifically proven to result in improvement in pupil reading skills.

(4) (10) From the allocation under subsection (1), there is allocated an amount not to exceed $10,000,000.00 $50,000,000.00 for 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 2026-2027 only to an intermediate district identified by the department for the provision of professional learning by the approved provider described in subsection (11), first to educators in pre-K, kindergarten, and grade 1 next to educators in grade 2 and grade 3; and then to additional elementary school educators and pre-K to grade 12 certificated special education personnel with endorsements in learning disabilities, emotional impairments, or speech and language impairments. (5) to pre-K to grade 5 educators, special education educators, and administrators overseeing these individuals. Funding allocated under this subsection must be distributed over a 5-year period. The funds allocated under this subsection are a work project appropriation, and any unexpended funds for 2026-2027 are carried forward into 2027-2028. The purpose of the work project is to continue the provision of professional learning as described in this subsection and subsection (5). The estimated completion date of the work project is September 30, 2031. For purposes of this subsection, the approved provider described in subsection (5) must establish and manage professional learning opportunities that are open to all school personnel described in this subsection. as follows:

(a) The approved provider must first open voluntary enrollment for any pre-K through grade 3 teacher on a first-come, first-served basis, with voluntary enrollment prioritized for pre-K, kindergarten, and grade 1 teachers. The approved provider shall then open voluntary enrollment for the remaining school personnel described in this subsection.

(b) The approved provider must maintain open enrollment until all funds are expended.

(5) (11) For the provision of professional learning to the school personnel described in subsection (10), (4), LETRS is the approved provider of professional learning as long as LETRS continues to meet all of the following:

(a) Be offered through a system of training that provides educators with the knowledge base to effectively implement any class-wide, supplemental, or intervention reading approach and to determine why some students struggle with reading, writing, spelling, and language.

(b) Provide training activities that direct educators to implement effective reading and spelling instruction supported by scientifically based research and foster a direct explicit instructional sequence that uses techniques to support teachers' independence in using their newly-learned skills with students in the classroom.

(c) Include integrated components for educators and administrators in pre-K to grade 3 with embedded evaluation or assessment of knowledge. Evaluation or assessment of knowledge under this subdivision must incorporate evaluations of learning throughout each unit and include a summative assessment that must be completed to demonstrate successful course completion.

(d) Build teacher content knowledge and pedagogical knowledge of the critical components of literacy including how the brain learns to read, phonological and phonemic awareness; letter knowledge; phonics; advanced phonics; vocabulary and oral language; fluency; comprehension; spelling and writing; and the organization of language.

(e) Support educators in understanding how to effectively use screening, progress monitoring, and diagnostic assessment data to improve literacy outcomes through prevention and intervention for reading difficulties in a multi-tiered system of supports. The multi-tiered system of supports must include at least all of the following essential components:

(i) Team-based leadership.

(ii) A tiered delivery system.

(iii) Selection and implementation of instruction, interventions, and supports.

(iv) A comprehensive screening and assessment system.

(v) Continuous data-based decision making.

(12) Notwithstanding section 17b, the department shall make payments made under subsections (7) and (8) on a schedule determined by the department.

(f) On a quarterly basis, report all of the following information to the department, in a form and manner prescribed by the department:

(i) The total number of individuals who have completed the required professional learning, organized by role group.

(ii) The total number of individuals who are enrolled in the professional learning, organized by role group.

(iii) The total number of individuals who enrolled but withdrew from the professional learning prior to completion, organized by role group.

(iv) The total number of individuals who enrolled but transferred to a different cohort prior to completion, organized by role group.

(v) The cost per individual to enroll in the professional learning.

(vi) The total grant funds expended for all individuals who completed or enrolled in the professional learning during the quarter reported.

(vii) The total unused grant funds for the quarter reported.

(viii) The strategies and technical assistance provided to support participant completion.

(6) (13) As used in this section:

(a) "Dyslexia" means both of the following:

(i) A specific learning disorder that is neurobiological in origin and characterized by difficulties with accurate or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities that typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction.

(ii) A specific learning disorder that may include secondary consequences, such as problems in reading comprehension and a reduced reading experience that can impede the growth of vocabulary and background knowledge and lead to social, emotional, and behavioral difficulties.

(b) "Evidence-based" means an activity, program, process, service, strategy, or intervention that demonstrates statistically significant effects on improving pupil outcomes or other relevant outcomes and that meets at least both of the following:

(i) At least 1 of the following:

(A) Is based on strong evidence from at least 1 well-designed and well-implemented experimental study.

(B) Is based on moderate evidence from at least 1 well-designed and well-implemented quasi-experimental study.

(C) Is based on promising evidence from at least 1 well-designed and well-implemented correlational study with statistical controls for selection bias.

(D) Demonstrates a rationale based on high-quality research findings or positive evaluation that the activity, program, process, service, strategy, or intervention is likely to improve pupil outcomes or other relevant outcomes.

(ii) Includes ongoing efforts to examine the effects of the activity, program, process, service, strategy, or intervention.

(c) "Explicit" means direct and deliberate instruction through continuous pupil-teacher interaction that includes teacher modeling, guided practice, and independent practice.

(d) "Fluency" means the ability to read with speed, accuracy, and proper expression.

(e) "Multi-tiered system of supports" means a comprehensive framework that includes 3 distinct tiers of instructional support and is composed of a collection of evidence-based strategies designed to meet the individual needs and assets of a whole pupil at all achievement levels.

(f) "Phonemic awareness" means the conscious awareness of all of the following:

(i) Individual speech sounds, including, but not limited to, consonants and vowels, in spoken syllables.

(ii) The ability to consciously manipulate through, including, but not limited to, matching, blending, segmenting, deleting, or substituting, individual speech sounds described in subparagraph (i).

(iii) All levels of the speech sound system, including, but not limited to, word boundaries, rhyme recognition, stress patterns, syllables, onset-rime units, and phonemes.

(g) "Phonological" means relating to the system of contrastive relationships among the speech sounds that constitute the fundamental components of a language.

(h) "Progress monitoring" means the assessing of students' academic performance, quantifying students' rates of improvement or progress toward goals, and determining how students are responding to instruction.

(i) "Rapid automatized naming (RAN)" means a task that measures how quickly individuals can name objects; pictures; colors; or symbols, including letters and digits, aloud, which can predict later reading abilities for preliterate children.

Sec. 35e. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2025-2026 only an amount not to exceed $250,000.00 to Wayne State University to study this state's public school library programs.

(2) Wayne State University shall convene a committee to conduct the study described in this section. The committee must consist of 1 member from each of the following organizations:

(a) The department.

(b) The Library of Michigan.

(d) The Michigan senate.

(e) The Michigan house of representatives.

(f) The Michigan Education Association.

(g) The Michigan chapter of the American Federation of Teachers.

(h) The Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators.

(i) A Michigan research university.

(3) The committee described in subsection (2) shall conduct a study to investigate at least all of the following issues:

(a) How many schools in each district have a school library.

(b) What hours school libraries are open each week for students and faculty to use.

(d) The ratio of students per certified school librarian.

(e) What full-time equivalency of paraprofessional or other staff are employed in the school library and the credentialing of these staff, if any.

(f) How school libraries are scheduled.

(g) How many hours each week school librarians provide direct library-related instruction to students.

(h) The technology available for students to access library resources and lessons.

(i) The size and age of the collection in each school library, and the extent of digital materials available for students to access.

(j) Current funding per student for school library materials.

(k) Any other matters that the committee considers relevant to the fulfillment of its mission to determine the status of school library programs in this state.

(4) The department shall provide staff and other resources as the committee described in subsection (2) considers appropriate, including contracting with a researcher. Appropriate costs must be determined by the department, and the committee described in subsection (2) shall reimburse the department for costs related to this subsection.

(5) The committee described in subsection (2) may conduct public hearings to gather information, and may sponsor statewide or regional conferences involving educators, students, or the public at large.

(6) The committee described in subsection (2) shall provide a report to the house and senate appropriations subcommittees on school aid, the state budget director, the house and senate fiscal agencies, and the department by not later than December 31, 2026. The report must create a long-term plan for this state's school library programs that may include the adoption of guidelines for school library facilities, budget, staffing, collection development, and curriculum standards for school library programs. The final report and recommendations must include drafts of legislation necessary to carry those recommendations into effect.

(7) Notwithstanding section 17b, the department shall make payments under this section on a schedule determined by the department.

(1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2026-2027 $21,000,000.00 to districts in an equal amount per pupil to support school libraries.

(2) A recipient of funding under this section shall use the funds only for the salaries and benefits of certified school librarians, electronic or material resources for school libraries, or furniture, equipment, or supplies for school libraries.

Sec. 35m. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2025-2026 2026-2027 only an amount not to exceed $64,400,000.00 $100,000,000.00 for the purposes described in this section, including payments to improve educational outcomes in literacy. The department shall award funding allocated for 2026-2027 under this section in a quantity and magnitude such that the allocation in this subsection is distributed over 2 fiscal years.

(2) The department shall continue the committee for literacy achievement that includes representatives of higher education and early childhood literacy educators who have expertise in literacy instruction and research. The committee shall exist until at least September 2029. The department shall appoint the members of the committee for literacy achievement. The department shall develop a process to identify and assemble experts for the committee. The primary focus of the committee is to recommend tools and strategies with the goal of increasing student academic outcomes in the area of literacy. The committee is encouraged to collaborate with the Michigan Education Research Institute or other entities with similar expertise on the subject of literacy. The department shall determine the size and benchmarks of the committee. The committee shall do all of the following:

(a) Critically evaluate early literacy series and materials. The committee shall evaluate with research-based outcomes, using the committee's expertise in the field of literacy. The committee shall assign grade tiers to the series based on the series' likelihood to increase student literacy outcomes. Priority must be given to series that already have a demonstrated history of increasing student outcomes. The committee may perform an evaluation under this subdivision based on submissions from a vendor, but must independently verify the validity of information provided by the vendor. The committee is also strongly encouraged to evaluate available materials not submitted to the department by a vendor.

(b) Critically evaluate literacy professional development. The committee shall evaluate with research-based outcomes, using the committee's expertise in the field of literacy. The committee shall assign grade tiers to the professional development based on the professional development's likelihood to increase student literacy outcomes. Priority must be given to professional development that already has a demonstrated history of increasing student outcomes. The committee may perform an evaluation under this subdivision based on submissions from a vendor, but must independently verify the validity of information provided by the vendor. The committee is also strongly encouraged to evaluate available materials not submitted to the department by a vendor.

(c) Critically evaluate other applicable literacy tools or services the committee determines to have a high likelihood or demonstrated history of increasing student literacy outcomes. The committee may perform an evaluation under this subdivision based on submissions from a vendor, but must independently verify the validity of information provided by the vendor. The committee is also strongly encouraged to evaluate available materials not submitted to the department by a vendor.

(d) Create, maintain, and post annually on a publicly available website a rankings list of all early literacy series and other items the committee has evaluated. This includes items from each part of the rankings list, items evaluated in the 2024-2025 school year, and any subsequent items evaluated going forward. The committee shall denote on the list whether major changes have been made to an early literacy series or other item on the list since the early literacy series or other item was evaluated by the committee and if the early literacy series or other item has not been evaluated since the last ranking. The rankings list created in this subdivision must align with the list of evidence-based tier 1, classwide elementary reading curricula and materials that are aligned with science of reading methods that research has shown to improve literacy outcomes and help pupils achieve reading proficiency as required under section 1280f of the revised school code, MCL 380.1280f.

(3) An individual on the committee shall recuse themselves from evaluating early literacy series and other items that the individual has helped create, that the individual would benefit from financially, or for which the individual has any other conflict of interest.

(4) From the funds allocated in subsection (1), the department shall make payments to districts and intermediate districts in an amount determined by the department. The department shall not make payments under this subsection until it has critically evaluated as many early literacy series and other items from subsection (2) as possible. Payments under this subsection must begin to be made during the current fiscal year to support district implementation in 2026-2027. 2027-2028. The department shall use the rankings list described in subsection (2) as the basis for how funding is allocated in subsection (1) to districts and intermediate districts. Districts and intermediate districts using higher-ranked literacy tools that are proven to increase student outcomes shall receive more funding than districts and intermediate districts utilizing lower-ranked literacy tools in both the base award and the per-pupil awards described in this subsection. The department may determine that some districts and intermediate districts will not receive funding under this section based on the effectiveness of the early literacy series or other items being utilized by the district or intermediate district. The department shall award funding under this section using the following methodology:

(a) A base award equal to the amount necessary for the district or intermediate district to implement the chosen early literacy series or other item. The department may place a cap on the total award per district, intermediate district, or early literacy series or other item and may choose not to award funding if the early literacy series or other item is determined to be ineffective or is determined to be less effective than other choices.

(b) A tiered per-pupil award based on the number of pupils in membership at the district and intermediate district. The tiered per-pupil award must provide a higher per-pupil payment to districts and intermediate districts using higher-ranked early literacy series or other items as determined under subsection (2). The department may choose not to award funding if the early literacy series or other item is determined to be ineffective or is determined to be less effective than other choices.

(5) From the funding allocated in subsection (1), the department may pay an annual stipend of up to $8,000.00 for each member of the committee for literacy achievement who is employed by or at a public institution of higher education, a district, or an intermediate district. A stipend must be commensurate with the committee member's contribution to the committee. Funding must be paid to the public institution of higher education, the district, or the intermediate district where the committee member is employed, and the public institution of higher education, the district, or the intermediate district must then use funding received to award the stipend directly to the individual committee member. A committee member who is not employed by or at a public institution of higher education, a district, or an intermediate district is not eligible to receive a stipend under this subsection.

(6) To be eligible for funding under this section, a district or intermediate district must apply in a form and manner determined by the department. As a condition of receiving the funding, the district or intermediate district must agree to provide to the department information twice a year, on or before May 1 and October 1, on the early literacy series and other items used for the previous and current school years, and the early literacy series and other items to be used for the next school year. The early literacy series and other items used by districts and intermediate districts must be added to the annual rankings required under subsection (2).

(7) Except as otherwise provided in this section and notwithstanding section 17b, the department shall make payments under this section on a schedule determined by the department.

(8) Funds allocated under subsection (1) for 2025-2026 2026-2027 are a work project appropriation, and any unexpended funds for 2025-2026 2026-2027 are carried forward into 2026-2027. 2027-2028. The purpose of the work project is to improve literacy instructional practices. The estimated completion date of the work project is September 30, 2029.

(9) In addition to the allocation under subsection (1), from the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $4,000,000.00 for 2025-2026 only to an intermediate district in which the combined total number of pupils in membership of all of its constituent districts is the fewest among all intermediate districts in this state. All of the following apply to the funding under this subsection:

(i) Literacy essentials teacher and principal training modules.

(ii) Face-to-face and online professional learning on literacy essentials teacher and principal training modules for literacy coaches, principals, and teachers.

(iii) The placement of regional lead literacy coaches to facilitate professional learning for early literacy coaches. Regional lead literacy coaches described in this subparagraph shall provide support for new literacy coaches, building teachers, and administrators, and shall facilitate regional data collection to evaluate the effectiveness of statewide literacy coaches funded under this section.

(iv) A provision of $500,000.00 under this subsection for literacy training, modeling, coaching, and feedback for district principals or chief administrators, as applicable. The training described in this subparagraph must use the pre-K and K to 3 essential instructional practices in literacy created by the general education leadership network as the framework for all training provided under this subparagraph.

(b) By not later than September 1 of each year, the intermediate district described in this subsection, in consultation with grant recipients, shall submit a report to the chairs of the senate and house appropriations subcommittees on school aid, the chairs of the senate and house standing committees responsible for education legislation, the house and senate fiscal agencies, and the state budget director. The report described in this subdivision must include student achievement results in English language arts and survey results with feedback from parents and teachers regarding the initiatives implemented under this subsection.

(10) In addition to the allocation under subsection (1), from the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $1,600,000.00 for 2025-2026 to expand the implementation of the literacy and social, emotional, and behavioral components of a multi-tiered system of supports, including positive behavioral interventions and supports, using the Michigan Multi-Tiered System of Supports Technical Assistance Center. Both of the following apply to funds allocated under this subsection:

(a) The department shall use funds allocated under this subsection, through an intermediate district, for the purpose of expanding the statewide expertise, technical assistance, and implementation of the multi-tiered system of supports, dyslexia expertise, and evidence-based instructional practices grounded in the science of reading using the Michigan Multi-Tiered System of Supports Technical Assistance Center, a nationally recognized program. In addition, the department shall identify an intermediate district to act as a fiscal agent for these funds.

(b) Up to 2% of funds allocated under this subsection may be used by the intermediate district serving as the fiscal agent for these funds to administer this subsection.

Sec. 35o. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $6,000,000.00 for 2026-2027 to an intermediate district in which the combined total number of pupils in membership of all of its constituent districts is the fewest among all intermediate districts in this state to improve literacy instruction in alignment with the science of reading and section 1280f of the revised school code, MCL 380.1280f.

(2) Funding under this subsection must be used by the intermediate district described in subsection (1), in partnership with an association that represents intermediate district administrators in this state, to do all of the following:

(a) Maintain, and update as necessary based on research, the state's literacy essentials and disciplinary literacy essentials for grades pre-K to 12, including teacher and principal training modules and materials.

(b) Lead face-to-face and online professional learning on the state's literacy essentials and disciplinary literacy essentials for grades preK-12 for literacy coaches, principals, and teachers.

(c) Lead face-to-face and online professional learning for school and district administrators and leadership teams about leading systems that support effective literacy instruction in all classrooms.

(d) Facilitate a statewide network of literacy coaches that ensures consistent use of evidence-based literacy practices including monthly communities of practice, regular coaching intensives, and an annual institute. In addition to completing training from the approved provider of professional learning described in section 35a(5), all literacy coaches funded under section 35a(2) must do all of the following, as applicable:

(i) Participate in the statewide coaching network described in this subdivision.

(ii) Participate in at least 1 coaching intensive.

(iii) Attend the annual institute.

(iv) Complete the literacy essentials and coaching modules.

(v) For literacy coaches who are new to the network, attend a new coach kickoff.

(e) Place regional lead literacy coaches to facilitate professional learning for literacy coaches. Regional lead literacy coaches described in this subdivision shall provide support for literacy coaches, teachers, and administrators, and shall facilitate regional data collection to evaluate the effectiveness of statewide literacy coaches funded under this section.

(f) Meet monthly with the department and the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential to align efforts and achieve statewide goals to train every educator in the science of reading.

(3) By not later than September 1 of each year, the intermediate district described in subsection (1), in consultation with grant recipients, shall submit a report to the chairs of the senate and house appropriations subcommittees on school aid, the chairs of the senate and house standing committees responsible for education legislation, the house and senate fiscal agencies, the state budget director, and the directors of the departments of education and lifelong education, advancement, and potential. The report described in this subdivision must include coaching cycle data by intermediate district, statewide student achievement results in English language arts, and survey results with feedback from teachers and administrators regarding the initiatives implemented under this section.

(4) Up to 2% of funds allocated under this section may be used by the association representing intermediate district administrators that is in partnership with the intermediate district as described in subsection (1) to administer this section.

Sec. 35p. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2026-2027 only an amount not to exceed $50,000,000.00 to implement high-impact tutoring programs through eligible tutoring partners in eligible districts.

(2) Eligible tutoring partners shall apply for funding in a form and manner determined by the department. An application for funding described in this subsection must include at least all of the following:

(a) An identification of a district or intermediate district that will serve as a fiscal agent for awarded funds.

(b) A list of district partners that will be recipients of high-impact tutoring from the eligible tutoring partner, including a letter of support from each district that affirms their commitment to ensure alignment with tier 1 instruction, implementation fidelity, including, but not limited to, student usage and frequency, and participation in data sharing and training necessary to maximize outcomes.

(d) A description of the efficacious nature of the eligible tutoring partner's program, including the ability of the eligible tutoring partner to hit certain benchmarks and goals, based on evidence.

(e) A plan for how the eligible tutoring partner will target high-impact tutoring for the highest need student populations based on some or all of the following criteria:

(i) Statewide assessment data.

(ii) Screeners or formative assessment scores.

(iii) Economically disadvantaged status.

(iv) Special education status.

(v) English language learner status.

(f) A planned budget for the high-impact tutoring program provided, including the total dollars necessary to serve the identified student population and an estimate of the percentage of awarded dollars that would be directly deployed for high-impact tutoring.

(g) A commitment to provide periodic reporting to each district served and to the department, in a form and manner determined by the department, to ensure funds are being spent in accordance with this section.

(h) A commitment to return any or all funds awarded if the department determines dollars are used in a way that violates this section.

(i) Any additional information required by the department to make informed decisions on awarding competitive grants under this section and to ensure financial stewardship awarded dollars.

(3) The department shall award grants to applicants on a competitive basis, using at least all of the following in making award determinations:

(a) The cost effectiveness of the application based on the number of students projected to be served, the total requested budget, and the demonstrated outcome capacity of the high-impact tutoring program.

(b) The reasonability that the eligible tutoring partner will be able to meet the stated outcome benchmarks.

(4) If the amount allocated in subsection (1) is not sufficient to fully fund all eligible tutoring partners that apply for funding, the department must prioritize grant awards to districts with the lowest levels of literacy proficiency, as determined by student scores on the Michigan student test of educational progress (M-STEP).

(5) The department may approve applications from eligible tutoring partners that offer innovative ways to reach students at a lower cost by waiving elements of high-impact tutoring described in subsection (11). This must include, but is not limited to, offering virtual programs. In such cases, the eligible tutoring partner submitting the application must provide evidence of program impact and implement an outcomes-based contract model.

(6) It is the intent of the legislature that the work associated with the grant application, oversight, and administration of awards under this section be performed primarily by the eligible tutoring partner and not by districts that have agreed to receive high-impact tutoring.

(7) If a district or intermediate district agrees to receive high-impact tutoring from an eligible tutoring partner, the district or intermediate district must do all of the following:

(a) Work with the eligible tutoring partner to identify students that would benefit from the program. The district or intermediate district must communicate with parents or legal guardians of identified students to describe the available program, outline possible student outcomes, and encourage student participation.

(b) To the extent possible, integrate the high-impact tutoring program with the district's Michigan Integrated Continuous Improvement Process (MICIP) plan.

(c) If the district or intermediate district is the fiscal agent for the eligible tutoring partner, except as otherwise provided in this subdivision, forward the amount awarded to the tutoring partner. The designated fiscal agent may retain up to 0.5% of the funding awarded to the tutoring partner for administrative purposes.

(8) All of the following apply to the funds allocated under this section:

(a) The department shall make award determinations and notifications by not later than January 15, 2027.

(b) The department shall make initial payments to identified fiscal agents by no later than March 1, 2027. Identified fiscal agents shall forward funding to eligible tutoring partners by not later than March 15, 2027.

(c) Eligible tutoring partners shall begin deploying services in recipient districts and intermediate districts before the end of the 2026-2027 school year.

(9) The funds allocated under this section for 2026-2027 are a work project appropriation, and any unexpended funds for 2026-2027 are carried forward into 2027-2028. The purpose of the work project is to provide high-impact tutoring through eligible tutoring partners. The estimated completion date of the work project is September 30, 2031.

(10) From the allocation in subsection (1), there is allocated $600,000.00 to the Clinton County Regional Educational Service Agency to work with the Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators (MAISA), to do all of the following:

(a) Provide a report on high-impact tutoring programs implemented with the funding allocated under subsection (1).

(b) Develop and provide technical assistance to districts in selecting high-impact tutoring strategies and integrating these strategies into district Michigan Integrated Continuous Improvement Process (MICIP) plans. Developing and providing technical assistance may include the design, review, and integration of eligible tutoring programs within the MiStrategyBank.

(c) Collect, aggregate, and report data in collaboration with the MAISA Michigan Collaborative Hub. An amount not to exceed $300,000.00 of the funds allocated under this subsection may be used for this purpose.

(d) Provide an annual report of the impact of high-impact tutoring programs to the office of the governor, the senate and house education committees, the senate and house appropriations subcommittees on school aid, and the state budget director.

(11) As used in this section:

(a) "Eligible tutoring partner" means a tutoring provider, including, but not limited to, a tutoring provider created by for-profit vendors, nonprofit vendors, intermediate districts, districts, and the Michigan Schools for the Deaf and Blind, that provides high-impact tutoring and meets at least 1 of the following:

(i) Is included on the ProvenTutoring list maintained by the Center for Research and Reform in Education at Johns Hopkins University.

(ii) Has a Tutoring Program Design Badge as awarded by the National Student Support Accelerator, a program of the SCALE Initiative at Stanford University.

(iii) Is a vetted high-impact tutoring program included in the MiStrategyBank. If necessary, the Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators may convene a committee to review tutoring programs for inclusion in the MiStrategyBank.

(b) "High-impact tutoring" means, except as otherwise provided in this section, in-person tutoring that meets all of the following:

(i) Occurs during the school day.

(ii) Is individualized, with tutor ratios not higher than 1:4.

(iii) Provides intensive support with a minimum of 2 sessions per week.

(iv) Uses a structured, evidence-based curriculum designed for tutoring, with formative assessments to track progress.

(v) Uses trained tutors.

Sec. 35q. (1) By not later than March 1, 2027, the department, in collaboration with the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, and the center, shall publish to a publicly accessible location on its website and shall update periodically thereafter, as new data becomes available, a literacy achievement and opportunity transparency dashboard that includes at least the following:

(a) The percentage of children in this state with access to free, full-day prekindergarten opportunities.

(b) The percentage of pre-K to grade 5 educators in this state who are trained in the science of reading.

(c) The percentage of pre-K to grade 5 classrooms in this state using curriculum and assessments aligned with the science of reading.

(d) The percentage of parents and legal guardians in this state receiving clear communication from their school about their child's reading action plans and the ability to get extra support as needed.

(e) Literacy-related results, including multiyear trend data, from the following state assessments:

(i) The grade 3 Michigan student test of educational progress (M-STEP).

(ii) The grade 7 Michigan student test of educational progress (M-STEP).

(iii) The SAT.

(iv) The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).

(f) Additional metrics that help the public and policymakers track statewide literacy progress.

(g) A summary of activities the state is taking to improve literacy outcomes.

(2) The data published under subsection (1) must be disaggregated by district and school demographics where possible.

Sec. 39. (1) An eligible applicant receiving funds under section 32d shall submit an application, in a form and manner prescribed by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, by a date specified by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential in the immediately preceding fiscal year. An eligible applicant is not required to amend the applicant's current accounting cycle or adopt this state's fiscal year accounting cycle in accounting for financial transactions under this section. The application must include all of the following:

(a) The estimated total number of age-eligible children in the community, as provided to the applicant by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential utilizing the most recent population data available from the American Community Survey conducted by the United States Census Bureau. The department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall ensure that it provides updated American Community Survey population data at least once every 3 years.

(b) The estimated number of age-eligible children in the community who are being served exclusively by Head Start programs operating in the community.

(c) The number of children whom the applicant will have the capacity to serve in each eligible great start readiness program option who meet the age-eligible criteria of section 32d.

(2) The great start readiness target foundation amount for 2025-2026 2026-2027 is $10,650.00.$11,290.00.

(3) After notification of funding allocations, an applicant receiving funds under section 32d shall also submit an implementation plan for approval, in a form and manner prescribed by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, by a date specified by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, that details how the applicant complies with the program components established by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential under section 32d.

(4) Subject to subsection (5), the initial allocation to each eligible applicant under section 32d is equal to the sum of the following:

(a) The number of children in the current school year served in a program determined by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential to be a school-day program multiplied by the great start readiness target foundation.

(b) The number of children in the current school year served in a program determined by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential to be a part-day program or a school-day blended with Head Start multiplied by the great start readiness target foundation divided by 2.

(c) The total number of children in the current school year served in a program determined by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential to be an extended program multiplied by the great start readiness target foundation multiplied by 1.2.

(d) The number of children in the current school year served in a program determined by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential to be an extended program blended with Head Start or a part-day extended program multiplied by the great start readiness target foundation multiplied by 0.6.

(5) Subject to subsection (6), if the calculations under subsection (4) result in a total allocation exceeding the amount available as allocated or appropriated under section 32d(2), initial allocations to each eligible applicant under section 32d are calculated as the sum of the following:

(a) An amount equal to the calculations described in subsection (4) but using for those calculations the lesser of the number of children served in the immediately preceding fiscal year or the number of children the applicant has the capacity to serve in the current fiscal year instead of the number of children served in the current fiscal year.

(b) An amount equal to the remaining available dollars after calculations in subdivision (a) distributed proportionately to eligible applicants where calculations under subdivision (a) are less than the amount originally calculated under subsection (4).

(6) If the calculations under subsection (5) result in a total allocation exceeding the amount available as allocated or appropriated under section 32d(2), the initial allocation to each eligible applicant is the amount calculated under subsection (4) prorated on an equal percentage basis.

(7) If, taking into account the total amount to be allocated to the applicant as calculated under this section, an applicant determines that it is able to include additional eligible children in the great start readiness program without additional funds under section 32d, the applicant may include additional eligible children but does not receive additional funding under section 32d for those children.

(8) The department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall review the program components under section 32d and under this section at least biennially. The department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential also shall convene a committee of internal and external stakeholders at least once every 5 years to ensure that the funding structure under this section reflects current system needs under section 32d.

Sec. 39a. (1) From the federal funds appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2025-2026 2026-2027 to districts, intermediate districts, and other eligible entities all available federal funding, estimated at $824,700,000.00, for the federal programs under the no child left behind act of 2001, Public Law 107-110, or the every student succeeds act, Public Law 114-95. These funds are allocated as follows:

(a) An amount estimated at $1,200,000.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 to provide students with drug- and violence-prevention programs and to implement strategies to improve school safety, funded from DED-OESE, drug-free schools and communities funds.

(b) An amount estimated at $100,000,000.00 for 2025-2026 for the purpose of preparing, training, and recruiting high-quality teachers and class size reduction, funded from DED-OESE, improving teacher quality funds.

(c) An amount estimated at $13,000,000.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 for programs to teach English to limited English proficient (LEP) children, funded from DED-OESE, language acquisition state grant funds.

(d) An amount estimated at $2,800,000.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 for rural and low-income schools, funded from DED-OESE, rural and low income school funds.

(e) An amount estimated at $585,000,000.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 to provide supplemental programs to enable educationally disadvantaged children to meet challenging academic standards, funded from DED-OESE, title I, disadvantaged children funds.

(f) An amount estimated at $9,200,000.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 for the purpose of identifying and serving migrant children, funded from DED-OESE, title I, migrant education funds.

(g) An amount estimated at $40,400,000.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 for the purpose of providing high-quality extended learning opportunities, after school and during the summer, for children in low-performing schools, funded from DED-OESE, twenty-first century community learning center funds.

(h) An amount estimated at $14,000,000.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 to help support local school improvement efforts, funded from DED-OESE, title I, local school improvement grants.

(i) An amount estimated at $55,000,000.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 to improve the academic achievement of students, funded from DED-OESE, title IV, student support and academic enrichment grants.

(j) An amount estimated at $3,100,000.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 for literacy programs that advance literacy skills for students from birth through grade 12, including, but not limited to, English-proficient students and students with disabilities, funded from DED-OESE, striving readers comprehensive literacy program.

(k) An amount estimated at $1,000,000.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 for grants to support and demonstrate innovative partnerships to train school-based mental health service providers, funded from DED-OESE, mental health service professional demonstration grant program.

(2) From the federal funds appropriated in section 11, there is allocated to districts, intermediate districts, and other eligible entities all available federal funding, estimated at $66,415,000.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 for the following programs that are funded by federal grants:

(a) An amount estimated at $3,000,000.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 to provide services to homeless children and youth, funded from DED-OVAE, homeless children and youth funds.

(b) An amount estimated at $30,000,000.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 for providing career and technical education services to pupils, funded from DED-OVAE, basic grants to states.

(c) An amount estimated at $14,000,000.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 for the Michigan charter school subgrant program, funded from DED�OII, public charter schools program funds.

(d) An amount estimated at $17,700,000.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 for the purpose of promoting and expanding high-quality preschool services, funded from HHS�OCC, preschool development funds.

(e) An amount estimated at $1,715,000.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 for the purpose of addressing priority substance abuse treatment, prevention, and mental health needs, funded from HHS-SAMHSA.

(3) The department, or, for subsections (1)(g) and (2)(d), the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, shall distribute all federal funds allocated under this section in accordance with federal law and with flexibility provisions outlined in Public Law 107-116, and in the education flexibility partnership act of 1999, Public Law 106-25. Notwithstanding section 17b, the department or the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, as applicable, shall make payments of federal funds to districts, intermediate districts, and other eligible entities under this section on a schedule determined by the department.

(4) For the purposes of applying for federal grants appropriated under this article, the department, or, for subsections (1)(g) and (2)(d), the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, shall allow an intermediate district to submit a consortium application on behalf of 2 or more districts with the agreement of those districts as appropriate according to federal rules and guidelines.

(5) For the purposes of funding federal title I grants under this article, in addition to any other federal grants for which the strict discipline academy is eligible, the department, or, for subsections (1)(g) and (2)(d), the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, shall allocate to a strict discipline academy out of title I, part A an amount equal to what the strict discipline academy would have received if included and calculated under title I, part D, or what it would receive under the formula allocation under title I, part A, whichever is greater.

(6) As used in this section:

(a) "DED" means the United States Department of Education.

(b) "DED-OESE" means the DED Office of Elementary and Secondary Education.

(d) "DED-OVAE" means the DED Office of Vocational and Adult Education.

(e) "HHS" means the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

(f) "HHS-OCC" means the HHS Office of Child Care.

(g) "HHS-SAMHSA" means the HHS Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Project.

Sec. 51a. (1) From the state school aid fund money in section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $2,028,696,100.00 for 2024-2025 and there is allocated an amount not to exceed $2,219,596,100.00 $2,126,096,100.00 for 2025-2026 from and there is allocated an amount not to exceed $2,280,137,500.00 for 2026-2027. From state sources and all available federal funding under sections 1411 to 1419 of part B of the individuals with disabilities education act, 20 USC 1411 to 1419, there is allocated an amount estimated at $450,000,000.00 for 2024-2025 and $500,000,000.00 for 2025-2026 and $500,000,000.00 for 2026-2027, plus any carryover federal funds from previous year appropriations. The allocations under this subsection are for the purpose of reimbursing districts and intermediate districts for special education programs, services, and special education personnel as prescribed in article 3 of the revised school code, MCL 380.1701 to 380.1761; net tuition payments made by intermediate districts to the Michigan Schools for the Deaf and Blind; and special education programs and services for pupils who are eligible for special education programs and services according to statute or rule. For meeting the costs of special education programs and services not reimbursed under this article, a district or intermediate district may use money in general funds or special education funds, not otherwise restricted, or contributions from districts to intermediate districts, tuition payments, gifts and contributions from individuals or other entities, or federal funds that may be available for this purpose, as determined by the intermediate district plan prepared under article 3 of the revised school code, MCL 380.1701 to 380.1761. Notwithstanding section 17b, the department shall make payments of federal funds to districts, intermediate districts, and other eligible entities under this section on a schedule determined by the department.

(2) From the funds allocated under subsection (1), there is allocated the amount necessary, estimated at $441,400,000.00 for 2024-2025 and $492,400,000.00 $457,800,000.00 for 2025-2026 and $495,100,000.00 for 2026-2027, for payments toward reimbursing districts and intermediate districts for 28.6138% of total approved costs of special education, excluding costs reimbursed under section 53a, and 70.4165% of total approved costs of special education transportation.

(3) If the department determines that the amount allocated for a fiscal year to a district or intermediate district under subsection (2) is insufficient to fulfill the specified percentages in subsection (2), the department shall pay the shortfall to the district or intermediate district during the fiscal year beginning on the October 1 following the determination. If the department determines that the amount allocated for a fiscal year to a district or intermediate district under subsection (2) exceeds the sum of the amount necessary to fulfill the specified percentages in subsection (2), the department shall deduct the amount of the excess from the district's or intermediate district's payments under this article for the fiscal year beginning on the October 1 following the determination.

(4) State funds are allocated on a total approved cost basis. Federal funds are allocated under applicable federal requirements.

(5) From the amount allocated in subsection (1), there is allocated an amount not to exceed $3,200,000.00 for 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to reimburse 100% of the net increase in necessary costs incurred by a district or intermediate district in implementing the revisions in the administrative rules for special education that became effective on July 1, 1987. As used in this subsection, "net increase in necessary costs" means the necessary additional costs incurred solely because of new or revised requirements in the administrative rules minus cost savings permitted in implementing the revised rules. The department shall determine net increase in necessary costs in a manner specified by the department.

(6) For purposes of this section and sections 51b to 58, all of the following apply:

(a) "Total approved costs of special education" are determined in a manner specified by the department and may include indirect costs, but must not exceed 115% of approved direct costs for section 52 and section 53a programs. The total approved costs include salary and other compensation for all approved special education personnel for the program, including payments for Social Security and Medicare and public school employee retirement system contributions. The total approved costs do not include salaries or other compensation paid to administrative personnel who are not special education personnel as that term is defined in section 6 of the revised school code, MCL 380.6. Costs reimbursed by federal funds, other than those federal funds included in the allocation made under this article, are not included. Special education approved personnel not utilized full time in the evaluation of students or in the delivery of special education programs, ancillary, and other related services are reimbursed under this section only for that portion of time actually spent providing these programs and services, with the exception of special education programs and services provided to youth placed in child caring institutions or juvenile detention programs approved by the department to provide an on-grounds education program.

(b) Reimbursement for ancillary and other related services, as that term is defined by R 340.1701c of the Michigan Administrative Code, is not provided when those services are covered by and available through private group health insurance carriers or federal reimbursed program sources unless the department and district or intermediate district agree otherwise and that agreement is approved by the state budget director. Expenses, other than the incidental expense of filing, must not be borne by the parent. In addition, the filing of claims must not delay the education of a pupil. A district or intermediate district is responsible for payment of a deductible amount and for an advance payment required until the time a claim is paid.

(c) If an intermediate district purchases a special education pupil transportation service from a constituent district that was previously purchased from a private entity; if the purchase from the constituent district is at a lower cost, adjusted for changes in fuel costs; and if the cost shift from the intermediate district to the constituent does not result in any net change in the revenue the constituent district receives from payments under sections 22b and 51c, then upon application by the intermediate district, the department shall direct the intermediate district to continue to report the cost associated with the specific identified special education pupil transportation service and shall adjust the costs reported by the constituent district to remove the cost associated with that specific service.

(7) A pupil who is enrolled in a full-time special education program conducted or administered by an intermediate district or a pupil who is enrolled in the Michigan Schools for the Deaf and Blind is not included in the membership count of a district, but is counted in membership in the intermediate district of residence.

(8) Special education personnel transferred from 1 district to another to implement the revised school code are entitled to the rights, benefits, and tenure to which the individual would otherwise be entitled had that individual been employed by the receiving district originally.

(9) If a district or intermediate district uses money received under this section for a purpose other than the purpose or purposes for which the money is allocated, the department may require the district or intermediate district to refund the amount of money received. The department shall deposit money that is refunded in the state treasury to the credit of the state school aid fund.

(10) From the funds allocated in subsection (1), there is allocated the amount necessary, estimated at $1,600,000.00 for 2024-2025 and estimated at $1,600,000.00 $1,900,000.00 for 2025-2026 and estimated at $1,900,000.00 for 2026-2027, to pay the foundation allowances for pupils described in this subsection. The department shall calculate the allocation to a district under this subsection by multiplying the number of pupils described in this subsection who are counted in membership in the district times the sum of the foundation allowance under section 20 of the pupil's district of residence, plus the amount of the district's per-pupil allocation under section 20m, not to exceed the target foundation allowance for the current fiscal year, or, for a pupil described in this subsection who is counted in membership in a district that is a public school academy, times an amount equal to the amount per membership pupil under section 20(6). The department shall calculate the allocation to an intermediate district under this subsection in the same manner as for a district, using the foundation allowance under section 20 of the pupil's district of residence not to exceed the target foundation allowance for the current fiscal year and that district's per-pupil allocation under section 20m. This subsection applies to all of the following pupils:

(a) Pupils described in section 53a.

(b) Pupils counted in membership in an intermediate district who are not special education pupils and are served by the intermediate district in a juvenile detention or child caring facility.

(c) Pupils with an emotional impairment counted in membership by an intermediate district and provided educational services by the department of health and human services.

(11) If it is determined that funds allocated under subsection (2) or (10) or under section 51c will not be expended, funds up to the amount necessary and available may be used to supplement the allocations under subsection (2) or (10) or under section 51c to fully fund those allocations. After payments under subsections (2) and (10) and section 51c, the department shall expend the remaining funds from the allocation in subsection (1) in the following order:

(a) One hundred percent of the reimbursement required under section 53a.

(b) One hundred percent of the reimbursement required under subsection (5).

(d) One hundred percent of the payments under section 56.

(12) The allocations under subsections (2) and (10) are allocations to intermediate districts only and are not allocations to districts, but instead are calculations used only to determine the state payments under section 22b.

(13) If a public school academy that is not a cyber school, as that term is defined in section 551 of the revised school code, MCL 380.551, enrolls under this section a pupil who resides outside of the intermediate district in which the public school academy is located and who is eligible for special education programs and services according to statute or rule, or who is a child with a disability, as that term is defined under the individuals with disabilities education act, Public Law 108-446, the intermediate district in which the public school academy is located and the public school academy shall enter into a written agreement with the intermediate district in which the pupil resides for the purpose of providing the pupil with a free appropriate public education, and the written agreement must include at least an agreement on the responsibility for the payment of the added costs of special education programs and services for the pupil. If the public school academy that enrolls the pupil does not enter into an agreement under this subsection, the public school academy shall not charge the pupil's resident intermediate district or the intermediate district in which the public school academy is located the added costs of special education programs and services for the pupil, and the public school academy is not eligible for any payouts based on the funding formula outlined in the resident or nonresident intermediate district's plan. If a pupil is not enrolled in a public school academy under this subsection, the provision of special education programs and services and the payment of the added costs of special education programs and services for a pupil described in this subsection are the responsibility of the district and intermediate district in which the pupil resides.

(14) For the purpose of receiving its federal allocation under part B of the individuals with disabilities education act, Public Law 108-446, a public school academy that is a cyber school, as that term is defined in section 551 of the revised school code, MCL 380.551, and is in compliance with section 553a of the revised school code, MCL 380.553a, directly receives the federal allocation under part B of the individuals with disabilities education act, Public Law 108-446, from the intermediate district in which the cyber school is located, as the subrecipient. If the intermediate district does not distribute the funds described in this subsection to the cyber school by the part B application due date of July 1, the department may distribute the funds described in this subsection directly to the cyber school according to the formula prescribed in 34 CFR 300.705 and 34 CFR 300.816. Beginning July 1, 2021, this subsection is subject to section 8c. It is the intent of the legislature that the immediately preceding sentence apply retroactively and is effective July 1, 2021.

(15) For a public school academy that is a cyber school, as that term is defined in section 551 of the revised school code, MCL 380.551, and is in compliance with section 553a of the revised school code, MCL 380.553a, that enrolls a pupil under this section, the intermediate district in which the cyber school is located shall ensure that the cyber school complies with sections 1701a, 1703, 1704, 1751, 1752, 1756, and 1757 of the revised school code, MCL 380.1701a, 380.1703, 380.1704, 380.1751, 380.1752, 380.1756, and 380.1757; applicable rules; and the individuals with disabilities education act, Public Law 108-446. Beginning July 1, 2021, this subsection is subject to section 8c. It is the intent of the legislature that the immediately preceding sentence apply retroactively and is effective July 1, 2021.

(16) For the purposes of this section, the department or the center shall only require a district or intermediate district to report information that is not already available from the financial information database maintained by the center.

Sec. 51c. As required by the court in the consolidated cases known as Durant v State of Michigan, 456 Mich 175 (1997), from the allocation under section 51a(1), there is allocated for 2024-2025 and for 2025-2026 and for 2026-2027 the amount necessary, estimated at $993,100,000.00 for 2024-2025 and $1,107,900,000.00 $1,055,000,000.00 for 2025-2026 and $1,140,700,000.00 for 2026-2027, for payments to reimburse districts for 28.6138% of total approved costs of special education excluding costs reimbursed under section 53a, and 70.4165% of total approved costs of special education transportation. Funds allocated under this section that are not expended in the fiscal year for which they were allocated, as determined by the department, may be used to supplement the allocations under sections 22a and 22b to fully fund those allocations for the same fiscal year.

Sec. 51d. (1) From the federal funds appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2025-2026 2026-2027 all available federal funding, estimated at $83,000,000.00, for special education programs and services that are funded by federal grants. The department shall distribute all federal funds allocated under this section in accordance with federal law. Notwithstanding section 17b, the department shall make payments of federal funds to districts, intermediate districts, and other eligible entities under this section on a schedule determined by the department.

(2) From the federal funds allocated under subsection (1), the following amounts are allocated:

(a) For 2025-2026, 2026-2027, an amount estimated at $14,000,000.00 for handicapped infants and toddlers, funded from DED-OSERS, handicapped infants and toddlers funds.

(b) For 2025-2026, 2026-2027, an amount estimated at $14,000,000.00 for preschool grants under Public Law 94-142, funded from DED-OSERS, handicapped preschool incentive funds.

(c) For 2025-2026, 2026-2027, an amount estimated at $55,000,000.00 for special education programs funded by DED-OSERS, handicapped program, individuals with disabilities act funds.

(3) As used in this section, "DED-OSERS" means the United States Department of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.

Sec. 51e. (1) From the allocation under section 51a(1), there is allocated for the amount necessary, estimated at $503,000,000.00 for 2024-2025 and $528,100,000.00 $521,800,000.00 for 2025-2026 and $535,000,000.00 for 2026-2027, for payments to districts and intermediate districts for 100% of foundation allowance costs associated with special education pupils.

(2) The department shall calculate the amount allocated to a district under this section by multiplying the district's special education pupil membership, excluding pupils described in section 51a(11), times 100% of the foundation allowance under section 20 of the pupil's district of residence, plus 100% of the amount of the district's per-pupil allocation under section 20m, not to exceed 100% of the target foundation allowance for the current fiscal year, or, for a special education pupil in membership in a district that is a public school academy, times an amount equal to 100% of the amount per membership pupil calculated under section 20(6). For an intermediate district, the amount allocated under this subsection is an amount per special education membership pupil, excluding pupils described in section 51a(11), and is calculated in the same manner as for a district, using 100% of the foundation allowance under section 20 of the pupil's district of residence, not to exceed 100% of the target foundation allowance for the current fiscal year, and 100% of that district's per-pupil allocation under section 20m.

Sec. 51g. From the general fund money appropriated in section 11, $3,000,000.00 is allocated for 2025-2026 2026-2027 to an association for administrators of special education services to develop content for use by special education students, teachers, and others. Any content that is developed as described in this section must be accessible throughout this state. Funds received by an association under this section may be used to support the development of assessment tools to measure the needs of students with special education needs in remote learning environments and the effectiveness of various educational methods and tools, in collaboration with the department. Funds under this section may also be utilized to identify any available federal funds for research related to special education in remote learning.

Sec. 51i. (1) It is the intent of the legislature that, beginning in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2028, a weighted special education funding formula be implemented to recognize the higher costs associated with certain student needs.

(2) It is the intent of the legislature that a weighted special education funding formula described in subsection (1) be implemented in a way to work toward the following target weights for payments to districts and intermediate districts for identified special education students:

(a) Speech and language impairment, 1.1.

(b) Specific learning disability, 1.1.

(d) Physical impairment multiplied, 3.1.

(e) Severe multiple impairments, 3.1.

(f) Cognitive impairment, 3.1.

(g) Deaf or hard of hearing multiplied, 3.1.

(h) Deaf-blindness, 3.1.

(i) Emotional impairment multiplied, 3.8.

(j) Visual impairment, 3.8.

(k) Early childhood developmental delays, 3.8.

(l) Autism spectrum disorder, 3.8.

(m) Traumatic brain injury, 3.8.

(3) It is the intent of the legislature that payments to districts and intermediate districts under the formula described in this section be adjusted to take into account available federal revenue and local revenue generating capacity of recipient districts and intermediate districts.

Sec. 53a. (1) For districts, reimbursement for pupils described in subsection (2) is 100% of the total approved costs of operating special education programs and services approved by the department and included in the intermediate district plan adopted under article 3 of the revised school code, MCL 380.1701 to 380.1761, minus the district's foundation allowance calculated under section 20 and minus the district's per-pupil allocation under section 20m. For intermediate districts, the department shall calculate reimbursement for pupils described in subsection (2) in the same manner as for a district, using the foundation allowance under section 20 of the pupil's district of residence, not to exceed the target foundation allowance under section 20 for the current fiscal year plus the amount of the district's per-pupil allocation under section 20m.

(2) Reimbursement under subsection (1) is for the following special education pupils:

(a) Pupils assigned to a district or intermediate district through the community placement program of the courts or a state agency, if the pupil was a resident of another intermediate district at the time the pupil came under the jurisdiction of the court or a state agency.

(b) Pupils who are residents of institutions operated by the department of health and human services.

(c) Pupils who are former residents of department of community health institutions for the developmentally disabled who are placed in community settings other than the pupil's home.

(d) Pupils enrolled in a department-approved on-grounds educational program longer than 180 days, but not longer than 233 days, at a residential child care institution, if the child care institution offered in 1991-92 an on-grounds educational program longer than 180 days but not longer than 233 days.

(e) Pupils placed in a district by a parent for the purpose of seeking a suitable home, if the parent does not reside in the same intermediate district as the district in which the pupil is placed.

(3) Only those costs that are clearly and directly attributable to educational programs for pupils described in subsection (2), and that would not have been incurred if the pupils were not being educated in a district or intermediate district, are reimbursable under this section.

(4) The costs of transportation are funded under this section and are not reimbursed under section 58.

(5) The department shall not allocate more than $10,500,000.00 of the allocation for 2025-2026 2026-2027 in section 51a(1) under this section.

Sec. 54. Each intermediate district receives an amount per pupil for each pupil in attendance at the Michigan Schools for the Deaf and Blind. The amount is proportionate to the total instructional cost at each school. The department shall not allocate more than $1,688,000.00 $4,529,400.00 of the allocation for 2025-2026 2026-2027 in section 51a(1) under this section.

Sec. 54b. From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $1,600,000.00 for 2026-2027 to expand the implementation of the literacy and social, emotional, and behavioral components of a multi-tiered system of supports, including positive behavioral interventions and supports, using the Michigan Multi-Tiered System of Supports Technical Assistance Center. All of the following apply to funds allocated under this section:

(a) The department shall use funds allocated under this section, through an intermediate district, for the purpose of expanding the statewide expertise, technical assistance, and implementation of the multi-tiered system of supports, dyslexia expertise, and evidence-based instructional practices grounded in the science of reading using the Michigan Multi-Tiered System of Supports Technical Assistance Center. The department shall identify an intermediate district to act as a fiscal agent for funds allocated under this section.

(b) The department shall provide a report each year to the state budget director, the house and senate appropriations subcommittees on school aid, and the house and senate fiscal agencies that details the following:

(i) The progress being made by districts in implementing multi-tiered systems of supports.

(ii) The progress being made by districts in providing reading intervention services described in section 1280f of the revised school code, MCL 380.1280f, for pupils in grades K to 12.

(iii) Other information the department determines would be useful to understand the status of districts' implementation of effective multi-tiered systems of supports and reading intervention programs.

(c) Up to 2% of funds allocated under this section may be used by the intermediate district serving as the fiscal agent for these funds to administer this section.

Sec. 54d. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $23,670,700.00 $25,120,700.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 to intermediate districts for the purpose of providing state early on services programs for children from birth to 3 years of age with a developmental delay or a disability, or both, and their families, as described in the early on Michigan state plan, as approved by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential.

(2) To be eligible to receive grant funding under this section, each intermediate district must apply in a form and manner determined by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential.

(3) The grant funding allocated under this section must be used to increase early on services and resources available to children that demonstrate developmental delays to help prepare them for success as they enter school. State early on services include evaluating and providing early intervention services for eligible infants and toddlers and their families to address developmental delays, including those affecting physical, cognitive, communication, adaptive, social, or emotional development. Grant funds must not be used to supplant existing services that are currently being provided.

(4) The department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall distribute the funds allocated under subsection (1) to intermediate districts according to the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential's early on funding formula utilized to distribute the federal award to Michigan under part C of the individuals with disabilities education act, Public Law 108-446. Funds received under this section must not supplant existing funds or resources allocated for early on early intervention services. An intermediate district receiving funds under this section shall maximize the capture of Medicaid funds to support early on early intervention services to the extent possible.

(5) Each intermediate district that receives funds under this section shall report data and other information to the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential in a form, manner, and frequency prescribed by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential to allow for monitoring and evaluation of the program and to ensure that the children described in subsection (1) received appropriate levels and types of services delivered by qualified personnel, based on the individual needs of the children and their families.

(6) Notwithstanding section 17b, the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall make payments under this section on a schedule determined by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential.

(7) Grant funds awarded and allocated to an intermediate district under this section must be expended by the grant recipient before June 30 of the fiscal year immediately following the fiscal year in which the funds were received.

Sec. 56. (1) For the purposes of this section:

(a) "Membership" means for a particular fiscal year the total membership of the intermediate district and the districts constituent to the intermediate district, except that if a district has elected not to come under part 30 of the revised school code, MCL 380.1711 to 380.1741, membership of the district is not included in the membership of the intermediate district.

(a) "Capped local special education property tax revenue" means the amount of revenue that would be received if an intermediate district levied the maximum millage rate permitted for that intermediate district under section 1724a of the revised school code, MCL 380.1724a, capped at the statewide average special education millage rate.

(b) "Membership" means for a particular fiscal year the total membership of the intermediate district and the districts constituent to the intermediate district, except that if a district has elected not to come under part 30 of the revised school code, MCL 380.1711 to 380.1741, membership of the district is not included in the membership of the intermediate district.

(c) (b) "Millage levied" means the millage levied in the immediately preceding fiscal year for special education under part 30 of the revised school code, MCL 380.1711 to 380.1741. , including a levy for debt service obligations.

(d) "Special education head count" means, for a particular fiscal year, the total special education head count of an intermediate district and the districts constituent to the intermediate district from the fall pupil membership count day of the immediately preceding year, except that if a district has elected not to come under part 30 of the revised school code, MCL 380.1711 to 380.1741, special education head count of the district is not included in the special education head count of the intermediate district.

(e) "Statewide average special education millage rate" means the statewide levy amount divided by the statewide taxable value.

(f) "Statewide average taxable value per unreimbursed costs" means the statewide taxable value divided by the statewide unreimbursed costs.

(g) (c) "Taxable value" means the total taxable value of the districts constituent to an intermediate district in the immediately preceding fiscal year, except that if a district has elected not to come under part 30 of the revised school code, MCL 380.1711 to 380.1741, taxable value of the district is not included in the taxable value of the intermediate district. Taxable value also includes both of the following:

(i) The value of personal property exempt under the local community stabilization authority act, 2014 PA 86, MCL 123.1341 to 123.1362, and reimbursed to the intermediate district under section 17 of the local community stabilization authority act, 2014 PA 86, MCL 123.1357.

(ii) Tax increment property captured by a brownfield redevelopment authority under the brownfield redevelopment financing act, 1996 PA 381, MCL 125.2651 to 125.2670, and reimbursed to the intermediate district under section 15b of the brownfield redevelopment financing act, 1996 PA 381, MCL 125.2665b.

(h) "Unreimbursed costs" means the sum of costs reported on the SE-4094 and SE-4096 reports for all districts in the intermediate district, less the amount of reimbursement received under section 51c, and less the capped local special education property tax revenue.

(2) From the allocation under section 51a(1), there is allocated an amount not to exceed $40,008,100.00 for 2024-2025 and $40,008,100.00 for 2025-2026 and $89,208,100.00 for 2026-2027 for payments to reimburse intermediate districts levying millages for special education under part 30 of the revised school code, MCL 380.1711 to 380.1741. The purpose, use, and expenditure of the reimbursement are limited as if the funds were generated by these millages and governed by the intermediate district plan adopted under article 3 of the revised school code, MCL 380.1701 to 380.1761. As a condition of receiving funds under this section, an intermediate district distributing any portion of special education millage funds to its constituent districts must submit for departmental approval and implement a distribution plan.

(3) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, reimbursement for those millages levied in 2023-2024 is made in 2024-2025 at an amount per 2023-2024 membership pupil computed by subtracting from $260,200.00 the 2023-2024 taxable value behind each membership pupil and multiplying the resulting difference by the 2023-2024 millage levied, and then subtracting from that amount the 2023-2024 local community stabilization share revenue for special education purposes and 2023-2024 tax increment revenues captured by a brownfield redevelopment authority created under the brownfield redevelopment financing act, 1996 PA 381, MCL 125.2651 to 125.2670, behind each membership pupil for reimbursement of personal property exemption loss under the local community stabilization authority act, 2014 PA 86, MCL 123.1341 to 123.1362, and reimbursements paid under section 26d for tax increment revenues captured by a brownfield redevelopment authority under the brownfield redevelopment financing act, 1996 PA 381, MCL 125.2651 to 125.2670. For the purposes of the calculation described in the previous sentence only, for an intermediate district receiving funds under this section and section 62, reimbursements paid under section 26d must be multiplied by the ratio of special education millage levied, as defined in this section, and the sum of special education millage levied and vocational-technical education millage levied, as defined in section 62. Reimbursement in 2024-2025 for an intermediate district whose 2017-2018 allocation was affected by the operation of subsection (5) is an amount equal to 102.5% of the 2017-2018 allocation to that intermediate district.

(3) (4) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, reimbursement for those millages levied in 2024-2025 is made in 2025-2026 at an amount per 2024-2025 membership pupil computed by subtracting from $278,500.00 $278,700.00 the 2024-2025 taxable value behind each membership pupil and multiplying the resulting difference by the 2024-2025 millage levied, and then subtracting from that amount the 2024-2025 local community stabilization share revenue for special education purposes and 2024-2025 tax increment revenues captured by a brownfield redevelopment authority created under the brownfield redevelopment financing act, 1996 PA 381, MCL 125.2651 to 125.2670, behind each membership pupil for reimbursement of personal property exemption loss under the local community stabilization authority act, 2014 PA 86, MCL 123.1341 to 123.1362, and reimbursements paid under section 26d for tax increment revenues captured by a brownfield redevelopment authority under the brownfield redevelopment financing act, 1996 PA 381, MCL 125.2651 to 125.2670. For the purposes of the calculation described in the previous sentence only, for an intermediate district receiving funds under this section and section 62, reimbursements paid under section 26d must be multiplied by the ratio of special education millage levied, as defined in this section, and the sum of special education millage levied and vocational-technical education millage levied, as defined in section 62. Reimbursement in 2025-2026 for an intermediate district whose 2017-2018 allocation was affected by the operation of subsection (5) is an amount equal to 102.5% of the 2017-2018 allocation to that intermediate district.

(4) (5) The For 2025-2026, the department shall ensure that the amount paid to a single intermediate district under subsection (2) does not exceed 62.9% of the total amount allocated under subsection (2).

(5) (6) The For 2025-2026, the department shall ensure that the amount paid to a single intermediate district under subsection (2) is not less than 75% of the amount allocated to the intermediate district under subsection (2) for the immediately preceding fiscal year.

(6) (7) From For 2025-2026, from the allocation under section 51a(1), there is allocated an amount not to exceed $34,200,000.00 for 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 to provide payments to intermediate districts levying millages for special education under part 30 of the revised school code, MCL 380.1711 to 380.1741. The purpose, use, and expenditure of the payments under this subsection are limited as if the funds were generated by these millages and governed by the intermediate district plan adopted under article 3 of the revised school code, MCL 380.1701 to 380.1761. The department shall provide a payment under this subsection to each intermediate district described in this subsection as follows:

(a) For 2024-2025 and 2025-2026, except as otherwise provided in this subsection, for an intermediate district with a 3-year average special education millage revenue per pupil in the immediately preceding fiscal year that is less than $251.00 and that is levying at least 46.2% but less than 60.0% of its maximum millage rate allowed under section 1724a of the revised school code, MCL 380.1724a, an amount computed by subtracting from $251.00 the 3-year average special education millage revenue per pupil in the immediately preceding fiscal year and, only if the millage levied by the intermediate district is less than 1, multiplying that amount by the number of mills levied divided by 1, and then multiplying that amount by the 3-year average membership in the immediately preceding fiscal year, and then subtracting from that amount the amount allocated under subsection (2) for the current fiscal year. If the calculation under this subdivision results in an amount below zero, there is no payment under this subdivision.

(b) For 2024-2025 and 2025-2026, except as otherwise provided in this subsection, for an intermediate district with a 3-year average special education millage revenue per pupil in the immediately preceding fiscal year that is less than $296.00 and that is levying at least 60.0% of its maximum millage rate allowed under section 1724a of the revised school code, MCL 380.1724a, an amount computed by subtracting from $296.00 the 3-year average special education millage revenue per pupil in the immediately preceding fiscal year, and, only if the millage levied by the intermediate district is less than 1, multiplying that amount by the number of mills levied divided by 1, and then multiplying that amount by the 3-year average membership in the immediately preceding fiscal year, and then subtracting from that amount the amount allocated under subsection (2) for the current fiscal year. If the calculation under this subdivision results in an amount below zero, there is no payment under this subdivision.

(7) (8) After For 2025-2026, after making allocations to eligible intermediate districts under subsections (3) , (4), and (7), (6), if funds remain unallocated from the allocations under subsections (2) and (7), (6), the department must allocate remaining funds to intermediate districts proportional to the amounts allocated to intermediate districts under subsections subsection (3). and (4).

(8) (9) As used in subsection (7):(6):

(a) "3-year average membership" means the 3-year average pupil membership for each of the 3 most recent fiscal years.

(b) "3-year average special education millage revenue per pupil" means the 3-year average taxable value per mill levied behind each membership pupil for each of the 3 most recent fiscal years multiplied by the millage levied in the most recent fiscal year.

(9) Beginning in 2026-2027, the department shall provide payments under subsection (2) to each intermediate district described in this subsection as follows:

(a) The department shall first calculate a reimbursement for those millages levied in the immediately preceding fiscal year at an amount per special education head count by subtracting the intermediate district's taxable value per special education head count from the statewide average taxable value per special education head count, and multiplying the resulting difference by the immediately preceding fiscal year millage rate levied, capped at the statewide average special education millage rate.

(b) The department shall then calculate a reimbursement for unreimbursed costs by subtracting the quotient of the intermediate district's taxable value and the statewide average taxable value per unreimbursed costs from the intermediate district's unreimbursed costs.

(c) The calculation under subdivision (a) must be greater than $0.00 for an intermediate district to receive reimbursement under this subsection. For an intermediate district whose calculation under subdivision (a) is less than or equal to $0.00, the amount in subdivision (b) is $0.00 for purposes of the calculation in subdivision (d).

(d) The department shall then calculate the average of the amounts calculated under subdivisions (a) and (b) for each intermediate district. For the purpose of the calculation under this subdivision, calculations in subdivision (a) or (b) that result in negative totals are treated as $0.00.

(e) The amount reimbursed under subsection (2) is the 3-year average of the amount calculated under subdivision (d) for the 3 most recent fiscal years.

(10) If total payments calculated under subsection (9) exceed the amount allocated in subsection (2), the department must prorate the payments on an equal percentage basis.

(11) In addition to the funds allocated under subsection (2), from the state school aid pupil support reserve fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $11,000,000.00 for 2026-2027 only to intermediate districts described in this section. For any intermediate district where the calculation under subsection (9) results in a number that is less than the amount the intermediate district received under this section in 2025-2026, the department shall make an additional payment to that intermediate district in an amount equal to 100% of the difference between the current year payment and the total payment received in 2025-2026. If the total payments calculated under this subsection exceed the amount allocated under this subsection, the department must prorate payments on an equal percentage basis.

Sec. 61a. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $41,733,800.00 $44,233,800.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 to reimburse on an added cost basis districts, except for a district that served as the fiscal agent for a vocational education consortium in the 1993-94 school year and that has a foundation allowance as calculated under section 20 greater than the target foundation allowance under that section, and secondary area vocational-technical education centers for secondary-level career and technical education programs according to rules approved by the superintendent. Applications for participation in the programs must be submitted in the form prescribed by the department. The department shall determine the added cost for each career and technical education program area. The department shall prioritize the allocation of added cost funds based on the capital and program expenditures needed to operate the career and technical education programs provided; the number of pupils enrolled; the advancement of pupils through the instructional program; the existence of an articulation agreement with at least 1 postsecondary institution that provides pupils with opportunities to earn postsecondary credit during the pupil's participation in the career and technical education program and transfers those credits to the postsecondary institution upon completion of the career and technical education program; and the program rank in student placement, job openings, and wages, and shall ensure that the allocation does not exceed 75% of the added cost of any program. Notwithstanding any rule or department determination to the contrary, when determining a district's allocation or the formula for making allocations under this section, the department shall include the participation of pupils in grade 9 in all of those determinations and in all portions of the formula. With the approval of the department, the board of a district maintaining a secondary career and technical education program may offer the program for the period from the close of the school year until September 1. The program shall use existing facilities and must be operated as prescribed by rules promulgated by the superintendent.

(2) Except for a district that served as the fiscal agent for a vocational education consortium in the 1993-94 school year, the department shall reimburse districts and intermediate districts for local career and technical education administration, shared time career and technical education administration, and career education planning district career and technical education administration. The superintendent shall adopt guidelines for the definition of what constitutes administration and shall make reimbursement pursuant to those guidelines. The department shall not distribute more than $800,000.00 of the allocation in subsection (1) under this subsection.

(3) A career and technical education program funded under this section may provide an opportunity for participants who are eligible to be funded under section 107 to enroll in the career and technical education program funded under this section if the participation does not occur during regular school hours.

Sec. 61b. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated under section 11, there is allocated for 2025-2026 2026-2027 an amount not to exceed $8,368,000.00 $8,868,000.00 for CTE early middle college and CTE dual enrollment programs authorized under this section and for planning grants for the development or expansion of CTE early middle college programs. The purpose of these programs is to increase the number of Michigan residents with high-quality degrees or credentials, and to increase the number of students who are college and career ready upon high school graduation.

(2) From the funds allocated under subsection (1), the department shall allocate an amount as determined under this subsection to each intermediate district serving as a fiscal agent for state-approved CTE early middle college and CTE dual enrollment programs in each of the career education planning districts identified by the department. An intermediate district shall not use more than 5% of the funds allocated under this subsection for administrative costs for serving as the fiscal agent.

(3) To be an eligible fiscal agent, an intermediate district must agree to do all of the following in a form and manner determined by the department:

(a) Distribute funds to eligible CTE early middle college and CTE dual enrollment programs in a career education planning district as described in this section.

(b) Collaborate with the career and educational advisory council in the workforce development board service delivery area to develop 1 regional strategic plan under subsection (4) that aligns CTE programs and services into an efficient and effective delivery system for high school students. The department will align career education planning districts, workforce development board service delivery areas, and intermediate districts for the purpose of creating 1 regional strategic plan for each workforce development board service delivery area.

(c) Implement a regional process to rank career clusters in the workforce development board service delivery area as described under subsection (4). Regional processes must be approved by the department before the ranking of career clusters.

(d) Report CTE early middle college and CTE dual enrollment program and student data and information as prescribed by the department and the center.

(e) The local education agency responsible for student reporting in the Michigan student data system (MSDS) will report the total number of college credits the student earned, at the time of high school graduation, as determined by the department and the center.

(f) The local education agency will report each award outcome in the Michigan student data system (MSDS) that the CTE early middle college student attained. For purposes of this subsection, an on-track CTE early middle college graduate is a graduate who obtained their high school diploma and at least 1 of the following:

(i) An associate degree.

(ii) 60 transferable college credits.

(iii) Professional certification.

(iv) A Michigan Early Middle College Association certificate.

(v) Participation in a registered apprenticeship.

(4) A regional strategic plan must be approved by the career and educational advisory council before submission to the department. A regional strategic plan must include, but is not limited to, the following:

(a) An identification of regional employer need based on a ranking of all career clusters in the workforce development board service delivery area ranked by 10-year projections of annual job openings and median wage for each standard occupational code in each career cluster as obtained from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. Standard occupational codes within high-ranking clusters also may be further ranked by median wage and annual job openings. The career and educational advisory council located in the workforce development board service delivery area shall review the rankings and modify them if necessary to accurately reflect employer demand for talent in the workforce development board service delivery area. A career and educational advisory council shall document that it has conducted this review and certify that it is accurate. These career cluster rankings must be determined and updated once every 4 years.

(b) An identification of educational entities in the workforce development board service delivery area that will provide eligible CTE early middle college and CTE dual enrollment programs including districts, intermediate districts, postsecondary institutions, and noncredit occupational training programs leading to an industry-recognized credential.

(c) A strategy to inform parents and students of CTE early middle college and CTE dual enrollment programs in the workforce development board service delivery area.

(d) Any other requirements as defined by the department.

(5) An eligible CTE program is a program that meets all of the following:

(a) Has been identified in the highest 5 career cluster rankings in any of the 16 workforce development board service delivery area strategic plans jointly approved by the department of labor and economic opportunity and the department.

(b) Has a coherent sequence of courses in a specific career cluster that will allow a student to earn a high school diploma and achieve at least 1 of the following:

(i) For CTE early middle college, outcomes as defined in subsection (3)(f).

(ii) For CTE dual enrollment, 1 of the following:

(A) An associate degree.

(B) An industry-recognized technical certification approved by the department of labor and economic opportunity.

(D) Participation in a registered apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, or apprentice readiness program.

(d) Has an articulation or a college credit agreement with at least 1 postsecondary institution that provides students with opportunities to receive postsecondary credits during the student's participation in the CTE early middle college or CTE dual enrollment program and transfers those credits to the postsecondary institution upon completion of the CTE early middle college or CTE dual enrollment program.

(e) Provides instruction that is supervised, directed, or coordinated by an appropriately certificated CTE teacher or, for concurrent enrollment courses, a postsecondary faculty member.

(f) Provides for highly integrated student support services that include at least the following:

(i) Teachers as academic advisors.

(ii) Supervised course selection.

(iii) Monitoring of student progress and completion.

(iv) Career planning services provided by a local one-stop service center as described in the Michigan works one-stop service center system act, 2006 PA 491, MCL 408.111 to 408.135, or by a high school counselor or advisor.

(g) Has courses that are taught on a college campus, are college courses offered at the high school and taught by college faculty, or are courses taught in combination with online instruction.

(6) The department shall distribute funds to eligible CTE early middle college and CTE dual enrollment programs as follows:

(a) The department shall determine statewide average CTE costs per pupil for each CIP code program by calculating statewide average costs for each CIP code program for the 3 most recent fiscal years.

(b) The distribution to each eligible CTE early middle college or CTE dual enrollment program is the product of 50% of CTE costs per pupil times the pupil enrollment of each eligible CTE early middle college or CTE dual enrollment program in the immediately preceding school year.

(7) To receive funds under this section, a CTE early middle college or CTE dual enrollment program shall furnish to the intermediate district that is the fiscal agent identified in subsection (2), in a form and manner determined by the department, all information needed to administer this program and meet federal reporting requirements; shall allow the department or the department's designee to review all records related to the program for which it receives funds; and shall reimburse the state for all disallowances found in the review, as determined by the department.

(8) There is allocated for 2025-2026 2026-2027 from the funds under subsection (1) an amount not to exceed $500,000.00 from the state school aid fund allocation for grants to intermediate districts or consortia of intermediate districts for the purpose of planning for new or expanded early middle college programs. Applications for grants must be submitted in a form and manner determined by the department. The amount of a grant under this subsection must not exceed $50,000.00. To be eligible for a grant under this subsection, an intermediate district or consortia of intermediate districts must provide matching funds equal to the grant received under this subsection. Notwithstanding section 17b, the department shall make payments under this subsection in the manner determined by the department.

(9) Funds distributed under this section may be used to fund program expenditures that would otherwise be paid from foundation allowances. A program receiving funding under section 61a may receive funding under this section for allowable costs that exceed the reimbursement the program received under section 61a. The combined payments received by a program under section 61a and this section must not exceed the total allowable costs of the program. A program provider shall not use more than 5% of the funds allocated under this section to the program for administrative costs.

(10) If the allocation under subsection (1) is insufficient to fully fund payments as otherwise calculated under this section, the department shall prorate payments under this section on an equal percentage basis, using for that proration calculation payments made for CTE dual enrollment programs only.

(11) If pupils enrolled in a career cluster in an eligible CTE early middle college or CTE dual enrollment program qualify to be reimbursed under this section, those pupils continue to qualify for reimbursement until graduation, even if the career cluster is no longer identified as being in the highest 5 career cluster rankings.

(12) As used in this section:

(a) "Allowable costs" means those costs directly attributable to the program as jointly determined by the department of labor and economic opportunity and the department.

(b) "Career and educational advisory council" means an advisory council to the local workforce development boards located in a workforce development board service delivery area consisting of educational, employer, labor, and parent representatives.

(d) "CTE" means career and technical education programs.

(e) "CTE dual enrollment program" means a 4-year high school program of postsecondary courses offered by eligible postsecondary educational institutions that leads to an industry-recognized certification or degree.

(f) "Early middle college program" means a 5-year high school program.

(g) "Eligible postsecondary educational institution" means that term as defined in section 3 of the career and technical preparation act, 2000 PA 258, MCL 388.1903.

Sec. 62. (1) For the purposes of this section:

(a) "Membership" means for a particular fiscal year the total membership of the intermediate district and the districts constituent to the intermediate district or the total membership of the area vocational-technical program, except that if a district has elected not to come under sections 681 to 690 of the revised school code, MCL 380.681 to 380.690, the membership of that district are not included in the membership of the intermediate district. However, the membership of a district that has elected not to come under sections 681 to 690 of the revised school code, MCL 380.681 to 380.690, is included in the membership of the intermediate district if the district meets both of the following:

(i) The district operates the area vocational-technical education program pursuant to a contract with the intermediate district.

(ii) The district contributes an annual amount to the operation of the program that is commensurate with the revenue that would have been raised for operation of the program if millage were levied in the district for the program under sections 681 to 690 of the revised school code, MCL 380.681 to 380.690.

(b) "Millage levied" means the millage levied for area vocational-technical education under sections 681 to 690 of the revised school code, MCL 380.681 to 380.690, including a levy for debt service obligations incurred as the result of borrowing for capital outlay projects and in meeting capital projects fund requirements of area vocational-technical education.

(c) "Taxable value" means the total taxable value of the districts constituent to an intermediate district or area vocational-technical education program, except that if a district has elected not to come under sections 681 to 690 of the revised school code, MCL 380.681 to 380.690, the taxable value of that district is not included in the taxable value of the intermediate district. However, the taxable value of a district that has elected not to come under sections 681 to 690 of the revised school code, MCL 380.681 to 380.690, is included in the taxable value of the intermediate district if the district meets both of the following:

(i) The district operates the area vocational-technical education program pursuant to a contract with the intermediate district.

(2) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $9,190,000.00 each fiscal year for 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 to reimburse intermediate districts and area vocational-technical education programs established under section 690(3) of the revised school code, MCL 380.690, levying millages for area vocational-technical education under sections 681 to 690 of the revised school code, MCL 380.681 to 380.690. The purpose, use, and expenditure of the reimbursement are limited as if the funds were generated by those millages.

(3) Reimbursement for those millages levied in 2023-2024 is made in 2024-2025 at an amount per 2023-2024 membership pupil computed by subtracting from $269,800.00 the 2023-2024 taxable value behind each membership pupil and multiplying the resulting difference by the 2023-2024 millage levied, and then subtracting from that amount the 2023-2024 local community stabilization share revenue for area vocational technical education and 2023-2024 tax increment revenues captured by a brownfield redevelopment authority created under the brownfield redevelopment financing act, 1996 PA 381, MCL 125.2651 to 125.2670, behind each membership pupil for reimbursement of personal property exemption loss under the local community stabilization authority act, 2014 PA 86, MCL 123.1341 to 123.1362, and reimbursements paid under section 26d for tax increment revenues captured by a brownfield redevelopment authority under the brownfield redevelopment financing act, 1996 PA 381, MCL 125.2651 to 125.2670. For the purposes of the calculation described in the previous sentence only, for an intermediate district receiving funds under this section and section 56, reimbursements paid under section 26d must be multiplied by the ratio of vocational-technical education millage levied, as defined in this section, and the sum of vocational-technical education millage levied and special education.

(3) (4) Reimbursement for those millages levied in 2024-2025 is made in 2025-2026 at an amount per 2024-2025 membership pupil computed by subtracting from $287,400.00 $288,300.00 the 2024-2025 taxable value behind each membership pupil and multiplying the resulting difference by the 2024-2025 millage levied, and then subtracting from that amount the 2024-2025 local community stabilization share revenue for area vocational technical education and 2024-2025 tax increment revenues captured by a brownfield redevelopment authority created under the brownfield redevelopment financing act, 1996 PA 381, MCL 125.2651 to 125.2670, behind each membership pupil for reimbursement of personal property exemption loss under the local community stabilization authority act, 2014 PA 86, MCL 123.1341 to 123.1362, and reimbursements paid under section 26d for tax increment revenues captured by a brownfield redevelopment authority under the brownfield redevelopment financing act, 1996 PA 381, MCL 125.2651 to 125.2670. For the purposes of the calculation described in the previous sentence only, for an intermediate district receiving funds under this section and section 56, reimbursements paid under section 26d must be multiplied by the ratio of vocational-technical education millage levied, as defined in this section, and the sum of vocational-technical education millage levied and special education millage levied, as defined in section 56.

(4) Reimbursement for those millages levied in 2025-2026 is made in 2026-2027 at an amount per 2025-2026 membership pupil computed by subtracting from $303,500.00 the 2025-2026 taxable value behind each membership pupil and multiplying the resulting difference by the 2025-2026 millage levied, and then subtracting from that amount the 2025-2026 local community stabilization share revenue for area vocational technical education and 2025-2026 tax increment revenues captured by a brownfield redevelopment authority created under the brownfield redevelopment financing act, 1996 PA 381, MCL 125.2651 to 125.2670, behind each membership pupil for reimbursement of personal property exemption loss under the local community stabilization authority act, 2014 PA 86, MCL 123.1341 to 123.1362, and reimbursements paid under section 26d for tax increment revenues captured by a brownfield redevelopment authority under the brownfield redevelopment financing act, 1996 PA 381, MCL 125.2651 to 125.2670. For the purposes of the calculation described in the previous sentence only, for an intermediate district receiving funds under this section and section 56, reimbursements paid under section 26d must be multiplied by the ratio of vocational-technical education millage levied, as defined in this section, and the sum of vocational-technical education millage levied and special education millage levied, as defined in section 56.

(5) The department shall ensure that the amount paid to a single intermediate district under this section does not exceed 38.4% of the total amount allocated under subsection (2).

(6) The department shall ensure that the amount paid to a single intermediate district under this section is not less than 75% of the amount allocated to the intermediate district under this section for the immediately preceding fiscal year.

Sec. 65. (1) From the state school aid pupil support reserve fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $900,000.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 only for a pre-college engineering K to 12 educational program that is focused on the development of a diverse future Michigan workforce, that serves multiple communities within southeast Michigan, that enrolls pupils from multiple districts, and that received funds appropriated for this purpose in the appropriations act that provided the Michigan strategic fund budget for 2014-2015. It is the intent of the legislature that the appropriation under this section will be funded with state school aid pupil support reserve fund money through 2027-2028.

(2) To be eligible for funding under this section, a program must have the ability to expose pupils to, and motivate and prepare pupils for, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics careers and postsecondary education with special attention given to groups of pupils who are at-risk and underrepresented in technical professions and careers.

Sec. 67. (1) From the general fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $3,000,000.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 for college access programs. The programs funded under this section are intended to inform students of college and career options, to provide resources intended to increase the number of pupils who are adequately prepared with the information needed to make informed decisions on college and career, support adult learners, support college completion, and support workforce and employer engagement. The funds appropriated under this section are intended to be used to increase the number of Michigan residents with high-quality degrees or credentials. Funds appropriated under this section must not be used to supplant funding for counselors already funded by districts.

(2) The department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall administer funds allocated under this section in collaboration with the Michigan college access network. These funds may be used for any of the following purposes:

(a) Michigan college access network operations, programming, and services to local college access networks.

(b) Local college access networks, which are community-based college access/success partnerships committed to increasing the college participation and completion rates within geographically defined communities through a coordinated strategy.

(c) The Michigan college advising program, a program intended to place trained, recently graduated college advisors in high schools that serve significant numbers of low-income and first-generation college-going pupils. State funds used for this purpose may not exceed 33% of the total funds available under this subsection.

(d) Subgrants of up to $5,000.00 to districts with comprehensive high schools that establish a college access team and implement specific strategies to create a college-going culture in a high school in a form and manner approved by the Michigan college access network and the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential.

(e) The Michigan college access portal, an online one-stop portal to help pupils and families plan and apply for college.

(f) Public awareness and outreach campaigns to encourage low-income and first-generation college-going pupils to take necessary steps toward college and to assist pupils and families in completing a timely and accurate free application for federal student aid.

(g) Subgrants to postsecondary institutions to recruit, hire, and train college student mentors and college advisors to assist high school pupils in navigating the postsecondary planning and enrollment process.

(3) For the purposes of this section, "college" means any postsecondary educational opportunity that leads to a career, including, but not limited to, a postsecondary degree, industry-recognized technical certification, or registered apprenticeship.

Sec. 67f. (1) From the state school aid pupil support reserve fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2025-2026 2026-2027 only an amount not to exceed $10,000,000.00 for districts to improve FAFSA completion rates. It is the intent of the legislature that the appropriation under this section will be funded with state school aid pupil support reserve fund money through 2027-2028.

(2) To be eligible to receive funding under this section, each district must apply in a form and manner determined by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential. The department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall make the application available by not later than November 1, 2025. A district shall apply for funding to the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential by not later than December 1, 2025. In the application, the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall only require a district to certify that it will do both of the following:

(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (3), require all students to complete the FAFSA to graduate from high school.

(b) Use funds received under this section for participation in and implementation of activities that are known to drive FAFSA completion, as determined by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, in collaboration with the Michigan College Access Network.

(3) A district shall exempt a student from the requirement to complete the FAFSA if any of the following are met:

(a) The student's parent or legal guardian, or the student if the student is 18 years of age or older, is an emancipated minor, or is an unaccompanied youth, has submitted a parental waiver to the district exempting the student from completing the FAFSA. The parental waiver described in this subdivision must be obtained through a standard form developed by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential.

(b) The student is unable to complete the FAFSA because of privacy concerns.

(i) After a good-faith effort, the student's parent or legal guardian refuses to sign the parental waiver, is unresponsive, or cannot sign the parental waiver.

(ii) The student is unable to complete the FAFSA as an independent student.

(iii) The student agrees to opt out of completing the FAFSA.

(iv) Other than the requirements in subsection (2), the student is on track to graduate.

(v) A school administrator of the student's high school demonstrates to the board that good-faith efforts have been made to assist the student or the student's parent or legal guardian in completing the FAFSA or obtaining a parental waiver.

(vi) The board ensures compliance with 42 USC 11432(g)(6)(A).

(4) The department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential may use past participation in the FAFSA Completion Challenge under this section as a factor in determining district eligibility.

(5) (4) By not later than January 31, 2026, the The department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall pay each eligible district an equal amount per pupil multiplied by the number of pupils enrolled and attending grade 12 in the district. Initial payments must be made by not later than January 31, 2027.

(6) (5) Notwithstanding section 17b, the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall make payments under this section on a schedule determined by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential.

(7) Notwithstanding section 18a, funds allocated under this section may be available for expenditure until September 30, 2029. A recipient of funding under this section must return any unexpended funds to the department in the manner prescribed by the department by not later than October 30, 2030.

(8) (6) As used in the this section, "FAFSA" means the free application for federal student aid form.

Sec. 74. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $3,949,900.00 $4,003,100.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 for the purposes of this section.

(2) From the allocation in subsection (1), there is allocated for 2025-2026 2026-2027 the amount necessary for payments to state supported colleges or universities and intermediate districts providing school bus driver safety instruction under section 51 of the pupil transportation act, 1990 PA 187, MCL 257.1851. The department shall make payments in an amount determined by the department not to exceed the actual cost of instruction and driver compensation for each public or nonpublic school bus driver attending a course of instruction. For the purpose of computing compensation, the hourly rate allowed each school bus driver must not exceed the hourly rate received for driving a school bus. The department shall make reimbursement compensating the driver during the course of instruction to the college or university or intermediate district providing the course of instruction.

(3) From the allocation in subsection (1), there is allocated for 2025-2026 2026-2027 the amount necessary to pay the reasonable costs of nonspecial education auxiliary services transportation provided under section 1323 of the revised school code, MCL 380.1323. Districts funded under this subsection do not receive funding under any other section of this article for nonspecial education auxiliary services transportation.

(4) From the funds allocated in subsection (1), there is allocated an amount not to exceed $1,924,900.00 $1,978,100.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 for the inspection of school buses and pupil transportation vehicles by the department of state police as required under section 715a of the Michigan vehicle code, 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.715a, and section 39 of the pupil transportation act, 1990 PA 187, MCL 257.1839. The department of state police shall prepare a statement of costs and submit it to the department and to an intermediate district serving as fiduciary in a time and manner determined jointly by the department and the department of state police. Upon review and approval of the statement of cost, the department shall forward to the designated intermediate district serving as fiduciary the amount detailed on the statement within 45 days after receipt of the statement. The designated intermediate district fiduciary shall make payment in the amount specified on the statement to the department of state police within 45 days after receipt of the statement. The total reimbursement of costs under this subsection must not exceed the amount allocated under this subsection. Notwithstanding section 17b, the department shall make payments to eligible entities under this subsection on a schedule prescribed by the department.

Sec. 81. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2025-2026 2026-2027 to intermediate districts the sum necessary, but not to exceed $83,157,700.00, $85,355,700.00, to provide state aid to intermediate districts under this section.

(2) The amount allocated under this section to each intermediate school district for the current fiscal year is equal to the allocation for the immediately preceding fiscal year plus an equal percentage increase for all intermediate school districts. An intermediate district shall use funding provided under this section to comply with requirements of this article and the revised school code that are applicable to intermediate districts, and for which funding is not provided elsewhere in this article, and to provide technical assistance to districts as authorized by the intermediate school board.

(3) Intermediate districts receiving funds under this section shall collaborate with the department to develop expanded professional development opportunities for teachers to update and expand their knowledge and skills needed to support the Michigan merit curriculum.

(4) From the allocation in subsection (1), there is allocated to an intermediate district, formed by the consolidation or annexation of 2 or more intermediate districts or the attachment of a total intermediate district to another intermediate district or the annexation of all of the constituent K to 12 districts of a previously existing intermediate district which has disorganized, an additional allotment of $3,500.00 each fiscal year for each intermediate district included in the new intermediate district for 3 years following consolidation, annexation, or attachment.

(5) To receive funding under this section, an intermediate district shall do all of the following:

(a) Demonstrate to the satisfaction of the department that the intermediate district employs at least 1 person who is trained in pupil accounting and auditing procedures, rules, and regulations.

(b) Demonstrate to the satisfaction of the department that the intermediate district employs at least 1 person who is trained in rules, regulations, and district reporting procedures for the individual-level student data that serves as the basis for the calculation of the district and high school graduation and dropout rates.

(d) Furnish data and other information required by state and federal law to the center and the department in the form and manner specified by the center or the department, as applicable.

(e) Comply with section 1230g of the revised school code, MCL 380.1230g.

(f) Ensure that all districts located within the intermediate district's geographic boundaries have equitable access to the intermediate district's coordination activities and services, intermediate district-wide or regional meetings, regularly scheduled superintendent meetings, programming, events, email distribution lists, listservs, or other coordination or collaboration activities organized by or hosted in the intermediate district. In ensuring that all districts located within the geographic boundaries of the intermediate district have equitable access to the services, meetings, programming, events, email distribution lists, listservs, or activities, the intermediate district shall ensure that districts that are public school academies and that are located within the intermediate district's geographic boundaries are not excluded from the services, meetings, programming, events, email distribution lists, listservs, or activities organized by or hosted in the intermediate district if districts that are not public school academies and that are located within the geographic boundaries of the intermediate district are not excluded.

Sec. 94. (1) From the general fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated to the department for 2025-2026 2026-2027 an amount not to exceed $2,600,000.00 for efforts to increase the number of pupils who participate and succeed in advanced placement and international baccalaureate programs, and to support the college-level examination program (CLEP). It is the intent of the legislature that, for 2026-2027, 2027-2028, the allocation from the general fund money appropriated in section 11 for purposes described in this section will be $1,200,000.00.

(2) From the funds allocated under this section, the department shall award funds to cover all or part of the costs of advanced placement test fees or international baccalaureate test fees and international baccalaureate registration fees for low-income pupils who take an advanced placement or an international baccalaureate test and CLEP fees for low-income pupils who take a CLEP test.

(3) The department shall only award funds under this section if the department determines that all of the following criteria are met:

(a) Each pupil for whom payment is made meets eligibility requirements of the federal advanced placement test fee program under the no child left behind act of 2001, Public Law 107-110, or the every student succeeds act, Public Law 114-95, as applicable.

(b) The tests are administered by the college board, the international baccalaureate organization, or another test provider approved by the department.

(4) If funds remain after the awards granted in subsection (2), the department shall award funds to reimburse a portion of the costs associated with the provision of advanced placement (AP), international baccalaureate (IB), or college-level examination program (CLEP) exams for students whose family income exceeds low-income status as determined by the department.

(5) The department shall establish procedures for awarding funds under this section.

(6) Notwithstanding section 17b, the department shall make payments under this section on a schedule determined by the department.

Sec. 94a. (1) There is created within the state budget office in the department of technology, management, and budget the center for educational performance and information. The center shall do all of the following:

(a) Coordinate the collection of all data required by state and federal law from districts, intermediate districts, and postsecondary institutions.

(b) Create, maintain, and enhance this state's P-20 longitudinal data system and ensure that it meets the requirements of subsection (4).

(c) Collect data in the most efficient manner possible to reduce the administrative burden on reporting entities, including, but not limited to, electronic transcript services.

(d) Create, maintain, and enhance this state's web-based educational portal to provide information to school leaders, teachers, researchers, and the public in compliance with all federal and state privacy laws. Data must include, but are not limited to, all of the following:

(i) Data sets that link teachers to student information, allowing districts to assess individual teacher impact on student performance and consider student growth factors in teacher and principal evaluation systems.

(ii) Data access or, if practical, data sets, provided for regional data hubs that, in combination with local data, can improve teaching and learning in the classroom.

(iii) Research-ready data sets for researchers to perform research that advances this state's educational performance.

(e) Provide data in a useful manner to allow state and local policymakers to make informed policy decisions.

(f) Provide public reports to the residents of this state to allow them to assess allocation of resources and the return on their investment in the education system of this state.

(g) Other functions as assigned by the state budget director.

(2) Each state department, officer, or agency that collects information from districts, intermediate districts, or postsecondary institutions as required under state or federal law shall make arrangements with the center to ensure that the state department, officer, or agency is in compliance with subsection (1). This subsection does not apply to information collected by the department of treasury under the uniform budgeting and accounting act, 1968 PA 2, MCL 141.421 to 141.440a; the revised municipal finance act, 2001 PA 34, MCL 141.2101 to 141.2821; the school bond qualification, approval, and loan act, 2005 PA 92, MCL 388.1921 to 388.1939; or section 1351a of the revised school code, MCL 380.1351a.

(3) The center may enter into any interlocal agreements necessary to fulfill its functions.

(4) The center shall ensure that the P-20 longitudinal data system required under subsection (1)(b) meets all of the following:

(a) Includes data at the individual student level from preschool through postsecondary education and into the workforce.

(b) Supports interoperability by using standard data structures, data formats, and data definitions to ensure linkage and connectivity in a manner that facilitates the exchange of data among agencies and institutions within the state and between states.

(c) Enables the matching of individual teacher and student records so that an individual student may be matched with those teachers providing instruction to that student.

(d) Enables the matching of individual teachers with information about their certification and the institutions that prepared and recommended those teachers for state certification.

(e) Enables data to be easily generated for continuous improvement and decision-making, decision including timely reporting to parents, teachers, and school leaders on student achievement.

(f) Ensures the reasonable quality, validity, and reliability of data contained in the system.

(g) Provides this state with the ability to meet federal and state reporting requirements.

(h) For data elements related to preschool through grade 12 and postsecondary, meets all of the following:

(i) Contains a unique statewide student identifier that does not permit a student to be individually identified by users of the system, except as allowed by federal and state law.

(ii) Contains student-level enrollment, demographic, and program participation information, including data associated with students who have been identified as having an affiliation to 1 or more federally recognized Indian tribes and student participation in federal programs funded under 20 USC 7401 to 7546 and participation in federal programs funded under the Johnson-O'Malley Supplemental supplemental Indian Education Program Modernization Act, education program modernization act, Public Law 115-404. Any reports or data access related specifically to tribal affiliation must be done through ongoing consultation with the federally recognized tribes in the state with the expectation that the center, the department, and the tribes will work iteratively toward meaningful reports, access, and use of these records to improve shared education interests and outcomes.

(iii) Contains student-level information about the points at which students exit, transfer in, transfer out, drop out, or complete education programs.

(iv) Has the capacity to communicate with higher education data systems.

(i) For data elements related to preschool through grade 12 only, meets all of the following:

(i) Contains yearly test records of individual students for assessments approved by DED-OESE for accountability purposes under section 1111(b) of the elementary and secondary education act of 1965, 20 USC 6311, including information on individual students not tested, by grade and subject.

(ii) Contains student-level transcript information, including information on courses completed and grades earned.

(iii) Contains student-level college readiness test scores.

(j) For data elements related to postsecondary education only:

(i) Contains data that provide information regarding the extent to which individual students transition successfully from secondary school to postsecondary education, including, but not limited to, all of the following:

(A) Enrollment in remedial coursework.

(B) Completion of 1 year's worth of college credit applicable to a degree within 2 years of enrollment.

(ii) Contains data that provide other information determined necessary to address alignment and adequate preparation for success in postsecondary education.

(5) From the general fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $19,364,700.00 $19,548,500.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 to the department of technology, management, and budget to support the operations of the center. In addition, from the federal funds appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2025-2026 2026-2027 the amount necessary, estimated at $2,193,500.00, $193,500.00, to support the operations of the center and to establish a P-20 longitudinal data system necessary for state and federal reporting purposes. The center shall cooperate with the department to ensure that this state is in compliance with federal law and is maximizing opportunities for increased federal funding to improve education in this state.

(6) From the funds allocated in subsection (5), the center may use an amount determined by the center for competitive grants for 2025-2026 2026-2027 to support collaborative efforts on the P-20 longitudinal data system. All of the following apply to grants awarded under this subsection:

(a) The center shall award competitive grants to eligible intermediate districts or a consortium of intermediate districts based on criteria established by the center.

(b) Activities funded under the grant must support the P-20 longitudinal data system portal and may include portal hosting, hardware and software acquisition, maintenance, enhancements, user support and related materials, and professional learning tools and activities aimed at improving the utility of the P-20 longitudinal data system.

(c) An applicant that received a grant under this subsection for the immediately preceding fiscal year has priority for funding under this section. However, after 3 fiscal years of continuous funding, an applicant is required to compete openly with new applicants.

(7) Funds allocated under this section that are not expended in the fiscal year in which they were allocated may be carried forward to a subsequent fiscal year and are appropriated for the purposes for which the funds were originally allocated.

(8) The center may bill departments as necessary to fulfill reporting requirements of state and federal law. The center may also enter into agreements to supply custom data, analysis, and reporting to other principal executive departments, state agencies, local units of government, and other individuals and organizations. The center may receive and expend funds in addition to those authorized in subsection (5) to cover the costs associated with salaries, benefits, supplies, materials, and equipment necessary to provide such data, analysis, and reporting services.

(9) As used in this section, "DED-OESE" means the United States Department of Education Office of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Sec. 94e. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated under section 11, there is allocated for 2025-2026 2026-2027 only an amount not to exceed $1,000,000.00 for support of the Michigan Education Research Institute.

(2) Funding allocated under this section must be distributed to the University of Michigan's Michigan Education Data Center and Michigan State University's Education Policy Innovation Center for the purpose of working collaboratively with the department, the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, and the center to build and maintain a research ready dataset, and to conduct research of critical importance to the state's education goals.

(3) The Michigan Education Research Institute shall use funds received under this section for the purpose of expanding on research that includes, but is not limited to, all the following:

(a) Educator shortage.

(b) Early literacy initiative outcomes.

(4) Notwithstanding section 17b, the department shall make payments under this section on a schedule determined by the department.

Sec. 98. (1) From the general fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $9,800,000.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 only for the purposes described in this section. The Michigan Virtual University shall provide a report to the legislature not later than November 1 of each fiscal year for which funding is allocated under this section that includes its mission, its plans, and proposed benchmarks it must meet, including a plan to achieve the organizational priorities identified in this section, to receive full funding for the next fiscal year for which funding is allocated under this section. By not later than March 1 of each fiscal year for which funding is allocated under this section, the Michigan Virtual University shall provide an update to the house and senate appropriations subcommittees on school aid to show the progress being made to meet the benchmarks identified.

(2) The Michigan Virtual University shall operate the Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute. The Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute shall do all of the following:

(a) Support and accelerate innovation in education through the following activities:

(i) Test, evaluate, and recommend as appropriate new technology-based instructional tools and resources.

(ii) Research, design, and recommend virtual education delivery models for use by pupils and teachers that include age-appropriate multimedia instructional content.

(iii) Research, develop, and recommend annually to the department criteria by which cyber schools and virtual course providers should be monitored and evaluated to ensure a quality education for their pupils.

(iv) Based on pupil completion and performance data reported to the department or the center from cyber schools and other virtual course providers operating in this state, analyze the effectiveness of virtual learning delivery models in preparing pupils to be college- and career-ready and publish a report that highlights enrollment totals, completion rates, and the overall impact on pupils. The Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute shall submit the report to the house and senate appropriations subcommittees on school aid, the state budget director, the house and senate fiscal agencies, the department, districts, and intermediate districts by not later than March 31 of each fiscal year for which funding is allocated under this section.

(v) Provide an extensive professional development program to at least 30,000 educational personnel, including teachers, school administrators, and school board members, that focuses on the effective integration of virtual learning into curricula and instruction. The Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute is encouraged to work with the MiSTEM council described in section 99s to coordinate professional development of teachers in applicable fields. In addition, the Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute and external stakeholders are encouraged to coordinate with the department for professional development in this state, including professional development for employees in child care facilities, early childhood facilities, and after-school programs. By not later than December 1 of each fiscal year for which funding is allocated under this section, the Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute shall submit a report to the house and senate appropriations subcommittees on school aid, the state budget director, the house and senate fiscal agencies, and the department on the number of teachers, school administrators, and school board members who have received professional development services from the Michigan Virtual University. The report must also include both of the following:

(A) The identification of barriers and other opportunities to encourage the adoption of virtual learning in the public education system.

(B) A link to, and explanation of, the Michigan Virtual University's online course standards for professional development programming. The standards described in this sub-subparagraph must inform learners how to file a complaint about course content and detail the steps that will be taken for the review and resolution of complaints.

(vi) Identify and share best practices for planning, implementing, and evaluating virtual and blended education delivery models with intermediate districts, districts, and public school academies to accelerate the adoption of innovative education delivery models statewide.

(b) Provide leadership for this state's system of virtual learning education by doing the following activities:

(i) Develop and report policy recommendations to the governor and the legislature that accelerate the expansion of effective virtual learning in this state's schools.

(ii) Provide a clearinghouse for research reports, academic studies, evaluations, and other information related to virtual learning.

(iii) Promote and distribute the most current instructional design standards and guidelines for virtual teaching.

(iv) In collaboration with the department and interested colleges and universities in this state, support implementation and improvements related to effective virtual learning instruction.

(v) Pursue public/private partnerships that include districts to study and implement competency-based technology-rich virtual learning models.

(vi) Create a statewide network of school-based mentors serving as liaisons between pupils, virtual instructors, parents, and school staff, as provided by the department or the center, and provide mentors with research-based training and technical assistance designed to help more pupils be successful virtual learners.

(vii) Convene focus groups and conduct annual surveys of teachers, administrators, pupils, parents, and others to identify barriers and opportunities related to virtual learning.

(viii) Produce an annual consumer awareness report for schools and parents about effective virtual education providers and education delivery models, performance data, cost structures, and research trends.

(ix) Provide an internet-based platform that educators can use to create student-centric learning tools and resources for sharing in the state's open educational resource repository and facilitate a user network that assists educators in using the content creation platform and state repository for open educational resources. As part of this initiative, the Michigan Virtual University shall work collaboratively with districts and intermediate districts to establish a plan to make available virtual resources that align to Michigan's K to 12 curriculum standards for use by students, educators, and parents.

(x) Create and maintain a public statewide catalog of virtual learning courses being offered by all public schools and community colleges in this state. The Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute shall identify and develop a list of nationally recognized best practices for virtual learning and use this list to support reviews of virtual course vendors, courses, and instructional practices. The Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute shall also provide a mechanism for intermediate districts to use the identified best practices to review content offered by constituent districts. The Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute shall review the virtual course offerings of the Michigan Virtual University, and make the results from these reviews available to the public as part of the statewide catalog. The Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute shall ensure that the statewide catalog is made available to the public on the Michigan Virtual University website and shall allow the ability to link it to each district's website as provided for in section 21f. The statewide catalog must also contain all of the following:

(A) The number of enrollments in each virtual course in the immediately preceding school year.

(B) The number of enrollments that earned 60% or more of the total course points for each virtual course in the immediately preceding school year.

(xi) Support registration, payment services, and transcript functionality for the statewide catalog and train key stakeholders on how to use new features.

(xii) Collaborate with key stakeholders to examine district level accountability and teacher effectiveness issues related to virtual learning under section 21f and make findings and recommendations publicly available.

(xiii) Provide a report on the activities of the Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute.

(3) To further enhance its expertise and leadership in virtual learning, the Michigan Virtual University shall continue to operate the Michigan Virtual School as a statewide laboratory and quality model of instruction by implementing virtual and blended learning solutions for Michigan schools in accordance with the following parameters:

(a) The Michigan Virtual School must maintain its accreditation status from recognized national and international accrediting entities.

(b) The Michigan Virtual University shall use no more than $1,000,000.00 of the amount allocated under this section to subsidize the cost paid by districts for virtual courses.

(c) In providing educators responsible for the teaching of virtual courses as provided for in this section, the Michigan Virtual School shall follow the requirements to request and assess, and the department of state police shall provide, a criminal history check and criminal records check under sections 1230 and 1230a of the revised school code, MCL 380.1230 and 380.1230a, in the same manner as if the Michigan Virtual School were a school district under those sections.

(4) From the funds allocated under subsection (1), the Michigan Virtual University shall support the expansion of new online and blended educator professional development programs.

(5) From the funds allocated under subsection (1), the Michigan Virtual University shall operate a comprehensive statewide laboratory designed to function as a hub for cutting-edge research, the identification and dissemination of best practices, rigorous experimentation, policy formulation, and proactive efforts to enhance awareness about the responsible utilization of artificial intelligence in schools.

(6) If the course offerings are included in the statewide catalog of virtual courses under subsection (2)(b)(x), the Michigan Virtual School operated by the Michigan Virtual University may offer virtual course offerings, including, but not limited to, all of the following:

(a) Information technology courses.

(b) College level equivalent courses, as that term is defined in section 1471 of the revised school code, MCL 380.1471.

(d) Programs and services for at-risk pupils.

(e) High school equivalency test preparation courses for adjudicated youth.

(f) Special interest courses.

(g) Professional development programs for teachers, school administrators, other school employees, and school board members.

(7) If a home-schooled or nonpublic school student is a resident of a district that subscribes to services provided by the Michigan Virtual School, the student may use the services provided by the Michigan Virtual School to the district without charge to the student beyond what is charged to a district pupil using the same services.

(8) By not later than December 1 of each fiscal year for which funding is allocated under this section, the Michigan Virtual University shall provide a report to the house and senate appropriations subcommittees on school aid, the state budget director, the house and senate fiscal agencies, and the department that includes at least all of the following information related to the Michigan Virtual School for the preceding fiscal year:

(a) A list of the districts served by the Michigan Virtual School.

(b) A list of virtual course titles available to districts.

(d) The overall course completion rate percentage.

(9) In addition to the information listed in subsection (8), the report under subsection (8) must also include a plan to serve at least 600 schools with courses from the Michigan Virtual School or with content available through the internet-based platform identified in subsection (2)(b)(ix).

(10) The governor may appoint an advisory group for the Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute established under subsection (2). The members of the advisory group serve at the pleasure of the governor and without compensation. The purpose of the advisory group is to make recommendations to the governor, the legislature, and the president and board of the Michigan Virtual University that will accelerate innovation in this state's education system in a manner that will prepare elementary and secondary students to be career and college ready and that will promote the goal of increasing the percentage of residents of this state with high-quality degrees and credentials to at least 60% by 2030.

(11) By not later than November 1 of each fiscal year for which funding is allocated under this section, the Michigan Virtual University shall submit to the house and senate appropriations subcommittees on school aid, the state budget director, and the house and senate fiscal agencies a detailed budget for that fiscal year that includes a breakdown on its projected costs to deliver virtual educational services to districts and a summary of the anticipated fees to be paid by districts for those services. By not later than March 1 each fiscal year for which funding is allocated under this section, the Michigan Virtual University shall submit to the house and senate appropriations subcommittees on school aid, the state budget director, and the house and senate fiscal agencies a breakdown on its actual costs to deliver virtual educational services to districts and a summary of the actual fees paid by districts for those services based on audited financial statements for the immediately preceding fiscal year.

(12) As used in this section:

(a) "Blended learning" means a hybrid instructional delivery model where pupils are provided content, instruction, and assessment, in part at a supervised educational facility away from home where the pupil and a teacher with a valid Michigan teaching certificate are in the same physical location and in part through internet-connected learning environments with some degree of pupil control over time, location, and pace of instruction.

(b) "Cyber school" means a full-time instructional program of virtual courses for pupils that may or may not require attendance at a physical school location.

(c) "Virtual course" means a course of study that is capable of generating a credit or a grade and that is provided in an interactive learning environment in which the majority of the curriculum is delivered using the internet and in which pupils are separated from their instructor or teacher of record by time or location, or both.

Sec. 98d. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated under section 11, there is allocated for 2026-2027 only an amount not to exceed $3,000,000.00 to Northern Michigan University to support the MLC as described in this section. Northern Michigan University shall not retain any portion of the funding received under this section for administrative purposes and shall provide funding to support the MLC. All of the following apply to the MLC:

(a) The MLC must expand literacy programming aligned with this state's pre-K to 12 educational standards over the air, online, and in communities.

(b) The MLC shall provide over-the-air broadcasts 24 hours each day for 7 days each week of quality instructional content that is aligned with this state's pre-K to 12 educational standards. Over-the-air broadcasts as described in this subdivision must be streamed live and must be archived for on-demand viewing on a companion website, along with additional learning materials relevant to lessons.

(c) The MLC must be managed and operated by DPTV, and DPTV shall assume all risk, liability, and responsibility for the MLC in accordance with regulations by the United States Federal Communications Commission, PBS broadcast standards, and standard nonprofit business standards. DPTV shall serve as the fiduciary agent and service manager for the MLC. The MLC shall originate from a central operations center that is responsible for providing the infrastructure, content, and engagement of the MLC in partnership with this state's educational leadership organizations.

(d) The MLC shall require that DPTV provide technology, funding, staff training, and central management of the MLC to station partners to insert additional channels into each station's broadcast streams and to support staffing and engagement as outlined in a memorandum of understanding among the stations.

(e) The MLC shall require that DPTV partner with at least 5 other Michigan public television stations, including, but not limited to, WKAR, WGVU, WDCQ, WCMU, and WNMU, to deliver the over-the-air MLC broadcasts described in this section and to support engagement with local educators. Stations described in this subdivision must be able to use the infrastructure provided by the MLC to develop their own local content that best serves their communities.

(2) By not later than February 1, 2028, the MLC shall provide a report to the house and senate appropriations subcommittees responsible for school aid, the house and senate fiscal agencies, and the state budget director detailing the MLC's compliance with ensuring that conditions listed under subsection (1) were met.

(3) Notwithstanding section 17b, the department shall make payments under this section by not later than December 1, 2026.

(4) As used in this section:

(a) "DPTV" means Detroit Public Television.

(b) "MLC" means the Michigan Learning Channel.

Sec. 99. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $500,000.00 for 2023-2024 only to Kentwood Public Schools and Oak Park Schools for a plant-based school meals pilot grant program. Grants shall be used for developing and implementing plant-based meal options in school cafeterias, training school food service staff in the preparation of plant-based meals, and purchasing necessary kitchen equipment to facilitate the preparation of plant-based meals. Recipients of grants under this program shall submit a report to the department detailing the use of funds and the impact of the program on student meal choices and environmental sustainability.

(2) From the general fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $500,000.00 for 2024-2025 only for a virtual reality youth peace literacy initiative pilot program.

(3) From the general fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $1,000,000.00 for 2024-2025 only to the American Lightweight Materials Manufacturing Innovation Institute, in partnership with the Michigan Manufacturers Association, Amatrol, and the ATS LAB Midwest. Funds received under this subsection must be used to provide high schools and intermediate districts in this state with competency-based, technology infused talent development programs that provide curricula, e-learning, hands-on e-learning systems, curricula-specific training equipment, installation, orientation, teacher training, industry-recognized skill certifications, and connections to local manufacturers for students in high schools and intermediate districts in this state.

(4) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $2,500,000.00 for 2024-2025 only to the Dearborn City School District for costs to expand the career and technical education program for the district, including, but not limited to, expansion of a cybersecurity certificate program. Costs in this subsection may include both operational and capital costs.

(5) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $1,500,000.00 for 2024-2025 only to the Dearborn City School District to support the construction of outdoor classrooms and other green space for Salina Intermediate School in the Dearborn City School District.

(6) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $2,000,000.00 for 2024-2025 only to the School District of the City of Harper Woods to support the costs for construction and operation of the daily life skills training center, an educational and skills development program with individualized training to improve a child's abilities to independently perform routine daily activities and effectively use community resources.

(7) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $2,500,000.00 for 2024-2025 only to the Lansing Public School District for development and infrastructure improvements.

(8) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2024-2025 only an amount not to exceed $700,000.00 to Clintondale Community Schools for safety and security upgrades.

(9) From the general fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2024-2025 only an amount not to exceed $500,000.00 to the city of Algonac in St. Clair County to support asbestos remediation and redevelopment in a former school building.

(10) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2024-2025 only an amount not to exceed $700,000.00 to South Lyon Community Schools for student mental health services.

(11) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2024-2025 only an amount not to exceed $200,000.00 to Farmington Public School District for high-intensity tutoring.

(12) From the general fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2024-2025 only an amount not to exceed $2,100,000.00 to the Marygrove Conservancy for the creation of the Marygrove Film School.

(13) From the general fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2024-2025 only an amount not to exceed $2,900,000.00, and from the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2024-2025 only an amount not to exceed $3,100,000.00 to Rudyard Area Schools for infrastructure.

(14) From the general fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2024-2025 only an amount not to exceed $250,000.00 to Brookview Montessori School for structural updates, including, but not limited to, electrical and HVAC.

(15) From the general fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2024-2025 only an amount not to exceed $100,000.00 for Okemos Public Montessori at Central for district lead abatement.

(16) From the general fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2024-2025 only an amount not to exceed $500,000.00 to Wellspring Detroit to support the academic and youth development program.

(17) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2024-2025 only an amount not to exceed $500,000.00 to a district or intermediate district to support the implementation of the MI Student Voice Perception Survey.

(18) From the general fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2024-2025 only an amount not to exceed $3,700,000.00 to the recipients identified in this subsection to support capital costs to increase safety of student pedestrians.

(a) A recipient of a grant under this subsection shall use the funds to increase the safety of student pedestrians through capital improvements. A grant recipient may enter into agreements with other units of local government to complete eligible projects. Improvements may include, but are not limited to, all of the following:

(i) Signage and painting for crosswalks.

(ii) Installing or repairing sidewalks.

(iii) Adding turning lanes.

(iv) Installing or repairing traffic signal lights.

(b) From the allocation in this subsection, $3,000,000.00 is allocated to Macomb Township in Macomb County for road, signal, and pedestrian crossing improvements at the intersection of 21 Mile Road and Heydenreich Road. The purpose of the improvements is to increase safety for student pedestrians at nearby schools.

(c) From the allocation in this subsection, $250,000.00 is allocated to the Woodhaven-Brownstown School District to construct sidewalks to connect nearby residential areas to schools in the district.

(d) From the allocation in this subsection, $450,000.00 is allocated to the Village of Brooklyn to partner with the Columbia Charter School District and Columbia Charter Township to improve student pedestrian safety.

(e) The funds allocated under this subsection for 2024-2025 are a work project appropriation, and any unexpended funds for 2024-2025 are carried forward into 2025-2026. The purpose of the work project is to continue to provide support for capital costs to increase safety of student pedestrians. The estimated completion date of the work project is September 30, 2029.

(19) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2024-2025 only an amount not to exceed $7,000,000.00 to Detroit Public Schools Community District to offset the cost of relocating the Davis Aerospace Technical High School to the Coleman A. Young International Airport. Notwithstanding section 18a, funds allocated under this subsection may be available for expenditure until September 30, 2027. A recipient of funding under this subsection must return any unexpended funds to the department in a manner prescribed by the department by not later than October 30, 2027.

(20) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2024-2025 only an amount not to exceed $1,200,000.00 to Grand Rapids Public Schools to supplement funding for the school meals program in section 30d.

(21) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2024-2025 only $750,000.00 to Livonia Public Schools to support the Thrive Track � Healthy Living Skills for Independence program.

(22) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2024-2025 only $450,000.00 to Grosse Pointe Public Schools for technology costs.

(23) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2024-2025 only $1,000,000.00 to a district or intermediate district to partner with the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) in Dearborn to rehabilitate and expand the ACCESS Innovation Center.

(24) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2024-2025 only $1,200,000.00 to Lansing Public School District to support renovation of the Don Johnson Fieldhouse and expansion of the Lansing Student Development Program.

(25) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2024-2025 only $1,000,000.00 to Clintondale Community Schools for expenses for school buildings related to flood damage.

(26) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2024-2025 only $3,000,000.00 to an intermediate district to partner with the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights, an entity located in the city of Detroit, for the schools to tools program, which exposes middle and high school students to the building trades and to apprenticeship opportunities.

(27) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2024-2025 only $12,000,000.00 to an intermediate district to partner with the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute, a 501(c)(3) entity located in the city of Adrian, to support the expansion of education opportunities.

(28) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated $245,000.00 for 2024-2025 only to Mid Peninsula School District for improvements to a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system.

(29) The funds allocated under this section for 2024-2025 are a work project appropriation, and any unexpended funds for 2024-2025 are carried forward into 2025-2026. The purpose of the work project is to complete projects described in this section. The estimated completion date of the work project is September 30, 2026.

(30) $53,000,000.00 for 2026-2027 only for district supports and pilot programs. Notwithstanding section 17b, the department shall make payments under this section on a schedule determined by the department.

Sec. 99h. (1) From the state school aid pupil support reserve fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $5,000,000.00 $6,000,000.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 only for competitive grants to districts and intermediate districts, and from the general pupil support reserve fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated $600,000.00 $720,000.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 only for competitive grants to nonpublic schools, that provide pupils in grades pre-K to 12 with expanded opportunities to improve mathematics, science, computer science, and technology skills by participating in robotics competition programs hosted by program providers including, but not limited to, FIRST (for inspiration and recognition of science and technology) Robotics, including FIRST Lego League - Discover, Explore, and Challenge, FIRST Tech challenge, and FIRST Robotics competition, LTU Robofest, MATE (Marine Advanced Technical Education), REC (Robotics Education Competition) Foundation, Square One Education Network, VEX, and other providers approved by the department. It is the intent of the legislature that the appropriations under this section will be funded with state school aid pupil support reserve fund money and general pupil support reserve fund money through 2027-2028. All approved providers shall make all programs available to students in this state regardless of geographical location. Programs funded under this section are intended to increase the number of pupils demonstrating proficiency in science and mathematics on the state assessments and to increase the number of pupils who are college- and career-ready upon high school graduation. Notwithstanding section 17b, the department shall make grant payments to districts, nonpublic schools, and intermediate districts under this section on a schedule determined by the department. The department shall set maximum grant awards for each different level of programming and competition in a manner that both maximizes the number of teams that will be able to receive funds and expands the geographical distribution of teams. Districts and intermediate districts that receive funds under this section must provide relevant student participation information, as determined by the department, to program and competition providers described in this section. For a district or intermediate district to count a program competition provider for purposes of payments under this section, the program and competition providers must agree to aggregate data received by districts and intermediate districts and provide this information to the department in a form and manner determined by the department.

(2) The department shall do all of the following for purposes of this section:

(a) Both of the following by not later than 60 days after the state school aid appropriations bill for the current fiscal year is enacted into law or October 1 of the current fiscal year, whichever is later:

(i) Open applications for funding under this section to all districts, nonpublic schools, and intermediate districts.

(ii) Publish a list of approved programs and vendors for purposes of this section in a manner that is accessible to all applicants. To obtain approval under this subparagraph, a program or vendor must submit to the department registration information, including any fees; pledge that it will post this information on its website; and, by not later than January 1 of the current fiscal year, submit this information to the department for publication on the department's website.

(b) By not later than 60 days after applications are opened as described in subdivision (a), close applications under this section.

(c) By not later than 60 days after applications are closed as described in subdivision (b), make all determinations concerning funding under this section.

(d) By not later than July 1 of the current fiscal year, publish a document listing the requirements for becoming an approved program or vendor under subdivision (a).

(3) Except as otherwise provided under this subsection, if funding under this section is insufficient to fulfill all funding requests by qualified applicants under this section, the department shall prorate the total funding allocated under this section equally among all qualified applicants. However, for funding under this section toward grants under subsection (5)(b), in its proration under this subsection, the department shall ensure that each district is paid in an amount equal to the percentage the department would have paid the district in grant funding under subsection (5)(b), but for proration under this subsection, with no district receiving a grant under subsection (5)(b) in an amount that is greater than the district's total accrued costs under subsection (5)(b).

(4) A district, nonpublic school, or intermediate district applying for a grant under this section must submit an application in a form and manner prescribed by the department. To be eligible for a grant, a district, nonpublic school, or intermediate district must demonstrate in its application that the district, nonpublic school, or intermediate district has established a partnership for the purposes of the robotics program with at least 1 sponsor, business entity, higher education institution, technical school, or individual, must submit a budget, and must provide a local in-kind or cash match from other private or local funds of at least 25% of the cost of the robotics program award.

(5) The department shall distribute the grant funding under this section for the following purposes:

(a) Grants to districts, nonpublic schools, or intermediate districts to pay for stipends not to exceed $1,500.00 per building for coaching.

(b) Grants to districts, nonpublic schools, or intermediate districts for event registrations, materials, travel costs, and other expenses associated with the preparation for and attendance at robotics events and competitions.

(c) Grants to districts, nonpublic schools, or intermediate districts for awards to teams that advance to the next levels of competition as determined by the department. The department shall determine an equal amount per team for those teams that advance.

(6) A nonpublic school that receives a grant under this section may use the funds for either robotics or Science Olympiad programs.

(7) To be eligible to receive funds under this section, a nonpublic school must be a nonpublic school registered with the department and must meet all applicable state reporting requirements for nonpublic schools.

(8) To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, a district, nonpublic school, or intermediate district must do all of the following:

(a) If the district, nonpublic school, or intermediate district is requesting funding for more than 1 team for a building, meet the minimum requirements for team size as determined by the approved program provider.

(b) Participate in at least the minimum number of competitions as determined by the approved program provider.

(9) For purposes of this section, an approved program or vendor under this section that provides a program under this section shall not work with the department to set prices or policies for the program.

(10) As used in this section, "current fiscal year" means the fiscal year for which an allocation is made under this section.

Sec. 99o. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $10,000,000.00 for 2026-2027 only for grants to districts and intermediate districts for school-based driver's training programs.

(2) Grants under this section must be used to pay for the costs of implementing a driver's training program. Costs may include, but are not limited to, salaries and benefits for staff, vehicle purchases or leases, insurance, materials and equipment, and any other costs necessary to run a program.

(3) To receive funding under this section, districts and intermediate districts must apply in a form and manner prescribed by the department. An applicant shall certify that the applicant will run the program using district or intermediate district employees and will not outsource any programming to an outside third party.

(4) The maximum grant amount for an applicant is $500,000.00. The department shall prioritize applicants that received a grant for the same purpose in a previous year, including awards under this section, former section 99ii, and former section 99jj, as long as the applicant continues the driver's training program for another year. Afterwards, the department shall prioritize awards on a first-come, first-served basis. No district or intermediate district may receive more than 1 grant in a single fiscal year.

(5) The funds allocated under this section for 2026-2027 are a work project appropriation, and any unexpended funds for 2026-2027 are carried forward into 2027-2028. The purpose of the work project is to continue support for district- and intermediate-district-run driver's training programs. The estimated completion date of the work project is September 30, 2031.

(6) Notwithstanding section 17b, the department shall make payments under this section on a schedule determined by the department.

Sec. 99s. (1) From state school aid fund money appropriated under section 11, there is allocated for 2026-2027 an amount not to exceed $8,000,000.00 for Michigan science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs. Programs funded under this section are intended to increase the number of pupils demonstrating proficiency in science and mathematics on the state assessments, to increase the number of pupils who are college- and career-ready upon high school graduation, and to promote certificate and degree attainment in STEM fields. Notwithstanding section 17b, the department shall make payments under this section on a schedule determined by the department.

(2) The MiSTEM council annually shall review and make recommendations to the governor, the legislature, and the department concerning changes to the statewide strategy adopted by the council for delivering STEM education-related opportunities to pupils. The MiSTEM council shall use funds received under this section to ensure that the MiSTEM council's members or their designees are trained in a third-party evaluation system such as the Change the Equation STEMworks program for the purpose of rating STEM programs.

(3) The MiSTEM council shall make specific funding recommendations for the funds allocated under subsection (4) by December 15 of each fiscal year. Each specific funding recommendation must be for a program or demonstration grant approved by the MiSTEM council. All of the following apply:

(a) To be eligible for MiSTEM council approval as described in this subsection, a program must satisfy all of the following:

(i) Align with this state's academic standards.

(ii) Have STEMworks or other third-party certification.

(iii) Provide project-based experiential learning, student programming, or educator professional learning experiences.

(iv) Focus predominantly on classroom-based STEM experiences or professional learning experiences.

(b) The MiSTEM council shall approve programs that represent all network regions and include a diverse array of options for students and educators.

(c) To be eligible for MiSTEM council approval as described in this subsection, a demonstration grant must satisfy all of the following:

(i) Align with this state's academic standards.

(ii) In collaboration with the department, scale project, problem, or place-based learning in a building or district in support of the statewide STEM strategy as recommended by the MiSTEM council.

(d) The MiSTEM council is encouraged to work with the MiSTEM network to develop locally and regionally developed programs, demonstration grants, and professional learning experiences for the programs on the list of approved programs. At the direction of the MiSTEM council, funds can be used to evaluate and market regions, programs, and demonstration grants.

(e) If the MiSTEM council is unable to make specific funding recommendations by December 15 of a fiscal year, the department shall award and distribute the funds allocated under subsection (4) on a competitive grant basis that at least follows the statewide STEM strategy plan and rating system recommended by the MiSTEM council. Each grant must provide STEM education-related opportunities for pupils.

(4) From the state school aid fund money allocated under subsection (1), there is allocated for 2026-2027 an amount not to exceed $3,800,000.00 for the purpose of funding programs or demonstration grants under this section for 2026-2027 as recommended by the MiSTEM council.

(5) From the state school aid fund money allocated under subsection (1), there is allocated an amount not to exceed $4,200,000.00 for 2026-2027 to support the activities and programs of the MiSTEM network regions. From the funds allocated under this subsection, the department shall award the fiscal agent for each MiSTEM network region $220,000.00 for the base operations of each region. The department shall distribute the remaining funds to each fiscal agent in an equal amount per pupil, based on the number of K to 12 pupils enrolled in districts within each region in the immediately preceding fiscal year.

(6) A MiSTEM network region shall do all of the following:

(a) Collaborate with the career and educational advisory council that is located in the MiSTEM region and the department to develop a regional strategic plan for STEM education that creates a robust regional STEM culture, that empowers STEM teachers, that integrates business and education into the STEM network, and that ensures high-quality STEM experiences for pupils. At a minimum, a regional STEM strategic plan described in this subdivision should do all of the following in collaboration with the department:

(i) Identify regional employer need for STEM.

(ii) Identify processes for regional employers and educators to create guided pathways for STEM careers that include internships or externships, apprenticeships, and other experiential engagements for pupils.

(iii) Identify educator professional learning opportunities, including internships or externships and apprenticeships, that integrate this state's science standards into high-quality STEM experiences that engage pupils.

(b) Facilitate regional STEM events such as educator and employer networking and STEM career fairs to raise STEM awareness.

(c) Contribute to the MiSTEM website and engage in other MiSTEM network functions to further the mission of STEM in this state in coordination with the MiSTEM council and the department of labor and economic opportunity.

(d) Facilitate application and implementation of state and federal funds under this subsection and any other grants or funds for the MiSTEM network region.

(e) Work with districts to provide STEM programming and professional learning.

(f) Coordinate recurring discussions and work with the career and educational advisory council to ensure that feedback and best practices are being shared, including funding, program, professional learning opportunities, and regional strategic plans.

(g) In collaboration with the department, deploy marketing and outreach efforts to publish the availability of STEM learning opportunities.

(7) To receive funds under this section, a grant recipient must allow access for the department or the department's designee to audit all records related to the program for which the grant recipient received those funds. The grant recipient shall reimburse the state for all disallowances found in the audit.

(8) To receive funds under this section, a grant recipient must provide at least a 10% local match from local public or private resources for the funds received under this subsection.

(9) By not later than July 1 of each fiscal year for which funding is allocated under this section, grant recipients shall report to the executive director of the MiSTEM network in a form and manner prescribed by the executive director on performance measures developed by the MiSTEM network regions and approved by the executive director. The performance measures must be designed to ensure that the activities of the MiSTEM network are improving student academic outcomes. The report described in this subsection must be published on a publicly accessible website.

(10) The MiSTEM network may receive funds from private sources. If the MiSTEM network receives funds from private sources, the MiSTEM network shall expend those funds in alignment with the statewide STEM strategy.

(11) Not more than 5% of funds awarded under this section may be retained by a fiscal agent.

(12) As used in this section:

(a) "Career and educational advisory council" means an advisory council to the local workforce development boards located in a prosperity region consisting of educational, employer, labor, and parent representatives.

(b) "Department" means the department of labor and economic opportunity.

(c) "MiSTEM council" means the Michigan Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education Advisory Council created as an advisory body within the department of labor and economic opportunity by Executive Reorganization Order No. 2019-3, MCL 125.1998.

(d) "STEM" means science, technology, engineering, and mathematics delivered in an integrated fashion using cross-disciplinary learning experiences that can include language arts, performing and fine arts, and career and technical education.

Sec. 101. (1) To be eligible to receive state aid under this article, not later than the fifth Wednesday after the pupil membership count day and not later than the fifth Wednesday after the supplemental count day, each district superintendent shall submit and certify to the center and the intermediate superintendent, in the form and manner prescribed by the center, the number of pupils enrolled and in regular daily attendance, including identification of tuition-paying pupils, in the district as of the pupil membership count day and as of the supplemental count day, as applicable, for the current school year. In addition, a district maintaining school during the entire year shall submit and certify to the center and the intermediate superintendent, in the form and manner prescribed by the center, the number of pupils enrolled and in regular daily attendance in the district for the current school year pursuant to rules promulgated by the superintendent. Not later than the sixth Wednesday after the pupil membership count day and not later than the sixth Wednesday after the supplemental count day, the district shall resolve any pupil membership conflicts with another district, correct any data issues, and recertify the data in a form and manner prescribed by the center and file the certified data with the intermediate superintendent. If a district fails to submit and certify the attendance data, as required under this subsection, the center shall notify the department and the department shall withhold state aid due to be distributed under this article from the defaulting district immediately, beginning with the next payment after the failure and continuing with each payment until the district complies with this subsection. If a district does not comply with this subsection by the end of the fiscal year, the district forfeits the amount withheld. A person who willfully falsifies a figure or statement in the certified and sworn copy of enrollment is subject to penalty as prescribed by section 161.

(2) To be eligible to receive state aid under this article, not later than the twenty-fourth Wednesday after the pupil membership count day and not later than the twenty-fourth Wednesday after the supplemental count day, an intermediate district shall submit to the center, in a form and manner prescribed by the center, the audited enrollment and attendance data as described in subsection (1) for the pupils of its constituent districts and of the intermediate district. If an intermediate district fails to submit the audited data as required under this subsection, the department shall withhold state aid due to be distributed under this article from the defaulting intermediate district immediately, beginning with the next payment after the failure and continuing with each payment until the intermediate district complies with this subsection. If an intermediate district does not comply with this subsection by the end of the fiscal year, the intermediate district forfeits the amount withheld.

(3) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (11) and (12) all of the following apply to the provision of pupil instruction:

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, each district shall provide at least 1,098 hours and 180 days of pupil instruction. If a collective bargaining agreement that provides a complete school calendar was in effect for employees of a district as of June 24, 2014, and if that school calendar is not in compliance with this subdivision, then this subdivision does not apply to that district until after the expiration of that collective bargaining agreement. A district may apply for a waiver under subsection (9) or subdivision (h) from the requirements of this subdivision.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this article, a district failing to comply with the required minimum hours and days of pupil instruction under this subsection forfeits from its total state aid allocation an amount determined by applying a ratio of the number of hours or days the district was in noncompliance in relation to the required minimum number of hours and days under this subsection. Not later than the first business day in August, the board of each district shall either certify to the department that the district was in full compliance with this section regarding the number of hours and days of pupil instruction in the previous school year, or report to the department, in a form and manner prescribed by the center, each instance of noncompliance. If the district did not provide at least the required minimum number of hours and days of pupil instruction under this subsection, the department shall make the deduction of state aid in the following fiscal year from the first payment of state school aid. A district is not subject to forfeiture of funds under this subsection for a fiscal year in which a forfeiture was already imposed under subsection (6).

(c) Hours or days lost because of strikes or teachers' conferences are not counted as hours or days of pupil instruction.

(d) Except as otherwise provided in subdivisions (e) and (f), this subsection, if a district does not have at least 75% of the district's membership in attendance on any day of pupil instruction, the department shall pay the district state aid in that proportion of 1/180 that the actual percent of attendance bears to 75%.

(e) If a district adds 1 or more days of pupil instruction to the end of its instructional calendar for a school year to comply with subdivision (a) because the district otherwise would fail to provide the required minimum number of days of pupil instruction even after the operation of subsection (4) due to conditions not within the control of school authorities, then subdivision (d) does not apply for any day of pupil instruction that is added to the end of the instructional calendar. Instead, for any of those days, if the district does not have at least 60% of the district's membership in attendance on that day, the department shall pay the district state aid in that proportion of 1/180 that the actual percentage of attendance bears to 60%. For any day of pupil instruction added to the instructional calendar as described in this subdivision, the district shall report to the department the percentage of the district's membership that is in attendance, in the form and manner prescribed by the department.

(f) At the request of a district that operates a department-approved alternative education program and that does not provide instruction for pupils in all of grades K to 12, the superintendent shall grant a waiver from the requirements of subdivision (d). The waiver must provide that an eligible district is subject to the proration provisions of subdivision (d) only if the district does not have at least 50% of the district's membership in attendance on any day of pupil instruction. In order to be eligible for this waiver, a district must maintain records to substantiate its compliance with the following requirements:

(i) The district offers the minimum hours of pupil instruction as required under this section.

(ii) For each enrolled pupil, the district uses appropriate academic assessments to develop an individual education plan that leads to a high school diploma.

(iii) The district tests each pupil to determine academic progress at regular intervals and records the results of those tests in that pupil's individual education plan.

(g) All of the following apply to a waiver granted under subdivision (f):

(i) If the waiver is for a blended model of delivery, a waiver that is granted for the 2011-2012 fiscal year or a subsequent fiscal year remains in effect unless it is revoked by the superintendent.

(ii) If the waiver is for a 100% online model of delivery and the educational program for which the waiver is granted makes educational services available to pupils for a minimum of at least 1,098 hours during a school year and ensures that each pupil participates in the educational program for at least 1,098 hours during a school year, a waiver that is granted for the 2011-2012 fiscal year or a subsequent fiscal year remains in effect unless it is revoked by the superintendent.

(iii) A waiver that is not a waiver described in subparagraph (i) or (ii) is valid for 3 fiscal years, unless it is revoked by the superintendent, and must be renewed at the end of the 3-year period to remain in effect.

(h) For the 2024-2025 school year only, a district does not need to meet the minimum number of hours and days of pupil instruction requirement under subdivision (a) if that district meets all of the following requirements:

(i) The district is located wholly or partially in a county that is covered by a state of emergency declared by the governor.

(ii) A majority of the district board votes to exempt the district from the minimum number of hours and days of pupil instruction required under subdivision (a).

(iii) The vote by the district board under subparagraph (ii) exempts the district from providing only the hours and days of pupil instruction actually missed due to the state of emergency.

(iv) The vote by the district board under subparagraph (ii) exempts the district from not more than 15 days of pupil instruction required under subdivision (a). The amount that may be exempted under this subdivision is in addition to any days counted as pupil instruction under subsection (4).

(h) Subdivision (d) does not apply to a district-operated special education program approved by the department if the district-operated special education program's instructional calendar exceeds 180 days of pupil instruction. For any day of instruction provided as part of a district-operated special education program described in this subdivision, the district-operated special education program is exempt from the attendance threshold established under subdivision (d), provided that the district-operated special education program offers the minimum hours of pupil instruction required under this section and maintains documentation of the program's approved instructional calendar.

(i) At the request of a district with fewer than 100 pupils in membership as reported in the most recent fall pupil count, the superintendent shall grant a waiver from the requirements of subdivision (d) if the district demonstrates that the absence of a single household may materially reduce the district's daily attendance percentage below the threshold established in subdivision (d). A waiver granted under this subdivision must provide that the district is subject to the proration provisions of subdivision (d) only if the district does not have at least 60% of the district's membership in attendance on any day of pupil instruction. The district shall maintain records necessary to substantiate the district's eligibility for a waiver granted under this subdivision.

(j) (i) The superintendent shall promulgate rules for the implementation of this subsection.

(4) All of the following apply to the counting of days and hours of pupil instruction under this section:

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the first 6 days or the equivalent number of hours for which pupil instruction is not provided because of conditions not within the control of school authorities, such as severe storms, fires, epidemics, utility power unavailability, water or sewer failure, or health conditions as defined by the city, county, or state health authorities, are counted as hours and days of pupil instruction.

(b) With the approval of the superintendent of public instruction, the department shall count as hours and days of pupil instruction for a fiscal year not more than 3 additional days or the equivalent number of additional hours for which pupil instruction is not provided in a district due to unusual and extenuating occurrences resulting from conditions not within the control of school authorities such as those conditions described in this subsection.

(c) A district that counts hours or days of professional development for teachers as hours or days of pupil instruction, as provided under subsection (10), is eligible to have additional hours or days counted as hours and days of pupil instruction as provided under subdivision (b) to the same extent as a district that does not count hours or days of professional development for teachers as hours or days of pupil instruction.

(d) In deciding whether or not to approve the counting of additional hours or days of pupil instruction under subdivision (b) for a district, the superintendent of public instruction shall not take into account whether or not the district counts hours or days of professional development for teachers as hours or days of pupil instruction, as provided under subsection (10).

(e) Subsequent hours or days beyond those described in subdivisions (a) and (b) are not counted as hours or days of pupil instruction.

(5) A district does not forfeit part of its state aid appropriation because it adopts or has in existence an alternative scheduling program for pupils in kindergarten if the program provides at least the number of hours required under subsection (3) for a full-time equated membership for a pupil in kindergarten as provided under section 6(4).

(6) In addition to any other penalty or forfeiture under this section, if at any time the department determines that 1 or more of the following have occurred in a district, the district forfeits in the current fiscal year beginning in the next payment to be calculated by the department a proportion of the funds due to the district under this article that is equal to the proportion below the required minimum number of hours and days of pupil instruction under subsection (3), as specified in the following:

(a) The district fails to operate its schools for at least the required minimum number of hours and days of pupil instruction under subsection (3) in a school year, including hours and days counted under subsection (4).

(b) The board of the district takes formal action not to operate its schools for at least the required minimum number of hours and days of pupil instruction under subsection (3) in a school year, including hours and days counted under subsection (4).

(7) In providing the minimum number of hours and days of pupil instruction required under subsection (3), a district shall use the following guidelines, and a district shall maintain records to substantiate its compliance with the following guidelines:

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, a pupil must be scheduled for at least the required minimum number of hours of instruction, excluding study halls, or at least the sum of 90 hours plus the required minimum number of hours of instruction, including up to 2 study halls.

(b) The time a pupil is assigned to any tutorial activity in a block schedule may be considered instructional time, unless that time is determined in an audit to be a study hall period.

(c) Except as otherwise provided in this subdivision, a pupil in grades 9 to 12 for whom a reduced schedule is determined to be in the individual pupil's best educational interest, or a pupil in grades 6 to 8 for whom a reduced schedule is determined to be in the individual pupil's best educational interest due to the pupil's participation in an advanced curriculum, must be scheduled for a number of hours equal to at least 80% of the required minimum number of hours of pupil instruction to be considered a full-time equivalent pupil. A pupil in grades 6 to 12 who is scheduled in a 4-block schedule may receive a reduced schedule under this subsection if the pupil is scheduled for a number of hours equal to at least 75% of the required minimum number of hours of pupil instruction to be considered a full-time equivalent pupil.

(d) For a pupil in grades 9 to 12 enrolled in a cooperative education program, or for a special education pupil, in determining full-time equated membership for that pupil, the pupil is not considered less than a full-time equated pupil solely because of the effect of the pupil's enrollment in the cooperative education program or special education program, including necessary travel time, on the number of class hours provided by the district to the pupil.

(e) In grades 7 through 12, instructional time that is part of a Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program is considered to be pupil instruction time regardless of whether the instructor is a certificated teacher if all of the following are met:

(i) The instructor has met all of the requirements established by the United States Department of Defense and the applicable branch of the armed services for serving as an instructor in the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program.

(ii) The board of the district or intermediate district employing or assigning the instructor complies with the requirements of sections 1230 and 1230a of the revised school code, MCL 380.1230 and 380.1230a, with respect to the instructor to the same extent as if employing the instructor as a regular classroom teacher.

(8) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (11) and (12), the department shall apply the guidelines under subsection (7) in calculating the full-time equivalency of pupils.

(9) Upon application by the district for a particular fiscal year, the superintendent shall waive for a district the minimum number of hours and days of pupil instruction requirement of subsection (3) for a department-approved alternative education program or another innovative program approved by the department, including a 4-day school week. If a district applies for and receives a waiver under this subsection and complies with the terms of the waiver, the district is not subject to forfeiture under this section for the specific program covered by the waiver. If the district does not comply with the terms of the waiver, the amount of the forfeiture is calculated based upon a comparison of the number of hours and days of pupil instruction actually provided to the minimum number of hours and days of pupil instruction required under subsection (3). A district shall report pupils enrolled in a department-approved alternative education program under this subsection to the center in a form and manner determined by the center. All of the following apply to a waiver granted under this subsection:

(a) If the waiver is for a blended model of delivery, a waiver that is granted for the 2011-2012 fiscal year or a subsequent fiscal year remains in effect unless it is revoked by the superintendent.

(b) If the waiver is for a 100% online model of delivery and the educational program for which the waiver is granted makes educational services available to pupils for a minimum of at least 1,098 hours during a school year and ensures that each pupil is on track for course completion at proficiency level, a waiver that is granted for the 2011-2012 fiscal year or a subsequent fiscal year remains in effect unless it is revoked by the superintendent.

(c) A waiver that is not a waiver described in subdivision (a) or (b) is valid for 3 fiscal years, unless it is revoked by the superintendent, and must be renewed at the end of the 3-year period to remain in effect.

(10) A district may count up to 38 hours of professional development for teachers as hours of pupil instruction. All of the following apply to the counting of professional development as pupil instruction under this subsection:

(a) If the professional development exceeds 5 hours in a single day, that day may be counted as a day of pupil instruction.

(b) At least 8 hours of the professional development counted as hours of pupil instruction under this subsection must be recommended by a districtwide professional development advisory committee appointed by the district board. The advisory committee must be composed of teachers employed by the district who represent a variety of grades and subject matter specializations, including special education; nonteaching staff; parents; and administrators. The majority membership of the committee must be composed of teaching staff.

(c) Professional development provided online is allowable and encouraged, as long as the instruction has been approved by the district. The department shall issue a list of approved online professional development providers that must include the Michigan Virtual School.

(d) Professional development may only be counted as hours of pupil instruction under this subsection for the pupils of those teachers scheduled to participate in the professional development.

(e) The professional development must meet all of the following to be counted as pupil instruction under this subsection:

(i) Be aligned to the school or district improvement plan for the school or district in which the professional development is being provided.

(ii) Be linked to 1 or more criteria in the evaluation tool developed or adopted by the district or intermediate district under section 1249 of the revised school code, MCL 380.1249.

(iii) Has been approved by the department as counting for state continuing education clock hours. The number of hours of professional development counted as hours of pupil instruction under this subsection may not exceed the number of state continuing education clock hours for which the professional development was approved.

(iv) Not more than a combined total of 10 hours of the professional development takes place before the first scheduled day of school for the school year ending in the fiscal year and after the last scheduled day of school for that school year.

(v) Not more than 10 hours of the professional development takes place in a single month.

(vi) At least 75% of teachers scheduled to participate in the professional development are in attendance.

(11) Subsections (3) and (8) do not apply to a school of excellence that is a cyber school, as that term is defined in section 551 of the revised school code, MCL 380.551, and is in compliance with section 553a of the revised school code, MCL 380.553a. Beginning July 1, 2021, this subsection is subject to section 8c. It is the intent of the legislature that the immediately preceding sentence apply retroactively and is effective July 1, 2021.

(12) Subsections (3) and (8) do not apply to eligible pupils enrolled in a dropout recovery program that meets the requirements of section 23a. As used in this subsection, "eligible pupil" means that term as defined in section 23a.

(13) At least every 2 years the superintendent shall review the waiver standards set forth in the pupil accounting and auditing manuals to ensure that the waiver standards and waiver process continue to be appropriate and responsive to changing trends in online learning. The superintendent shall solicit and consider input from stakeholders as part of this review.

Sec. 104. (1) To receive state aid under this article, a district shall comply with sections 1249, 1278a, 1278b, 1279g, and 1280b of the revised school code, MCL 380.1249, 380.1278a, 380.1278b, 380.1279g, and 380.1280b, and 1970 PA 38, MCL 388.1081 to 388.1086. Subject to subsection (2), from the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2024-2025 $39,509,400.00, and there is allocated for 2025-2026 $37,509,400.00, $40,000,000.00, and there is allocated for 2026-2027 $44,500,000.00, for payments on behalf of districts for costs associated with complying with those provisions of law. In addition, from the federal funds appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 an amount estimated at $8,000,000.00 funded from DED-OESE, title VI, state assessment funds, and from DED-OSERS, part B of the individuals with disabilities education act, 20 USC 1411 to 1419, plus any carryover federal funds from previous year appropriations, for the purposes of complying with the every student succeeds act, Public Law 114-95.

(2) The results of each test administered as part of the Michigan student test of educational progress (M-STEP), including tests administered to high school students, must include an item analysis that lists all items that are counted for individual pupil scores and the percentage of pupils choosing each possible response. The department shall work with the center to identify the number of students enrolled at the time assessments are given by each district. In calculating the percentage of pupils assessed for a district's scorecard, the department shall use only the number of pupils enrolled in the district at the time the district administers the assessments and shall exclude pupils who enroll in the district after the district administers the assessments.

(3) The department shall distribute federal funds allocated under this section in accordance with federal law and with flexibility provisions outlined in Public Law 107-116, and in the education flexibility partnership act of 1999, Public Law 106-25.

(4) The department may recommend, but may not require, districts to allow pupils to use an external keyboard with tablet devices for online M-STEP testing, including, but not limited to, open-ended test items such as constructed response or equation builder items.

(5) Notwithstanding section 17b, the department shall make payments on behalf of districts, intermediate districts, and other eligible entities under this section on a schedule determined by the department.

(6) From the allocation in subsection (1), there is allocated $500,000.00 for 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 for the operation of an online reporting tool to provide student-level assessment data in a secure environment to educators, parents, and pupils immediately after assessments are scored. The department and the center shall ensure that any data collected by the online reporting tool do not provide individually identifiable student data to the federal government.

(7) As used in this section:

(a) "DED" means the United States Department of Education.

(b) "DED-OESE" means the DED Office of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Sec. 104h. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated under section 11, there is allocated for 2025-2026 2026-2027 an amount not to exceed $11,500,000.00 to districts to implement benchmark assessments during the 2025-2026 2026-2027 school year. All of the following apply to the benchmark assessment system described in this subsection:

(a) The system must provide for all of the following:

(i) That, within the first 9 weeks of the 2025-2026 school year, the district shall administer 1 or more benchmark assessments provided by a provider approved under subsection (6), (5), benchmark assessments described in subdivision (b), or local benchmark assessments, or any combination thereof, to all pupils in grades K to 8 to measure proficiency in reading and mathematics.

(ii) That, in addition to the benchmark assessment or benchmark assessments administered under subparagraph (i), by not later than the last day of the 2025-2026 school year, the district shall administer the benchmark assessment or assessments administered under subparagraph (i) to all pupils in grades K to 8 to measure proficiency in reading and mathematics. To support fall to spring growth calculations, the same benchmark assessment that is administered in the fall must be administered in the spring.last marking period of the school year.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a district may administer 1 or more of the following benchmark assessments toward meeting the requirements under subdivision (a):

(i) A benchmark assessment in reading for students in grades K to 9 that contains progress monitoring tools and enhanced diagnostic assessments.

(ii) A benchmark assessment in math for students in grades K to 8 that contains progress monitoring tools.

(c) The system must provide that, to the extent practicable, if a district administers a benchmark assessment or benchmark assessments under this section, the district shall administer the same benchmark assessment or benchmark assessments provided by a provider approved under subsection (6), (5), benchmark assessment or benchmark assessments described in subdivision (b), or local benchmark assessment or local benchmark assessments that it administered to pupils in previous school years, as applicable.

(d) The system must provide that, if a district administers a benchmark assessment or benchmark assessments under this section, the district shall provide each pupil's data from the benchmark assessment or benchmark assessments, as available, to the pupil's parent or legal guardian within 30 days of administering the benchmark assessment or benchmark assessments.

(e) The system must provide that, if a local benchmark assessment or local benchmark assessments are administered under subdivision (a), the district shall report to the department, in a form and manner prescribed by the department, the local benchmark assessment or local benchmark assessments that were administered and how that assessment or those assessments measure changes, including any losses, as applicable, in learning, and the district's plan for addressing any losses in learning.

(f) The system must provide that, by not later than 30 days after a benchmark assessment or benchmark assessments are administered under subdivision (a)(ii), or within a time frame specified by the department, the district shall send benchmark assessment data, including grade level, student demographics, and mode of instruction, to the department in a form and manner prescribed by the department, from all benchmark assessments administered in the 2025-2026 school year, excluding data from a local benchmark assessment, as applicable. If available, the data described in this subdivision must include information concerning pupil growth from fall 2025 to spring 2026.

(2) To receive funding under this section, a district must do all of the following:

(a) Apply for the funding in a form and manner prescribed by the department.

(b) Administer 1 or more of the benchmark assessments described in subsection (6), (5), excluding the benchmark assessment described in subsection (4).

(d) Meet all reporting requirements pertaining to assessment and mode-of-instruction data outlined to parents and legal guardians as described in this section.

(3) Subject to subsection (2), the department shall pay an equal amount per membership pupil in grades K to 8 in the district to each district that applies for funding under this section.

(4) The department shall make 1 of the benchmark assessments provided by a provider approved under subsection (6) (5) available to districts at no cost to the districts for purposes of meeting the requirements under this section. The benchmark assessment described in this subsection must meet all of the following:

(a) Be aligned to the content standards of this state.

(b) Complement the this state's summative assessment system.

(d) Provide information on pupil achievement with regard to learning content required in a given year or grade span.

(e) Provide timely feedback to pupils and teachers.

(f) Be nationally normed.

(g) Provide information to educators about student growth and allow for multiple testing opportunities.

(5) By not later than November 15 of each year subsequent to a year in which funding is appropriated under this section, the department shall submit a report to the house and senate appropriations committees, the house and senate appropriations subcommittees on school aid, and the house and senate fiscal agencies regarding the benchmark assessment data received under this section, disaggregated by grade level and demographic subgroup for each district. If information concerning pupil growth is included in the data described in this subsection, it must be incorporated in the report described in this subsection.

(h) Include a digital library of teaching resources that are tied directly to the benchmark assessment and aligned to this state's standards.

(5) (6) The department shall approve at least 4 but not more than 6 providers of benchmark assessments for the purposes of this section. The department shall inform districts of all of the providers approved under this subsection in an equitable manner. The benchmark assessments, with the exclusion of the benchmark assessment described in subsection (4), provided by approved providers under this subsection must meet all of the following:

(a) Be aligned to the content standards of this state.

(b) Complement the state's summative assessment system.

(c) Be internet-delivered and include a standards-based remote, in-person, or both remote and in-person assessment using a computer-adaptive model to target the instructional level of each pupil.

(d) Provide information on pupil achievement with regard to learning content required in a given year or grade span.

(e) Provide immediate feedback to pupils and teachers.

(f) Be nationally normed.

(g) Provide multiple measures of growth and provide for multiple testing opportunities.

Sec. 107. (1) From the state school aid fund appropriation in section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $32,913,600.00 $42,525,000.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 for adult education programs authorized under this section. Except as otherwise provided under subsections (14) and (15), funds allocated under this section are restricted for adult education programs as authorized under this section only. A recipient of funds under this section shall not use those funds for any other purpose.

(2) To be eligible for funding under this section, an eligible adult education provider shall employ certificated teachers and qualified administrative staff and shall offer continuing education opportunities for teachers to allow them to maintain certification.

(3) To be eligible to be a participant funded under this section, an individual must be enrolled in an adult basic education program, an adult secondary education program, an adult English as a second language program, a high school equivalency test preparation program, or a high school completion program, that meets the requirements of this section, and for which instruction is provided, and the individual must be at least 18 years of age by July 1 of the program year and the individual's graduating class must have graduated.

(4) By April 1 of each fiscal year for which funding is allocated under this section, the intermediate districts within a prosperity region or subregion shall determine which intermediate district will serve as the prosperity region's or subregion's fiscal agent for the next fiscal year and shall notify the department in a form and manner determined by the department. The department shall approve or disapprove of the prosperity region's or subregion's selected fiscal agent. From the funds allocated under subsection (1), an amount as determined under this subsection is allocated to each intermediate district serving as a fiscal agent for adult education programs in each of the prosperity regions or subregions identified by the department. An intermediate district shall not use more than 5% of the funds allocated under this subsection for administration costs for serving as the fiscal agent. The allocation provided to each intermediate district serving as a fiscal agent must be calculated as follows:

(a) Sixty percent of this portion of the funding must be distributed based upon the proportion of the state population of individuals between the ages of 18 and 24 that are not high school graduates that resides in each of the prosperity regions or subregions located within the intermediate district, as reported by the most recent 5-year estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS) from the United States Census Bureau.

(b) Thirty-five percent of this portion of the funding must be distributed based upon the proportion of the state population of individuals age 25 or older who are not high school graduates that resides in each of the prosperity regions or subregions located within the intermediate district, as reported by the most recent 5-year estimates from the ACS from the United States Census Bureau.

(c) Five percent of this portion of the funding must be distributed based upon the proportion of the state population of individuals age 18 or older who lack basic English language proficiency that resides in each of the prosperity regions or subregions located within the intermediate district, as reported by the most recent 5-year estimates from the ACS from the United States Census Bureau.

(5) To be an eligible fiscal agent, an intermediate district must agree to do the following in a form and manner determined by the department:

(a) Distribute funds to adult education programs in a prosperity region or subregion as described in this section.

(b) Collaborate with the career and educational advisory council, which is an advisory council of the workforce development boards located in the prosperity region or subregion, or its successor, to develop a regional strategy that aligns adult education programs and services into an efficient and effective delivery system for adult education learners, with special consideration for providing contextualized learning and career pathways and addressing barriers to education and employment.

(c) Collaborate with the career and educational advisory council, which is an advisory council of the workforce development boards located in the prosperity region or subregion, or its successor, to create a local process and criteria that will identify eligible adult education providers to receive funds allocated under this section based on location, demand for services, past performance, quality indicators as identified by the department, and cost to provide instructional services. The fiscal agent shall determine all local processes, criteria, and provider determinations. However, the local processes, criteria, and provider services must be approved by the department before funds may be distributed to the fiscal agent.

(d) Provide oversight to its adult education providers throughout the program year to ensure compliance with the requirements of this section.

(e) Report adult education program and participant data and information as prescribed by the department.

(6) An adult basic education program, an adult secondary education program, or an adult English as a second language program operated on a year-round or school year basis may be funded under this section, subject to all of the following:

(a) The program enrolls adults who are determined by a department-approved assessment, in a form and manner prescribed by the department, to be below twelfth grade level in reading or mathematics, or both, or to lack basic English proficiency.

(b) The program tests individuals for eligibility under subdivision (a) before enrollment and upon completion of the program in compliance with the state-approved assessment policy.

(i) The participant's reading and mathematics proficiency are assessed at or above the ninth grade level.

(ii) The participant fails to show progress on 2 successive assessments after having completed at least 450 hours of instruction.

(d) A participant in an adult secondary education program is eligible for reimbursement until 1 of the following occurs:

(i) The participant's reading and mathematics proficiency are assessed above the twelfth grade level.

(ii) The participant fails to show progress on 2 successive assessments after having at least 450 hours of instruction.

(e) A funding recipient enrolling a participant in an English as a second language program is eligible for funding according to subsection (9) until the participant meets 1 of the following:

(i) The participant is assessed as having attained basic English proficiency as determined by a department-approved assessment.

(ii) The participant fails to show progress on 2 successive department-approved assessments after having completed at least 450 hours of instruction. The department shall provide information to a funding recipient regarding appropriate assessment instruments for this program.

(7) A high school equivalency test preparation program operated on a year-round or school year basis may be funded under this section, subject to all of the following:

(a) The program enrolls adults who do not have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency certificate.

(b) The program administers a pre-test approved by the department before enrolling an individual to determine the individual's literacy levels, administers a high school equivalency practice test to determine the individual's potential for success on the high school equivalency test, and administers a post-test upon completion of the program in compliance with the state-approved assessment policy.

(c) A funding recipient receives funding according to subsection (9) for a participant, and a participant may be enrolled in the program until 1 of the following occurs:

(i) The participant achieves a high school equivalency certificate.

(ii) The participant fails to show progress on 2 successive department-approved assessments used to determine readiness to take a high school equivalency test after having completed at least 450 hours of instruction.

(8) A high school completion program operated on a year-round or school year basis may be funded under this section, subject to all of the following:

(a) The program enrolls adults who do not have a high school diploma.

(b) The program tests participants described in subdivision (a) before enrollment and upon completion of the program in compliance with the state-approved assessment policy.

(c) A funding recipient receives funding according to subsection (9) for a participant in a course offered under this subsection until 1 of the following occurs:

(i) The participant passes the course and earns a high school diploma.

(ii) The participant fails to earn credit in 2 successive semesters or terms in which the participant is enrolled after having completed at least 900 hours of instruction.

(9) The department shall make payments to a funding recipient under this section in accordance with all of the following:

(a) Statewide allocation criteria, including 3-year average enrollments, census data, and local needs.

(b) Participant completion of the adult basic education objectives by achieving an educational gain as determined by the national reporting system levels; for achieving basic English proficiency, as determined by the department; for achieving a high school equivalency certificate or passage of 1 or more individual high school equivalency tests; for attainment of a high school diploma or passage of a course required for a participant to attain a high school diploma; for enrollment in a postsecondary institution; or for entry into or retention of employment, as applicable.

(c) Participant completion of core indicators as identified in the workforce innovation and opportunity act, Public Law 113-128.

(d) Allowable expenditures.

(10) An individual who is not eligible to be a participant funded under this section may receive adult education services upon the payment of tuition. In addition, an individual who is not eligible to be served in a program under this section due to the program limitations specified in subsection (6), (7), or (8) may continue to receive adult education services in that program upon the payment of tuition. The local or intermediate district conducting the program shall determine the tuition amount.

(11) An individual who is an inmate in a state correctional facility is not counted as a participant under this section.

(12) A funding recipient shall not commingle money received under this section or from another source for adult education purposes with any other funds and shall establish a separate ledger account for funds received under this section. This subsection does not prohibit a district from using general funds of the district to support an adult education or community education program.

(13) A funding recipient receiving funds under this section may establish a sliding scale of tuition rates based upon a participant's family income. A funding recipient may charge a participant tuition to receive adult education services under this section from that sliding scale of tuition rates on a uniform basis. The amount of tuition charged per participant must not exceed the actual operating cost per participant minus any funds received under this section per participant. A funding recipient may not charge a participant tuition under this section if the participant's income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines published by the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

(14) To receive funds under this section, a funding recipient shall furnish to the department, in a form and manner determined by the department, all information needed to administer this program and meet federal reporting requirements; shall allow the department or the department's designee to review all records related to the program for which it receives funds; and shall reimburse the state for all disallowances found in the review, as determined by the department. In addition, a funding recipient shall agree to pay to a career and technical education program under section 61a the amount of funding received under this section in the proportion of career and technical education coursework used to satisfy adult basic education programming, as billed to the funding recipient by programs operating under section 61a.

(15) From the amount appropriated in subsection (1), an amount not to exceed $4,000,000.00 is allocated for 2025-2026 2026-2027 to approved adult education programs that connect adult education participants with employers as provided under this subsection. The department shall determine regional planning allocations under this subsection to each intermediate district serving as a fiscal agent for adult education programs in each of the prosperity regions or subregions identified by the department in the same proportion as funding calculated and allocated under subsection (4). Funds not fully utilized within a region may be transferred to other regions as appropriate. To be eligible for funding under this subsection, a program must provide a collaboration linking adult education programs within the county, state-approved career and technical education programs, and local employers. To receive funding under this subsection, an eligible program must satisfy all of the following:

(a) Connect adult education participants directly with employers by linking adult education, career and technical skills, and workforce development.

(b) Require adult education staff to work with Michigan Works! agency to identify a cohort of participants who are most prepared to successfully enter the workforce. Except as otherwise provided under this subdivision, participants identified under this subsection must be dually enrolled in adult education programming and in at least 1 state-approved technical course through a career and technical education program. A program that links participants identified under this subsection with adult education programming and commercial driver license courses does not need to enroll the participants in at least 1 state-approved technical course through a career and technical education program to be considered an eligible program under this subsection.

(c) Employ an individual staffed as an adult education navigator who will serve as a caseworker for each participant identified under subdivision (b). The navigator shall work with adult education staff and potential employers to design an educational program best suited to the personal and employment needs of the participant and shall work with human service agencies or other entities to address any barrier in the way of participant access.

(16) By not later than December 1 of each year, a program funded under subsection (15) shall provide a report to the senate and house appropriations subcommittees on school aid, to the senate and house fiscal agencies, and to the state budget director identifying the number of participants, graduation rates, and a measure of transition to employment.

(17) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, participants under subsection (15) must be concurrently enrolled and actively working toward obtaining a high school diploma or a high school equivalency certificate. Concurrent enrollment is not required under this subsection for a participant that was enrolled in adult education during the same program year and obtained a high school diploma or a high school equivalency certificate before enrollment in an eligible career and technical skills program under subsection (15). Up to 10% of adult education participants served under subsection (15) may already have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency certificate at the time of enrollment in an eligible career and technical skills program under subsection (15) and receive remediation services. It is intended that the cap described in the immediately preceding sentence is continually lowered on an annual basis until it eventually is 0%.

(18) The department shall approve at least 2 high school equivalency tests and determine whether a high school equivalency certificate meets the requisite standards for high school equivalency in this state.

(19) As used in this section:

(b) "Career pathway" means a combination of rigorous and high-quality education, training, and other services that comply with all of the following:

(i) Aligns with the skill needs of industries in the economy of this state or in the regional economy involved.

(ii) Prepares an individual to be successful in any of a full range of secondary or postsecondary education options, including apprenticeships registered under the act of August 16, 1937, commonly referred to as the national apprenticeship act, 29 USC 50 et seq.

(iii) Includes counseling to support an individual in achieving the individual's education and career goals.

(iv) Includes, as appropriate, education offered concurrently with and in the same context as workforce preparation activities and training for a specific occupation or occupational cluster.

(v) Organizes education, training, and other services to meet the particular needs of an individual in a manner that accelerates the educational and career advancement of the individual to the extent practicable.

(vi) Enables an individual to attain a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, and at least 1 recognized postsecondary credential.

(vii) Helps an individual enter or advance within a specific occupation or occupational cluster.

(d) "Eligible adult education provider" means a district, intermediate district, a consortium of districts, a consortium of intermediate districts, or a consortium of districts and intermediate districts that is identified as part of the local process described in subsection (5)(c) and approved by the department.

Sec. 147. (1) The allocation for 2025-2026 2026-2027 for the public school employees' retirement system pursuant to the public school employees retirement act of 1979, 1980 PA 300, MCL 38.1301 to 38.1437, is made using the individual projected benefit entry age normal cost method of valuation and risk assumptions adopted by the public school employees retirement board and the department of technology, management, and budget.

(2) The annual level percentage of payroll contribution rates for the 2025-2026 2026-2027 fiscal year, as determined by the retirement system, are estimated as follows:

(a) For public school employees who first worked for a public school reporting unit before July 1, 2010 and who are enrolled in the health premium subsidy, the annual level percentage of payroll contribution rate is estimated at 44.93% 41.02% with 29.91% 27.51% paid directly by the employer.

(b) For public school employees who first worked for a public school reporting unit on or after July 1, 2010 and who are enrolled in the health premium subsidy, the annual level percentage of payroll contribution rate is estimated at 40.19% 36.28% with 25.17% 22.77% paid directly by the employer.

(c) For public school employees who first worked for a public school reporting unit on or after July 1, 2010 and who participate in the personal healthcare fund, the annual level percentage of payroll contribution rate is estimated at 36.36% 34.85% with 21.34% paid directly by the employer.

(d) For public school employees who first worked for a public school reporting unit on or after September 4, 2012, who elect defined contribution, and who participate in the personal healthcare fund, the annual level percentage of payroll contribution rate is estimated at 30.23% 28.72% with 15.21% paid directly by the employer.

(e) For public school employees who first worked for a public school reporting unit before July 1, 2010, who elect defined contribution, and who are enrolled in the health premium subsidy, the annual level percentage of payroll contribution rate is estimated at 34.06% 30.15% with 19.04% 16.64% paid directly by the employer.

(f) For public school employees who first worked for a public school reporting unit before July 1, 2010, who elect defined contribution, and who participate in the personal healthcare fund, the annual level percentage of payroll contribution rate is estimated at 30.23% 28.72% with 15.21% paid directly by the employer.

(g) For public school employees who first worked for a public school reporting unit before July 1, 2010 and who participate in the personal healthcare fund, the annual level percentage of payroll contribution rate is estimated at 41.10% 39.59% with 26.08% paid directly by the employer.

(h) For public school employees who first worked for a public school reporting unit after January 31, 2018 and who elect to become members of the MPSERS plan, the annual level percentage of payroll contribution rate is estimated at 36.43% 34.92% with 21.41% paid directly by the employer.

(3) In addition to the employer payments described in subsection (2), the employer shall pay the applicable contributions to the Tier 2 plan, as determined by the public school employees retirement act of 1979, 1980 PA 300, MCL 38.1301 to 38.1437.

(4) The contribution rates in subsection (2) reflect an amortization period of 13 12 years for 2024-2025. 2026-2027. The public school employees' retirement system board shall notify each district and intermediate district by February 28 of each fiscal year of the estimated contribution rate for the next fiscal year.

Sec. 147a. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2024-2025 an amount not to exceed $100,000,000.00 for payments to participating districts. A participating district that receives money under this subsection shall use that money solely for the purpose of offsetting a portion of the retirement contributions owed by the district for the fiscal year in which it is received. The amount allocated to each participating district under this subsection is based on each participating district's percentage of the total statewide payroll for all participating districts for the immediately preceding fiscal year. As used in this subsection, "participating district" means a district that is a reporting unit of the Michigan public school employees' retirement system under the public school employees retirement act of 1979, 1980 PA 300, MCL 38.1301 to 38.1437, and that reports employees to the Michigan public school employees' retirement system for the applicable fiscal year.

(2) In addition to the allocation under subsection (1), from From the state school aid fund money appropriated under section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $414,900,000.00 for 2024-2025 and an amount not to exceed $336,200,000.00 $361,100,000.00 for 2025-2026 and an amount not to exceed $307,400,000.00 for 2026-2027 for payments to participating districts and intermediate districts and from the general fund money appropriated under section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $100,000.00 for 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 for payments to participating district libraries. The amount allocated to each participating entity under this subsection is based on each participating entity's reported quarterly payroll for members that became tier 1 before February 1, 2018 for the current fiscal year. A participating entity that receives money under this subsection shall use that money solely for the purpose of offsetting a portion of the normal cost contribution rate. As used in this subsection:section:

(a) "District library" means a district library established under the district library establishment act, 1989 PA 24, MCL 397.171 to 397.196.

(b) "Participating entity" means a district, intermediate district, or district library that is a reporting unit of the Michigan public school employees' retirement system under the public school employees retirement act of 1979, 1980 PA 300, MCL 38.1301 to 38.1437, and that reports employees to the Michigan public school employees' retirement system for the applicable fiscal year.

(3) In addition to the allocations under subsections (1) and (2), from the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2024-2025 only an amount not to exceed $11,939,000.00 for payments to participating intermediate districts and participating district libraries. A participating intermediate district or participating district library shall use that money solely for the purpose of offsetting a portion of the retirement contributions owed by the participating intermediate district or participating district library for the fiscal year in which it is received. The amount allocated to each participating intermediate district or participating district library under this subsection is calculated as follows:

(a) For each participating intermediate district, $11,912,000.00 multiplied by each participating intermediate district's percentage of the total statewide payroll for all participating intermediate districts for the immediately preceding fiscal year.

(b) For each participating district library, $27,000.00 multiplied by each participating district library's percentage of the total statewide payroll for all participating district libraries for the immediately preceding fiscal year.

(i) "Participating district library" means a district library that is a reporting unit of the Michigan public school employees' retirement system under the public school employees retirement act of 1979, 1980 PA 300, MCL 38.1301 to 38.1437, and that reports employees to the Michigan public school employees' retirement system for the applicable fiscal year.

(ii) "Participating intermediate district" means an intermediate district that is a reporting unit of the Michigan public school employees' retirement system under the public school employees retirement act of 1979, 1980 PA 300, MCL 38.1301 to 38.1437, and that reports employees to the Michigan public school employees' retirement system for the applicable fiscal year.

(4) In addition to the allocations under subsections (1), (2), and (3), from the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2024-2025 an amount not to exceed $598,000,000.00 for payments to participating entities. The amount allocated to each participating entity under this subsection is based on each participating entity's percentage of the total statewide payroll for all participating entities for the immediately preceding fiscal year. The amount allocated in this subsection represents an amount to effectively reduce each participating entity's unfunded actuarial accrued liability from 20.96% to an estimated 15.21% of covered payroll. It is the intent of the legislature that the allocation under this subsection be used to support student mental health, school safety, the educator workforce, and academic interventions.

(a) As used in this subsection:

(i) "District library" means a district library established under the district library establishment act, 1989 PA 24, MCL 397.171 to 397.196.

(ii) "Participating entity" means a district, intermediate district, district library, or community college that is a reporting unit of the Michigan public school employees' retirement system under the public school employees retirement act of 1979, 1980 PA 300, MCL 38.1301 to 38.1437, and that reports employees to the Michigan public school employees' retirement system for the applicable fiscal year.

Sec. 147b. (1) The MPSERS retirement obligation reform reserve fund is created as a separate account within the state school aid fund.

(2) The state treasurer may receive money or other assets from any source for deposit into the MPSERS retirement obligation reform reserve fund. The state treasurer shall direct the investment of the MPSERS retirement obligation reform reserve fund. The state treasurer shall credit to the MPSERS retirement obligation reform reserve fund interest and earnings from the MPSERS retirement obligation reform reserve fund.

(3) Money available in the MPSERS retirement obligation reform reserve fund must not be expended without a specific appropriation.

(4) Money in the MPSERS retirement obligation reform reserve fund at the close of the fiscal year remains in the MPSERS retirement obligation reform reserve fund and does not lapse lapses to the state school aid fund or to the general fund. The department of treasury is the administrator of the MPSERS retirement obligation reform reserve fund for auditing purposes.

(5) For 2022-2023, $825,000,000.00 from the state school aid fund is deposited into the MPSERS retirement obligation reform reserve fund. It is the intent of the legislature that $425,000,000.00 of the funds deposited under this subsection for 2022-2023 are used to offset costs associated with accelerating the reduction of the payroll growth assumption for reporting units that are not university reporting units until that rate is zero by October 1, 2026.

Sec. 147c. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2025-2026 an amount not to exceed $1,536,500,000.00 and there is allocated for 2026-2027 an amount not to exceed $1,454,400,000.00 for payments to districts and intermediate districts that are participating entities of the Michigan public school employees' retirement system. In addition, from the general fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 an amount not to exceed $300,000.00 for payments to district libraries that are participating entities of the Michigan public school employees' retirement system. All of the following apply to funding under this subsection:

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this subdivision, for 2025-2026, the The amounts allocated under this subsection are estimated to provide an average MPSERS rate cap per pupil amount for districts of $1,100.00. , which represents an average increase of $362.00 per pupil compared to the immediately preceding state fiscal year.

(b) Payments made under this subsection are equal to the difference between the unfunded actuarial accrued liability contribution rate as calculated under section 41 of the public school employees retirement act of 1979, 1980 PA 300, MCL 38.1341, as calculated without taking into account the maximum employer rate of 20.96% 15.21% included in section 41 of the public school employees retirement act of 1979, 1980 PA 300, MCL 38.1341, and the maximum employer rate of 20.96% 15.21% included in section 41 of the public school employees retirement act of 1979, 1980 PA 300, MCL 38.1341.

(c) The amount allocated to each participating entity under this subsection is based on each participating entity's proportion of the total covered payroll for the immediately preceding fiscal year for the same type of participating entities. A participating entity that receives funds under this subsection shall use the funds solely for the purpose of retirement contributions as specified in subdivision (d).

(d) Each participating entity receiving funds under this subsection shall forward an amount equal to the amount allocated under subdivision (c) to the retirement system in a form, manner, and time frame determined by the retirement system.

(e) Funds allocated under this subsection should be considered when comparing a district's growth in total state aid funding from 1 fiscal year to the next.

(f) By not later than December 20 of each fiscal year for which funding is allocated under this subsection, the department shall publish and post on its website an estimated MPSERS rate cap per pupil for each district.

(2) As used in this section:

(a) "District library" means a district library established under the district library establishment act, 1989 PA 24, MCL 397.171 to 397.196.

(b) "MPSERS rate cap per pupil" means an amount equal to the quotient of the district's payment under this section divided by the district's pupils in membership.

(c) "Participating entity" means, except as otherwise provided in this subdivision, a district, intermediate district, or district library that is a reporting unit of the Michigan public school employees' retirement system under the public school employees retirement act of 1979, 1980 PA 300, MCL 38.1301 to 38.1437, and that reports employees to the Michigan public school employees' retirement system for the applicable fiscal year.

(d) "Retirement system" means the Michigan public school employees' retirement system under the public school employees retirement act of 1979, 1980 PA 300, MCL 38.1301 to 38.1437.

Sec. 147e. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2024-2025 an amount not to exceed $71,600,000.00, and there is allocated for 2025-2026 an amount not to exceed $118,400,000.00 $116,500,000.00 and there is allocated for 2026-2027 an amount not to exceed $136,200,000.00 for payments to participating entities.

(2) The payment to each participating entity under this section is the sum of the amounts under this subsection as follows:

(a) An amount equal to the contributions made by a participating entity for the additional contribution made to a qualified participant's Tier 2 account in an amount equal to the contribution made by the qualified participant not to exceed 3% of the qualified participant's compensation as provided for under section 131(6) of the public school employees retirement act of 1979, 1980 PA 300, MCL 38.1431.

(b) Beginning October 1, 2017, an amount equal to the contributions made by a participating entity for a qualified participant who is only a Tier 2 qualified participant under section 81d of the public school employees retirement act of 1979, 1980 PA 300, MCL 38.1381d, not to exceed 4%, and, beginning February 1, 2018, not to exceed 1%, of the qualified participant's compensation.

(c) An amount equal to the increase in employer normal cost contributions under section 41b(2) of the public school employees retirement act of 1979, 1980 PA 300, MCL 38.1341b, for a member that was hired after February 1, 2018 and chose to participate in Tier 1, compared to the employer normal cost contribution for a member under section 41b(1) of the public school employees retirement act of 1979, 1980 PA 300, MCL 38.1341b.

(3) As used in this section:

(a) "Member" means that term as defined under the public school employees retirement act of 1979, 1980 PA 300, MCL 38.1301 to 38.1437.

(b) "Participating entity" means a district, intermediate district, or community college that is a reporting unit of the Michigan public school employees' retirement system under the public school employees retirement act of 1979, 1980 PA 300, MCL 38.1301 to 38.1437, and that reports employees to the Michigan public school employees' retirement system for the applicable fiscal year.

(c) "Qualified participant" means that term as defined under section 124 of the public school employees retirement act of 1979, 1980 PA 300, MCL 38.1424.

Sec. 152a. (1) As required by the court in the consolidated cases known as Adair v State of Michigan, 486 Mich 468 (2010), from the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2025-2026 2026-2027 an amount not to exceed $41,000,500.00 to be used solely for the purpose of paying necessary costs related to the state-mandated collection, maintenance, and reporting of data to this state. From this allocation, $3,000,000.00 is allocated for costs associated with collecting data necessary to provide reporting to tribal governments on the status of students affiliated with their particular tribe and data necessary to determine student participation in federal programs funded under 20 USC 7401 to 7546 and participation in federal programs funded under the Johnson-O'Malley Supplemental supplemental Indian Education Program Modernization Act, education program modernization act, Public Law 115-404.

(2) From the allocation in subsection (1), the department shall make payments to districts and intermediate districts in an equal amount per pupil based on the total number of pupils in membership in each district and intermediate district. The department shall not make any adjustment to these payments after the final installment payment under section 17b is made.

Sec. 152b. (1) From the general fund money appropriated under section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $1,000,000.00 for 2025-2026 2026-2027 to reimburse actual costs incurred by nonpublic schools in complying with a health, safety, or welfare requirement mandated by a law or administrative rule of this state.

(2) By January 1 of each applicable fiscal year, the department shall publish a form for reporting actual costs incurred by a nonpublic school in complying with a health, safety, or welfare requirement mandated under state law containing each health, safety, or welfare requirement mandated by a law or administrative rule of this state applicable to a nonpublic school and with a reference to each relevant provision of law or administrative rule for the requirement. The form must be posted on the department's website in electronic form.

(3) By June 30 of each applicable fiscal year, a nonpublic school seeking reimbursement for actual costs incurred in complying with a health, safety, or welfare requirement under a law or administrative rule of this state during each applicable school year must submit a completed form described in subsection (2) to the department. This section does not require a nonpublic school to submit a form described in subsection (2). A nonpublic school is not eligible for reimbursement under this section if the nonpublic school does not submit the form described in subsection (2) in a timely manner.

(4) By August 15 of each applicable fiscal year, the department shall distribute funds to each nonpublic school that submits a completed form described under subsection (2) in a timely manner. The superintendent shall determine the amount of funds to be paid to each nonpublic school in an amount that does not exceed the nonpublic school's actual costs in complying with a health, safety, or welfare requirement under a law or administrative rule of this state. The superintendent shall calculate a nonpublic school's actual cost in accordance with this section.

(5) If the funds allocated under this section are insufficient to fully fund payments as otherwise calculated under this section, the department shall distribute funds under this section on a prorated or other equitable basis as determined by the superintendent.

(6) The department may review the records of a nonpublic school submitting a form described in subsection (2) only for the limited purpose of verifying the nonpublic school's compliance with this section. If a nonpublic school does not allow the department to review records under this subsection, the nonpublic school is not eligible for reimbursement under this section.

(7) The funds appropriated under this section are for purposes that are incidental to teaching and the provision of educational services to nonpublic school students; that are noninstructional in nature; that do not constitute a primary function or element necessary for a nonpublic school's existence, operation, and survival; that do not involve or result in excessive religious entanglement; and that are intended for the public purpose of ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of the children in nonpublic schools and to reimburse nonpublic schools for costs described in this section.

(8) Funds allocated under this section are not intended to aid or maintain any nonpublic school, support the attendance of any student at a nonpublic school, employ any person at a nonpublic school, support the attendance of any student at any location where instruction is offered to a nonpublic school student, or support the employment of any person at any location where instruction is offered to a nonpublic school student.

(9) For purposes of this section, "actual cost" means the hourly wage for the employee or employees performing a task or tasks required to comply with a health, safety, or welfare requirement under a law or administrative rule of this state identified by the department under subsection (2) and is to be calculated in accordance with the form published by the department under subsection (2), which must include a detailed itemization of costs. The nonpublic school shall not charge more than the hourly wage of its lowest-paid employee capable of performing a specific task regardless of whether that individual is available and regardless of who actually performs a specific task. Labor costs under this subsection must be estimated and charged in increments of 15 minutes or more, with all partial time increments rounded down. When calculating costs under subsection (4), fee components must be itemized in a manner that expresses both the hourly wage and the number of hours charged. The nonpublic school may not charge any applicable labor charge amount to cover or partially cover the cost of health or fringe benefits. A nonpublic school shall not charge any overtime wages in the calculation of labor costs.

(10) Training fees, inspection fees, and criminal background check fees are considered actual costs in complying with a health, safety, or welfare requirement under a law or administrative rule of this state.

(11) The funds allocated under this section for 2025-2026 2026-2027 are a work project appropriation, and any unexpended funds for 2025-2026 2026-2027 are carried forward into 2026-2027. 2027-2028. The purpose of the work project is to continue to reimburse nonpublic schools for actual costs incurred in complying with a health, safety, or welfare requirement mandated by a law or administrative rule of this state. The estimated completion date of the work project is September 30, 2027.2028.

(12) The department shall reimburse nonpublic schools for actual costs incurred in complying with health, safety, or welfare requirements under a law or administrative rule of this state from 2017-2018 through 2022-2023 using work project funds or, if those funds are insufficient to fund reimbursements under this subsection, from the allocation under subsection (1).

Sec. 152c. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2026-2027 only an amount not to exceed $5,000,000.00 to Marquette-Alger Regional Educational Agency to develop statewide supports for the federal tribal consultation requirements under the every student succeeds act, Public Law 114-95.

(2) Marquette-Alger Regional Educational Agency shall use the funds to support a collaboration that includes, but is not limited to:

(a) Elected tribal leadership from federally recognized tribes in Michigan.

(b) The Confederation of Michigan Tribal Education Departments.

(d) Directors of programs impacted by the federal tribal consultation requirements.

(e) The department's indigenous education initiative.

(3) The collaboration described in subsection (2) shall do both of the following:

(a) Create, disseminate, and evaluate professional learning to support the implementation of the federal tribal consultation requirements.

(b) By not later than January 1, 2028, and January 1 of each subsequent fiscal year, prepare a summary report that includes measurable outcomes to evaluate the progress made in the development of effective government-to-government relations. The report described in this subdivision must be submitted to the house and senate appropriations subcommittees on school aid, the house and senate fiscal agencies, and the state budget director.

(4) All of the following apply to professional learning described in subsection (3)(a):

(a) The professional learning must include at least the following:

(i) Identification of native students, including:

(A) Federal identification guidelines from the federal office of management and budget under statistical policy directive number 15 for American Indian and Alaska Native students.

(B) Tribal affiliation data collection guidelines under MCL 388.1694a.

(C) Program participation data collection guidelines under MCL 388.1694a for federal programs funded under 20 USC 7401 to 7546 and the Johnson-O'Malley supplemental Indian education program modernization act, Public Law 115-404.

(ii) Guidelines and rules related to data sharing from school districts to federally recognized tribes as governed by the federal education rights and privacy act, 20 USC 1232, 34 CFR Part 99; the federal protection of pupil rights amendment, 20 USC 1232g, 34 CFR Part 98; and section 1136 of the revised school code, MCL 380.1136.

(iii) The federal tribal consultation requirements under the every student succeeds act, Public Law 114-95.

(iv) Key elements of effective tribal consultation.

(b) The initial professional learning must be made available to all administrators, staff, and board members in each local educational agency, public school academy, and intermediate school district by September 30, 2027, with additional resources released at least annually during the course of the work project.

(5) The funds allocated under this section for 2026-2027 are a work project appropriation, and any unexpended funds for 2026-2027 are carried forward into 2027-2028. The purpose of the work project is to create, disseminate, and evaluate statewide supports for local education agencies, public school academies, and intermediate school districts in meeting federal requirements for tribal consultation. The estimated completion date of the work project is September 30, 2031.

(6) Notwithstanding section 17b, the department shall make payments under this section on a schedule determined by the department.

Sec. 163. (1) Except as otherwise provided in the revised school code, the board of a district or intermediate district shall not permit any of the following:

(a) An individual who is not appropriately placed under a valid certificate, valid substitute permit, authorization, or approval issued under rules promulgated by the department to teach in an elementary or secondary school.

(b) An individual who does not satisfy the requirements of section 1233 of the revised school code, MCL 380.1233, and rules promulgated by the department to provide school counselor services to pupils in an elementary or secondary school.

(b) (c) An individual who does not satisfy the requirements of section 1246 of the revised school code, MCL 380.1246, and rules promulgated by the department to be employed as a superintendent, principal, or assistant principal, or as an individual whose primary responsibility is to administer instructional programs in an elementary or secondary school or in a district or intermediate district, unless the individual is working under a valid substitute permit issued under rules promulgated by the department.

(2) Except as otherwise provided under subsection (4) or (5), a district or intermediate district employing an individual in violation of this section must have deducted an amount equal to 50% of the amount paid to the individual for the period of employment that is in violation of this section. Except as otherwise provided under subsection (4) or (5), if a district or intermediate district is notified by the department that it is employing an individual in violation of this section and it continues to employ the individual in violation of this section 10 business days after receiving the notification, both of the following apply:if a district or intermediate district employs an individual in violation of this section, all of the following apply:

(a) The district or intermediate district must have deducted an amount equal to 50% of the amount paid to the individual for the period of employment that is in violation of this section that occurs before the expiration of the 10-day period described in this subsection.

(b) The district or intermediate district must have deducted an amount equal to 100% of the amount paid to the individual for the period of employment that is in violation of this section that occurs after the 10-day period described in this subsection.

(a) The district or intermediate district shall, not later 10 school days after receiving notice of the violation, rectify the noncompliance.

(b) For the first violation within a 3-year period, the district or intermediate district must receive a letter from the superintendent of public instruction or superintendent of public instruction's designee regarding the violation and potential penalties as a result of further violations.

(c) For the second violation within a 3-year period, the district or intermediate district must receive a letter with the information described in subdivision (b) and must have deducted an amount equal to 25% of the amount paid to the individual for the period of employment that is in violation of this section.

(d) For the third violation within a 3-year period, the district or intermediate district must receive a letter with the information described in subdivision (b) and must have deducted an amount equal to 50% of the amount paid to the individual for the period of employment that is in violation of this section.

(3) For purposes of subsection (2), if both of the following apply:

(a) If a district or intermediate district on behalf of an individual or an individual successfully completes the credential application process through the department, including the submission of an appropriate application, required fees, and all required supporting documentation, the individual's employment with the district or intermediate district after this completion is not considered a period of employment that is in violation of this section.

(b) If a district or intermediate district has no violations under this section for a period of 3 years after a violation under subsection (1), the district or intermediate district is subject only to the penalties described in subsection (2)(a) upon the next violation.

(4) A deduction under subsection (2) for employment in violation of this section may be less than the amount required under that subsection if the superintendent of public instruction finds that the district or intermediate district was hindered in its ability to obtain a substitute credential to enable the district or intermediate district to employ the individual in compliance with this section due to unusual and extenuating circumstances resulting from conditions not within the control of school authorities, including, but not limited to, a natural disaster, death or serious illness of the individual or another employee, an emergency school closure, fraud or other intentional wrongdoing of the individual or another employee, or an emergency health condition as defined by city, county, or state health authorities.

(5) There must be no deduction under subsection (2) for employment of an individual if there is a membership adjustment under section 15 based on the same employment.This section provides the sole and exclusive penalty for a violation of subsection (1). A district or intermediate district must not also be subject to a membership adjustment under section 15 for a violation of subsection (1).

(6) If a school official is notified by the department that the school official is employing an individual in violation of this section and knowingly continues to employ that individual for a period longer than 10 school days, the school official is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $1,500.00 for each incident. This penalty is in addition to all other financial penalties otherwise specified in this article.

Sec. 164l. (1) Not later than 30 days after the enactment of the any amendatory act that added to this section, article, the legislature house and senate shall provide to the responsible entity and the state budget director a list of legislatively directed spending items, which may be referred to in this section as grants or direct appropriation grants, funded under the amendatory act that added this section consistent with house or senate rules and this section. as defined in sections 364 and 364a of the management and budget act, MCL 18.1364 and 18.1364a, that are funded by the amendatory act. The list must include all information and documents pertaining to the funded items as publicly disclosed in accordance with house or senate rules and this section.under sections 364 and 364a of the management and budget act, MCL 18.1364 and 18.1364a.

(2) Notwithstanding any other conditions or requirements for direct appropriation grants, the responsible entity shall perform, at a minimum, at least all of the following activities to administer the grants described in subsection (1):

(a) Establish a process to review, complete, and execute a grant agreement with a grant recipient. The responsible entity shall not execute a grant agreement unless all necessary documentation has been submitted and reviewed.

(b) Verify to the extent possible that a grant recipient is a not-for-profit entity and will use funds as publicly disclosed and for a public purpose that serves the economic prosperity, health, safety, or general welfare of the residents of this state.

(c) Review and verify all necessary information to ensure the grant recipient is reasonably able to execute the grant agreement, perform its fiduciary duty, and comply with all applicable state and federal statutes. The responsible entity may deduct the cost of background checks and any other efforts performed as part of this verification from the amount of the designated grant award.

(d) Disburse the grant money per the grant disbursement schedule in the executed grant agreement on a reimbursement basis after the grantee has provided sufficient documentation, as determined by the responsible entity, to verify that expenditures were made in accordance with the project purpose.

(e) If the state budget director determines that information provided by the grantee does not meet the disclosure requirements, that the grant will be used to pay a tax lien, delinquent tax, or other obligation owed to this state, or that the grant will create a conflict of interest, the responsible entity shall not release the grant money to the grantee. Money that is not released under this subdivision lapses at the end of the fiscal year. There is not a conflict of interest if the sponsoring legislator certifies that the sponsoring legislator's immediate family members, legislative staff members that have worked for the sponsoring legislator within the past 2 years, and the sponsoring legislator do not have a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in the legislatively directed spending item.

(3) An executed grant agreement under this section between the responsible entity and a grant recipient must include at least all of the following:

(a) All necessary identifying information for the grant recipient, including any tax and financial information necessary for the responsible entity to administer grant money under this section.

(b) A description of the project for which the grant money will be expended, including tentative timelines and the estimated budget. Project budget must include how all grant money will be used and must indicate if any grant money will be provided to a third party or subrecipient. The responsible entity shall not reimburse expenditures that are outside of the project purpose, as stated in the executed grant agreement, from appropriations under the amendatory act that added this section. The grantee shall return to the state treasury any interest in excess of $1,000.00 earned on the grant money while unexpended and in possession of the grantee.

(c) Unless otherwise specified in the responsible entity's policy, a requirement that funds appropriated for the grants described in subsection (1) may be used only for expenditures that occur on or after the effective date of the amendatory act that added this section.

(d) A requirement for reporting by the grant recipient to the responsible entity and the legislative sponsor that provides the status of the project and an accounting of all money expended by the grant recipient, as determined by the responsible entity.

(e) A clawback provision that allows the department of treasury to recoup or otherwise collect any grant money that is declined, unspent, or otherwise misused.

(f) The documents publicly disclosed under subsection (1).

(4) If appropriate to improve the administration or oversight of a grant described in subsection (1), the responsible entity may adopt a memorandum of understanding with another state department to perform the required duties under this section.

(5) A grant recipient shall respond to all reasonable information requests from the responsible entity related to grant expenditures and retain grant records for not less than 7 years, and the grant may be subject to monitoring, site visits, and audit as determined by the responsible entity. The grant agreement required under this section must include signed assurance by the chief executive officer or other executive officer of the grant recipient authorized to bind the grant recipient that the requirements of this subsection will be met.

(6) The grant recipient shall expend all grant money awarded and complete all projects not later than September 30, 2030. If, at that time, any unexpended money remains, the grant recipient shall return that money to the state treasury. If a grant recipient does not provide information sufficient to execute a grant agreement not later than June 1, 2026, the responsible entity shall return money associated with the grant to the state treasury.

(7) Any grant money that is awarded to a responsible entity is appropriated in that responsible entity for the purpose of the intended grant.

(8) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (9), beginning March 15 of the current fiscal year, the responsible entity shall post a report in a publicly accessible location on its website. The report must list the grant recipient, project purpose, and location of the project for each grant described in subsection (1), the status of money allocated and disbursed under the grant agreement, and the legislative sponsor, if applicable. The responsible entity shall update the report and post the updated report in a publicly accessible location on its website not later than June 15 of the current fiscal year and again not later than September 15 of the current fiscal year. The responsible entity shall include in the report the most comprehensive information the responsible entity has available at the time of posting for grants awarded.

(9) If the state budget office determines that it is more efficient for the state budget office to compile all affected responsible entities' information and post a report of the compiled information rather than the report required under subsection (8) being posted by individual responsible entities, the state budget office may compile that information across all affected responsible entities and other state departments and post the compiled report and any updates on the same time schedule as identified in subsection (8).

(10) If the responsible entity reasonably determines that the money allocated for an executed grant agreement under this section was misused or that use of the money was misrepresented by the grant recipient, the responsible entity shall not award any additional funds under the executed grant agreement and shall refer the grant for review following internal audit protocols, which may include referral for criminal investigation.

(11) As used in this section, "responsible entity" means the department, the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, a district, an intermediate district, or other person that administers a grant under this article.

(2) In accordance with section 364 of the management and budget act, 1984 PA 431, MCL 18.1364, the department or agency administering the grant shall post a report in a publicly accessible location on its website beginning March 15 of the current fiscal year. The department or agency shall update the report and shall post an updated report not later than June 15 of the current fiscal year and again not later than September 15 of the current fiscal year. The department shall include in the report the most comprehensive information the department has available at the time of posting for grants awarded.

Sec. 201. (1) Subject to the conditions set forth in this article, the amounts listed in this section are appropriated for community colleges for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, 2027, from the funds indicated in this section. The following is a summary of the appropriations in this section and section 201f:

(a) The gross appropriation is $493,032,100.00. $490,763,500.00. After deducting total interdepartmental grants and intradepartmental transfers in the amount of $0.00, the adjusted gross appropriation is $493,032,100.00.$490,763,500.00.

(b) The sources of the adjusted gross appropriation described in subdivision (a) are as follows:

(i) Total federal revenues, $0.00.

(ii) Total local revenues, $0.00.

(iii) Total private revenues, $0.00.

(iv) Total other state restricted revenues, $493,032,100.00.$490,763,500.00.

(v) State general fund/general purpose money, $0.00.

(2) Subject to subsection (3), the amount appropriated for community college operations is $363,570,600.00, $363,594,500.00, allocated as follows:

(a) The appropriation for Alpena Community College is $6,416,800.00, $6,403,300.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $13,500.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.$6,431,400.00, $6,403,300.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $28,100.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.

(b) The appropriation for Bay de Noc Community College is $6,390,000.00, $6,298,000.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $92,000.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.$6,410,300.00, $6,298,000.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $112,300.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.

(c) The appropriation for Delta College is $16,934,200.00, $16,882,400.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $51,800.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.$16,928,400.00, $16,882,400.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $46,000.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.

(d) The appropriation for Glen Oaks Community College is $2,987,000.00, $2,984,100.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $2,900.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.$2,984,500.00, $2,984,100.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $400.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.

(e) The appropriation for Gogebic Community College is $5,439,100.00, $5,399,000.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $40,100.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.$5,417,900.00, $5,399,000.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $18,900.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.

(f) The appropriation for Grand Rapids Community College is $21,337,300.00, $21,184,200.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $153,100.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.$21,387,200.00, $21,184,200.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $203,000.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.

(g) The appropriation for Henry Ford College is $25,305,200.00, $25,300,700.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $4,500.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.$25,308,100.00, $25,300,700.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $7,400.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.

(h) The appropriation for Jackson College is $14,059,700.00, $14,032,600.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $27,100.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.$14,054,800.00, $14,032,600.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $22,200.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.

(i) The appropriation for Kalamazoo Valley Community College is $14,751,300.00, $14,704,400.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $46,900.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.$14,744,600.00, $14,704,400.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $40,200.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.

(j) The appropriation for Kellogg Community College is $11,453,400.00, $11,426,700.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $26,700.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.$11,470,000.00, $11,426,700.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $43,300.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.

(k) The appropriation for Kirtland Community College is $3,881,400.00, $3,835,100.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $46,300.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.$3,881,400.00, $3,835,100.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $46,300.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.

(l) The appropriation for Lake Michigan College is $6,427,600.00, $6,408,200.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $19,400.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.$6,417,300.00, $6,408,200.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $9,100.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.

(m) The appropriation for Lansing Community College is $36,216,500.00, $36,134,400.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $82,100.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.$36,206,200.00, $36,134,400.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $71,800.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.

(n) The appropriation for Macomb Community College is $38,251,500.00, $38,160,600.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $90,900.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.$38,187,600.00, $38,160,600.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $27,000.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.

(o) The appropriation for Mid Michigan Community College is $5,919,500.00, $5,837,000.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $82,500.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.$5,921,400.00, $5,837,000.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $84,400.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.

(p) The appropriation for Monroe County Community College is $5,368,900.00, $5,368,500.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $400.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.$5,371,200.00, $5,368,500.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $2,700.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.

(q) The appropriation for Montcalm Community College is $4,035,000.00, $4,033,300.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $1,700.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.$4,042,800.00, $4,033,300.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $9,500.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.

(r) The appropriation for C.S. Mott Community College is $18,028,100.00, $18,017,800.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $10,300.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.$18,032,100.00, $18,017,800.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $14,300.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.

(s) The appropriation for Muskegon Community College is $10,403,400.00, $10,359,900.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $43,500.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.$10,412,100.00, $10,359,900.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $52,200.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.

(t) The appropriation for North Central Michigan College is $4,110,100.00, $3,947,700.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $162,400.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.$4,110,600.00, $3,947,700.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $162,900.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.

(u) The appropriation for Northwestern Michigan College is $10,874,500.00, $10,619,800.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $254,700.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.$10,885,800.00, $10,619,800.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $266,000.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.

(v) The appropriation for Oakland Community College is $25,168,400.00, $25,130,000.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $38,400.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.$25,166,900.00, $25,130,000.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $36,900.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.

(w) The appropriation for Schoolcraft College is $14,997,300.00, $14,972,000.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $25,300.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.$14,989,100.00, $14,972,000.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $17,100.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.

(x) The appropriation for Southwestern Michigan College is $7,805,700.00, $7,786,600.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $19,100.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.$7,803,100.00, $7,786,600.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $16,500.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.

(y) The appropriation for St. Clair County Community College is $8,355,300.00, $8,342,000.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $13,300.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.$8,351,300.00, $8,342,000.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $9,300.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.

(z) The appropriation for Washtenaw Community College is $16,276,300.00, $16,257,300.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $19,000.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.$16,289,700.00, $16,257,300.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $32,400.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.

(aa) The appropriation for Wayne County Community College is $19,462,800.00, $19,460,300.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $2,500.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.$19,464,000.00, $19,460,300.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $3,700.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.

(bb) The appropriation for West Shore Community College is $2,914,300.00, $2,896,700.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $17,600.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.$2,924,700.00, $2,896,700.00 for operations, $0.00 for performance funding, and $28,000.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.

(3) The amount appropriated in subsection (2) for community college operations is $363,570,600.00 $363,594,500.00 and is appropriated from the state school aid fund.

(4) From the appropriations described in subsection (1), both of the following apply:

(a) Subject to section 207a, the amount appropriated for fiscal year 2025-2026 2026-2027 to offset certain fiscal year 2025-2026 2026-2027 retirement contributions is $7,189,000.00, appropriated from the state school aid fund.

(b) For fiscal year 2025-2026, 2026-2027, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $19,600,000.00 $18,350,000.00 for payments to participating community colleges, appropriated from the state school aid fund. A community college that receives money under this subdivision shall use that money solely for the purpose of offsetting the normal cost contribution rate.

(5) From the appropriations described in subsection (1), subject to section 207b, the amount appropriated for payments to community colleges that are participating entities of the retirement system is $89,500,000.00, $84,800,000.00, appropriated from the state school aid fund.

(6) From the appropriations described in subsection (1), subject to section 207c, the amount appropriated for renaissance zone tax reimbursements is $2,200,000.00, appropriated from the state school aid fund. Each community college receiving funds in this subsection shall accrue these payments to its institutional fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.2027.

Sec. 201f. For fiscal year 2025-2026 2026-2027 only, from the appropriations described in section 201(1), $10,972,500.00 $14,630,000.00 is appropriated from the state school aid fund for a 1-time performance funding payment. Funds appropriated under this section, subject to conditions described in sections 217b and 230, must be distributed as follows:

(a) Alpena Community College, $271,100.00.$233,300.00.

(b) Bay de Noc Community College, $178,200.00.$234,700.00.

(d) Glen Oaks Community College, $91,200.00.$132,700.00.

(e) Gogebic Community College, $139,500.00.$212,000.00.

(f) Grand Rapids Community College, $685,500.00.$902,800.00.

(g) Henry Ford College, $750,900.00.$990,300.00.

(h) Jackson College, $364,800.00.$513,000.00.

(i) Kalamazoo Valley Community College, $433,700.00.$615,100.00.

(j) Kellogg Community College, $324,400.00.$433,800.00.

(k) Kirtland Community College, $146,500.00.$212,400.00.

(l) Lake Michigan College, $192,200.00.$284,000.00.

(m) Lansing Community College, $924,700.00.$1,189,000.00.

(n) Macomb Community College, $1,090,600.00.$1,450,400.00.

(o) Mid Michigan Community College, $193,900.00.$254,500.00.

(p) Monroe County Community College, $206,600.00.$230,100.00.

(q) Montcalm Community College, $122,300.00.$162,700.00.

(r) C.S. Mott Community College, $491,700.00.$658,400.00.

(s) Muskegon Community College, $298,600.00.$394,200.00.

(t) North Central Michigan College, $144,300.00.$217,800.00.

(u) Northwestern Michigan College, $289,400.00.$387,800.00.

(v) Oakland Community College, $816,500.00.$1,146,800.00.

(w) Schoolcraft College, $503,200.00.$684,300.00.

(x) Southwestern Michigan College, $210,400.00.$276,800.00.

(y) St. Clair County Community College, $258,200.00.$360,200.00.

(z) Washtenaw Community College, $664,900.00.$881,100.00.

(aa) Wayne County Community College, $600,900.00.$792,600.00.

(bb) West Shore Community College, $85,000.00.$134,800.00.

Sec. 201i. (1) Not later than Within 30 days after of the enactment of the an amendatory act that added this section, to this article, the legislature house and senate shall provide to the responsible entity and the state budget director office a jointly agreed upon list of legislatively directed spending items, which may be referred to in this section as grants or direct appropriation grants, funded under the amendatory act that added this section consistent with house or senate rules and this section. funded by the amendatory act. The list must include all information and documents pertaining to the funded items as publicly disclosed in accordance with house or senate rules and this section.sections 364 and 364a of the management and budget act, 1984 PA 431, MCL 18.1364 and 18.1364a. As used in this subsection, "legislatively directed spending item" means that term as defined in section 364 of the management and budget act, 1984 PA 431, MCL 18.1364.

(3) An executed grant agreement under this section between the responsible entity and a grant recipient must include at least all of the following:

(a) All necessary identifying information for the grant recipient, including any tax and financial information necessary for the responsible entity to administer grant money under this section.

(e) A clawback provision that allows the department of treasury to recoup or otherwise collect any grant money that is declined, unspent, or otherwise misused.

(f) The documents publicly disclosed under subsection (1).

(6) The grant recipient shall expend all grant money awarded and complete all projects not later than September 30, 2030. If at that time any unexpended money remains, the grant recipient shall return that money to the state treasury. If a grant recipient does not provide information sufficient to execute a grant agreement not later than June 1, 2026, the responsible entity shall return money associated with the grant to the state treasury.

(7) Any grant money that is awarded to a responsible entity is appropriated in that responsible entity for the purpose of the intended grant.

(2) (8) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (9), beginning March 15 of the current fiscal year, the responsible entity In accordance with section 364(4) of the management and budget act, 1984 PA 431, MCL 18.1364, the department or agency administering the grant described in subsection (1) shall post a report in a publicly accessible location on its website beginning March 15 of the current fiscal year. The report must list the grant recipient, project purpose, and location of the project for each grant described in subsection (1), the status of money allocated and disbursed under the grant agreement, and the legislative sponsor, if applicable. The responsible entity The department or agency shall update the report and shall post the an updated report in a publicly accessible location on its website not later than June 15 of the current fiscal year and again not later than September 15 of the current fiscal year. The responsible entity department or agency shall include in the report the most comprehensive information the responsible entity department or agency has available at the time of posting for grants awarded.

(11) As used in this section, "responsible entity" means the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, a community college, or other person that administers a grant under this article.

Sec. 206. (1) Except for the funds appropriated in section 201(4)(b), the funds appropriated in section sections 201 and 201f are appropriated for community colleges with fiscal years ending June 30, 2026 2027 and must be paid out of the state treasury and distributed by the state treasurer to the respective community colleges in 11 monthly installments on the sixteenth of each month, or the next succeeding business day, beginning with October 16, 2025. 2026. Each community college shall accrue its July and August 2026 2027 payments to its institutional fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.2027.

(2) The funds appropriated in section 201(4)(b) are appropriated for community colleges with fiscal years ending June 30, 2026 2027 and must be distributed to the respective community colleges in quarterly installments on the sixteenth of each November, February, May, and August. Each community college shall accrue its August 2026 2027 payments to its institutional fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.2027.

Sec. 207c. All of the following apply to the allocation of the appropriations described in section 201(6) to community colleges described in section 12(3) of the Michigan renaissance zone act, 1996 PA 376, MCL 125.2692:

(a) The amount allocated to each community college under section 201(6) for fiscal year 2025-2026 2026-2027 must be based on that community college's proportion of total revenue lost by community colleges as a result of the exemption of property taxes levied in 2025 2026 under the Michigan renaissance zone act, 1996 PA 376, MCL 125.2681 to 125.2696.

(b) The appropriations described in section 201(6) must be made to each eligible community college within 60 days after the department of treasury certifies to the state budget director that it has received all necessary information to properly determine the amounts payable to each eligible community college under section 12 of the Michigan renaissance zone act, 1996 PA 376, MCL 125.2692.

Sec. 212. Community college districts are encouraged to evaluate and pursue efficiency and cost-containment measures that maximize state funding. Community colleges shall identify practices that increase efficiencies, including, but not limited to, establishing joint ventures, consolidating services, utilizing program collaborations, maximizing educational benefits through optimal class sizes and frequency of course offerings, increasing web-based instruction, eliminating low-enrollment and high-cost instructional programs, using self-insurance, practicing energy conservation, and utilizing group purchasing. Community colleges shall also review proposed capital outlay projects to increase coordination and utilization of new facilities, renovation projects, and technology improvements.

Sec. 216e. (1) Payments under section 201 201f for 1-time performance funding must be made only to a community college that certifies to the state budget director by the last business day of August each year that it complies with the following:

(a) The institutional best practice described in subdivision (c).

(b) One or more of the institutional best practices described in subdivisions (d) to (g).

(a) (c) The community college accepts the Michigan Transfer Agreement, partners with the Michigan Transfer Network, and promotes clear transfer pathways for interested students by doing all of the following:

(i) Has a policy to help transfer or accept associate degrees from other accredited Michigan postsecondary education institutions.

(ii) Publishes the policy described in subparagraph (i) on the institution's website in an easily accessible way and in admissions materials.

(iii) Provides publicly available information on the Michigan Transfer Network, applicable transfer pathways, and financial aid available to transfer students, at no cost to the student.

(iv) Begins negotiations to increase the number of reverse transfer agreements or articulation agreements and reports on the progress toward completing the agreements to the state budget director by the last business day in February.

(b) (d) The community college requires all students to receive an academic degree or certificate map that outlines required course sequencing, program and institution requirements, declared minor program academic requirements, and a recommended timeline within which courses should be taken and in which specific semester or term in order to satisfy all program requirements to allow the student to graduate on time.

(c) (e) The community college provides non-credit-bearing developmental or remedial courses at a reduced cost to students.

(d) (f) The community college provides each degree- or certificate-seeking student with a designated, trained academic advisor to support student retention, persistence, and completion. The community college shall require students to meet with their academic advisor at least once per semester or term.

(e) (g) The community college provides employees during business hours to assist prospective and current students in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

(f) The community college has adopted a corequisite model of academic support for gateway English and mathematics courses in which a student concurrently enrolls in a developmental education course and a gateway-level course in a subject area where the student requires remediation. The community college shall ensure that not more than 10% of students assessed as being in need of developmental or remedial learning participate in a non-corequisite developmental or remedial course.

(g) The community college has a policy and process for assessing prior learning and knowledge that aligns with a student's academic program and other required coursework. The policy must include the opportunity for a student to earn credit toward a degree or certificate, must be available to all students at no cost to the student, and must be easily accessible on the community college's website and in admissions materials.

(2) The state budget director of the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, or the director's designee, shall implement uniform reporting requirements to ensure that a community college receiving a payment under section 201 for performance funding has satisfied the institutional best practices requirements of this section. The state budget director of the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, or the director's designee, has the sole authority to determine if a community college has met the requirements of this section. Information reported by a community college to the state budget director of the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, or the director's designee, under this subsection must also be reported to the house and senate appropriations subcommittees on higher education and the house and senate fiscal agencies.

(3) If a community college fails to comply with the certification requirements of this section, the state treasurer may withhold the monthly installments under section 206 to the community college until the certification is completed. If a community college does not comply with the certification requirements described in this section by the end of the fiscal year, the community college forfeits the amount withheld. Forfeited funds must lapse to the state school aid fund. The state budget director of the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, or the director's designee, shall notify the chairs of the house and senate appropriations subcommittees on higher education at least 10 days before withholding funds from any community college.

(4) No later than the last business day of November of each year, each community college that receives a payment under section 201f shall provide a report to the director of the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, or the director's designee, that includes the following information for the prior academic year:

(a) College persistence for on-time completion, defined by 30 credits completed for every 12 consecutive months of enrollment for certificate or degree-seeking students.

(b) College completion, defined by certificate or degree conferral.

Sec. 217a. (1) Each community college that receives an appropriation in section sections 201 and 201f shall submit all of the following information in the form and manner specified by the center:

(a) The Michigan community colleges verified data inventory data for the preceding academic year to the center by the first business day of November of each year as specified in section 217.

(b) Tuition and mandatory fees information as specified in section 217b.

(d) The number and type of associate degrees, baccalaureate degrees, and other certificates awarded as specified in section 219.

(e) The annual independent audit as specified in section 222.

(f) The community college's certification of its compliance with the requirements described in subsections (4) to (7).

(2) If the state budget director determines that a community college failed to submit any of the information described in subsection (1) in the form and manner specified by the center, the state treasurer budget director may withhold the monthly state operations installments described in section sections 201 and 201f from that community college until those data are submitted. If a community college does not submit any of the information described in subsection (1) by the end of the fiscal year, the community college forfeits any withheld amount. The state budget director shall notify the chairs of the house and senate appropriations subcommittees on community colleges at least 10 days before withholding funds from any community college.

(3) It is intended that accountability reporting for community colleges will be streamlined through the center. The state budget director and the center shall work to combine the reporting requirements outlined in this subsection with the existing Michigan community colleges verified data inventory collection cycle. All of the following must be reported to the house and senate fiscal agencies and the state budget director:

(a) Each community college's certification of its compliance with the requirements described in subsections (4) and (5).

(b) The reporting and certification requirements of subsections (6) and (7) and section 217b.

(4) No later than the last first business day of November of each year, each community college that receives an appropriation in section 201 shall make all of the information described in subdivisions (a) to (g) available through a link on its website homepage, subject to subdivision (h), as follows:

(a) The annual operating budget and subsequent budget revisions.

(b) A link to the most recent "Michigan Community College Data Inventory Report".

(d) A listing of all debt service obligations, detailed by project, anticipated payment of each project, and total outstanding debt for the current fiscal year.

(e) Links to all of the following for the community college:

(i) The current collective bargaining agreement for each bargaining unit.

(iii) Audits and financial reports for the most recent fiscal year for which they are available.

(iv) A copy of the board of trustees resolution regarding compliance with best practices for the local strategic value component described in section 230(2).

(f) A map that includes the boundaries of the community college district.

(g) A prominent link to the financial aid website created under section 260.

(h) For statewide consistency and public visibility, community colleges shall use the icon badge provided by the department of technology, management, and budget consistent with the icon badge developed by the department of education for K-12 school districts. It must appear on the front of each community college's homepage. The size of the icon may be reduced to 150 x 150 pixels.

(i) A list of severance payments and the amounts of those severance payments made to former employees of the community college.

(5) No later than the last first business day of November of each year, each community college that receives an appropriation in section 201 shall develop, maintain, and update a "campus safety information and resources" link, prominently displayed on the homepage of its website, that links to a section of the community college's website containing, at a minimum, all of the following information:

(a) Emergency contact numbers for police, fire, health, and other services.

(b) Hours, locations, telephone numbers, and email contacts for campus public safety offices and title IX offices.

(c) A list of safety and security services provided by the community college, including transportation, escort services, building surveillance, anonymous tip lines, and other available security services.

(d) The community college's policies applicable to minors on community college property.

(e) A directory of resources available at the community college or in the surrounding community for students or employees who are survivors of sexual assault or sexual abuse.

(f) An electronic copy of "A Resource Handbook for Campus Sexual Assault Survivors, Friends and Family", published in 2018.

(g) Campus security policies and crime statistics pursuant to the student right-to-know and campus security act, Public Law 101-542, 104 Stat 2381. Information must include all material prepared pursuant to the public information reporting requirements under the crime awareness and campus security act of 1990, title II of the student right-to-know and campus security act, Public Law 101-542, 104 Stat 2381.

(6) No later than the last first business day of November of each year, each community college that receives an appropriation in section 201 shall report to the house and senate appropriations subcommittees on community colleges, the house and senate fiscal agencies, and the state budget director its annual title IX report, also known as the student sexual misconduct report, issued by the title IX coordinator, as required under the federal campus SaVE act of 2013, Public Law 113-4, section 304, 127 Stat 54, 89-92 (2013).

(7) No later than the last first business day of November of each year, each community college that receives an appropriation in section 201 shall certify that the community college complies with federal regulations under title IX, as required by the United States Department of Education, including, but not limited to, the following:

(a) Use of medical experts that do not have an actual or apparent conflict of interest.

(b) Issuance of title IX reports to complainants and respondents that are not divergent.

(c) Notification of resources to each individual who reports having experienced sexual assault by a member of the community college.

Sec. 217b. (1) Each community college that receives an appropriation in section 201 shall report to the center by the last business day of August of each year the tuition and mandatory fees paid by a full-time in-district student and a full-time out-of-district student as established by the community college governing board for the current academic year. This report should also include the annual cost of tuition and fees based on a full-time course load of 30 credits. This report must also specify the amount that tuition and fees have increased for the community college from the prior academic year. Each community college shall also report any revisions to the reported current academic year tuition and mandatory fees adopted by the community college governing board to the center within 15 days of being adopted. The center shall provide this information and any revisions to the house and senate fiscal agencies and the state budget director.

(2) Each community college that receives an appropriation in section 201 shall certify to the state budget director by the first last business day of November August of each year that its board will not adopt an increase in tuition and fee rates for in-district students for the academic year that is greater than the tuition restraint described in this subsection. For the academic year 2025-2026, 2026-2027, the tuition restraint level is equal to the greater of 4.5% 4.0% or $227.00. $199.00. For the academic year 2026-2027, 2027-2028, the tuition restraint level is equal to the greater of 4.0% 3.5% or $199.00. $179.00. It is intended that in the next fiscal year, the tuition restraint rate will be adjusted only for the subsequent academic year. As used in this subsection:

(a) "Fee" means any board-authorized fee that will be paid by more than 1/2 of all in-district students at least once during their enrollment at a community college. A community college increasing a fee that applies to a specific subset of students or courses shall provide sufficient information to prove that the increase applied to that subset will not cause the increase in the average amount of board-authorized total tuition and fees paid by in-district students in the academic year to exceed the limit established in this section.

(b) "Tuition and fee rate" means the average of full-time rates paid by a majority of students in each class, based on an unweighted average of the rates authorized by the community college board and actually charged to students, deducting any uniformly rebated or refunded amounts, for the 2 semesters with the highest levels of full-time equated in-district enrollment during the academic year.

(3) Community colleges that exceed the tuition and fee rate cap described in subsection (2) are not eligible to receive payments under section 201f for 1-time performance funding payments for fiscal year 2025-2026. 2026-2027. The state budget director shall implement uniform reporting requirements to ensure that a community college receiving a payment under section 201f for 1-time performance funding has satisfied the tuition restraint requirements of this section. The state budget director has the sole authority to determine if a community college has met the requirements of this section. Information reported by a community college to the state budget director under this subsection must also be reported to the house and senate appropriations subcommittees on community colleges and the house and senate fiscal agencies.

(4) Notwithstanding any other provision of this act, the legislature may at any time adjust appropriations for a community college that adopts an increase in tuition and fee rates for in-district students that exceeds the rate cap established in subsection (2).

Sec. 217d. (1) By December 31, 2026, each community college that receives an appropriation under section 201 must produce a report detailing any increases, decreases, or other substantive changes to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs made after January 1, 2026.

(2) If the report described in subsection (1) documents a change that could reduce access to a diversity, equity, or inclusion program for that university's students or employees, the community college shall also report other efforts, programs, or resources that the community college provides that would serve to mitigate any negative consequences associated with the documented program reduction.

Sec. 217e. Not later than December 1 of each year, each community college that receives an appropriation in section 201 shall provide a report to the house and senate appropriations subcommittees on higher education, the house and senate fiscal agencies, and the state budget director providing an itemized cost of attendance for full-time students attending that community college for the current and previous 2 academic years.

Sec. 217g. (1) Subject to subsection (2), the state treasurer shall reduce payments made under section 254 for any community college that is an authorizing body by an amount equal to the difference between the amount reported in section 217c(1)(m)(i) during the previous fiscal year and 1% times the total state school aid received by all public school academies authorized by the authorizing body during that fiscal year. The state treasurer may coordinate with the state budget office or any other state department or agency to administer this section.

(2) If the calculation in subsection (1) would result in a net payment under section 254 that is a negative number, the payment under section 254 must be $0.00.

(3) As used in this section:

(a) "Authorizing body" means that term as defined in section 501 of the revised school code, 1976 PA 451, MCL 380.501.

(b) "Total state school aid" means that term as used in section 502 of the revised school code, 1976 PA 451, MCL 380.502.

Sec. 223. (1) By January 15 of each year, the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall submit to the state budget director, the house and senate appropriations subcommittees on community colleges, and the house and senate fiscal agencies a report on North American Indian tuition waivers for the preceding academic year that includes, but is not limited to, all of the following information:

(a) The number of waiver applications received and the number of waiver applications approved.

(b) For each community college submitting information under subsection (2), all of the following:

(i) The number of North Native American Indian students enrolled each term for the previous academic year.

(ii) The number of North American Indian waivers granted each term, including continuing education students, and the monetary value of the waivers for granted each term of the previous academic year.

(iii) The number of North Native American Indian students who receive a granted waiver for the previous academic year.

(iv) The number of students attending under a North American Indian tuition waiver who withdrew from the college each term during the previous academic year. For purposes of this subparagraph, a withdrawal occurs when a student who has been awarded the waiver withdraws from the institution at any point during the term, regardless of enrollment in subsequent terms.

(v) The number of students attending under a North American Indian tuition waiver who successfully transfer to a 4-year public or private university, or complete a degree or certificate program, separated by degree or certificate level, and the graduation rate for students attending under a North American Indian tuition waiver who complete a degree or certificate within 150% of the normal time to complete, separated by the level of the degree or certificate.

(2) By January 1 of each year, a community college that receives an appropriation in section 201 or a tribal institution that receives funding for the North American Indian tuition waiver shall provide to the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential any information necessary for preparing the report described in subsection (1), using guidelines and procedures developed by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential.

(3) The department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential may consolidate the report required under this section with the report required under section 268, but a consolidated report must separately identify data for universities and data for community colleges.

Sec. 229a. Included in the fiscal year 2025-2026 2026-2027 appropriations for the department of technology, management, and budget are appropriations totaling $38,032,600.00 $40,398,900.00 to provide funding for the state share of costs for previously constructed capital projects for community colleges. Those appropriations for state building authority rent represent additional state general fund support for community colleges, and the following is an estimate of the amount of that support to each community college:

(a) Alpena Community College, $855,000.00.

(b) Bay de Noc Community College, $515,000.00.

(d) Glen Oaks Community College, $380,000.00.

(e) Gogebic Community College, $56,000.00.

(f) Grand Rapids Community College, $2,346,000.00.$2,430,000.00.

(g) Henry Ford College, $1,505,000.00.

(h) Jackson College, $2,044,000.00.

(i) Kalamazoo Valley Community College, $1,942,000.00.$3,404,500.00.

(j) Kellogg Community College, $679,000.00.

(k) Kirtland Community College, $225,000.00.

(l) Lake Michigan College, $966,000.00.

(m) Lansing Community College, $757,000.00.

(n) Macomb Community College, $4,682,200.00.

(o) Mid Michigan Community College, $1,615,000.00.

(p) Monroe County Community College, $1,540,000.00.$2,359,900.00.

(q) Montcalm Community College, $446,000.00.

(r) C.S. Mott Community College, $3,103,000.00.

(s) Muskegon Community College, $982,000.00.

(t) North Central Michigan College, $646,000.00.

(u) Northwestern Michigan College, $1,787,000.00.

(v) Oakland Community College, $0.00.

(w) Schoolcraft College, $2,232,000.00.

(x) Southwestern Michigan College, $822,500.00.

(y) St. Clair County Community College, $718,000.00.

(z) Washtenaw Community College, $1,676,000.00.

(aa) Wayne County Community College, $1,895,800.00.

(bb) West Shore Community College, $736,000.00.

Sec. 230. (1) Subject to subsection (4), money included in the appropriations for community college operations under section 201 for performance funding and allocated under section 201f for 1-time performance funding payments is distributed based on the following formula:

(a) Allocated proportionate to fiscal year 2024-2025 2025-2026 base appropriations, 30%.

(b) Based on a weighted student contact hour formula as provided for in the 2016 recommendations of the performance indicators task force, 30%.

(c) Based on the performance improvement as provided for in the 2016 recommendations of the performance indicators task force and based on data provided by the center, 10%.

(d) Based on the performance completion number as provided for in the 2016 recommendations of the performance indicators task force, 10%.

(e) Based on the performance completion rate as provided for in the 2016 recommendations of the performance indicators task force and based on data provided by the center, 10%.

(f) Based on administrative costs, 5%.

(g) Based on the local strategic value component, as developed in cooperation with the Michigan Community College Association and described in subsection (2), 5%.

(2) Money included in the appropriations for community college operations under section 201(2) for local strategic value is allocated only to each community college that certifies to the state budget director, through a board of trustees resolution on or before October 15, 2025, 2026, that the college has met 4 out of 5 best practices listed in each category described in subsection (3). The resolution must provide specifics as to how the community college meets each best practice measure within each category. One-third of funding available under the strategic value component is allocated to each category described in subsection (3). Amounts distributed under local strategic value must be on a proportionate basis to each college's fiscal year 2024-2025 2025-2026 operations funding. Payments to community colleges that qualify for local strategic value funding must be distributed with the November installment payment described in section 206.

(3) For purposes of subsection (2), the following categories of best practices reflect functional activities of community colleges that have strategic value to the local communities and regional economies:

(a) For Category A, economic development and business or industry partnerships, the following:

(i) The community college has active partnerships with local employers including hospitals and health care providers.

(ii) The community college provides customized on-site training for area companies, employees, or both.

(iii) The community college supports entrepreneurship through a small business assistance center or other training or consulting activities targeted toward small businesses.

(iv) The community college supports technological advancement through industry partnerships, incubation activities, or operation of a Michigan technical education center or other advanced technology center.

(v) The community college has active partnerships with local or regional workforce and economic development agencies.

(b) For Category B, educational partnerships, the following:

(i) The community college has active partnerships with regional high schools, intermediate school districts, and career-tech centers to provide instruction through dual enrollment, concurrent enrollment, direct credit, middle college, or academy programs.

(ii) The community college hosts, sponsors, or participates in enrichment programs for area K-12 students, such as college days, summer or after-school programming, or Science Olympiad.

(iii) The community college provides, supports, or participates in programming to promote successful transitions to college for traditional age students, including grant programs such as talent search, upward bound, or other activities to promote college readiness in area high schools and community centers.

(iv) The community college provides, supports, or participates in programming to promote successful transitions to college for new or reentering adult students, such as adult basic education, a high school equivalency test preparation program and testing, or recruiting, advising, or orientation activities specific to adults. As used in this subparagraph, "high school equivalency test preparation program" means that term as defined in section 4.

(v) The community college has active partnerships with regional 4-year colleges and universities to promote successful transfer, such as articulation, 2+2, or reverse transfer agreements or operation of a university center.

(i) The community college provides continuing education programming for leisure, wellness, personal enrichment, or professional development.

(ii) The community college operates or sponsors opportunities for community members to engage in activities that promote leisure, wellness, cultural or personal enrichment such as community sports teams, theater or musical ensembles, or artist guilds.

(iii) The community college operates public facilities to promote cultural, educational, or personal enrichment for community members, such as libraries, computer labs, performing arts centers, museums, art galleries, or television or radio stations.

(iv) The community college operates public facilities to promote leisure or wellness activities for community members, including gymnasiums, athletic fields, tennis courts, fitness centers, hiking or biking trails, or natural areas.

(v) The community college promotes, sponsors, or hosts community service activities for students, staff, or community members.

(4) Payments for performance funding under section 201 and for 1-time performance funding payments under section 201f must be made to a community college only if that community college actively participates in the Michigan Transfer Network sponsored by the Michigan Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers and submits timely updates, including updated course equivalencies at least every 6 months, to the Michigan Transfer Network. The state budget director shall determine if a community college has not satisfied this requirement. The state budget director may withhold payments for performance funding under section 201 and 1-time performance funding under section 201f until a community college is in compliance with this subsection.

Sec. 236. (1) Subject to the conditions set forth in this article, the amounts listed in this section are appropriated for higher education for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, 2027, from the funds indicated in this section. The following is a summary of the appropriations in this section and sections 236d , 236e, and 236j:

(a) The gross appropriation is $2,336,912,000.00. $2,590,132,800.00. After deducting total interdepartmental grants and intradepartmental transfers in the amount of $0.00, the adjusted gross appropriation is $2,336,912,000.00. $2,590,132,800.00.

(b) The sources of the adjusted gross appropriation described in subdivision (a) are as follows:

(i) Total federal revenues, $3,200,000.00.

(ii) Total local revenues, $0.00.

(iii) Total private revenues, $0.00.

(iv) Total other state restricted revenues, $850,768,300.00. $1,171,678,600.00.

(v) State general fund/general purpose money, $1,482,943,700.00.$1,415,254,200.00.

(c) The totals and subtotals reflected in subdivisions (a) and (b) do not include amounts appropriated under subsection (7)(d) or (8)(b) $300,000,000.00 of the appropriation under subsection (8)(b) to avoid duplicating totals of amounts appropriated in this section and section 236j.

(2) Amounts appropriated for public universities are as follows:

(a) The appropriation for Central Michigan University is $99,466,100.00, $95,226,900.00 $99,759,800.00, $97,785,700.00 for operations, $0.00 for operations increase, $2,558,800.00 for MPSERS support payment, and $1,680,400.00 $1,974,100.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.

(b) The appropriation for Eastern Michigan University is $86,649,200.00, $83,979,800.00 $86,660,200.00, $86,236,300.00 for operations, $0.00 for operations increase, $2,256,500.00 for MPSERS support payment, and $412,900.00 $423,900.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.

(c) The appropriation for Ferris State University is $62,221,900.00, $59,816,300.00 $62,195,100.00, $61,423,600.00 for operations, $0.00 for operations increase, $1,607,300.00 for MPSERS support payment, and $798,300.00 $771,500.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.

(d) The appropriation for Grand Valley State University is $98,772,000.00, $98,788,400.00, $97,552,900.00 for operations, $0.00 for operations increase, $0.00 for MPSERS support payment, and $1,219,100.00 $1,235,500.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.

(e) The appropriation for Lake Superior State University is $16,301,400.00, $14,465,600.00 $16,419,200.00, $14,854,300.00 for operations, $0.00 for operations increase, $388,700.00 for MPSERS support payment, and $1,447,100.00 $1,564,900.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.

(f) The appropriation for Michigan State University is $396,845,300.00, $396,750,000.00, $321,516,900.00 for operations, $0.00 for operations increase, $0.00 for MPSERS support payment, $2,508,800.00 $2,413,500.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver, $39,096,200.00 for MSU AgBioResearch, and $33,723,400.00 for MSU Extension.

(g) The appropriation for Michigan Technological University is $56,659,000.00, $54,463,700.00 $56,727,800.00, $55,927,100.00 for operations, $0.00 for operations increase, $1,463,400.00 for MPSERS support payment, and $731,900.00 $800,700.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.

(h) The appropriation for Northern Michigan University is $55,688,200.00, $52,850,300.00 $55,925,000.00, $54,270,400.00 for operations, $0.00 for operations increase, $1,420,100.00 for MPSERS support payment, and $1,417,800.00 $1,654,600.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.

(i) The appropriation for Oakland University is $73,361,600.00, $73,414,700.00, $73,036,400.00 for operations, $0.00 for operations increase, $0.00 for MPSERS support payment, and $325,200.00 $378,300.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.

(j) The appropriation for Saginaw Valley State University is $34,379,000.00, $34,436,800.00, $34,196,000.00 for operations, $0.00 for operations increase, $0.00 for MPSERS support payment, and $183,000.00 $240,800.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.

(k) The appropriation for University of Michigan � Ann Arbor is $362,507,900.00, $362,353,400.00, $360,607,300.00 for operations, $0.00 for operations increase, $0.00 for MPSERS support payment, and $1,900,600.00 $1,746,100.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.

(l) The appropriation for University of Michigan � Dearborn is $31,708,000.00, $31,762,500.00, $31,513,700.00 for operations, $0.00 for operations increase, $0.00 for MPSERS support payment, and $194,300.00 $248,800.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.

(m) The appropriation for University of Michigan � Flint is $26,884,600.00, $26,941,300.00, $26,403,700.00 for operations, $0.00 for operations increase, $0.00 for MPSERS support payment, and $480,900.00 $537,600.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.

(n) The appropriation for Wayne State University is $227,787,300.00, $227,908,900.00, $227,310,200.00 for operations, $0.00 for operations increase, $0.00 for MPSERS support payment, and $477,100.00 $598,700.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.

(o) The appropriation for Western Michigan University is $125,246,700.00, $121,231,800.00 $125,265,800.00, $124,489,300.00 for operations, $0.00 for operations increase, $3,257,500.00 for MPSERS support payment, and $757,400.00 $776,500.00 for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver.

(3) The amount appropriated in subsection (2) for public universities is $1,754,478,200.00, $1,755,308,900.00, appropriated from the following:

(a) State school aid fund, $643,168,300.00.

(b) State general fund/general purpose money, $1,111,309,900.00.$1,112,140,600.00.

(4) The amount appropriated for Michigan public school employees' retirement system reimbursement is $0.00.

(5) The amount appropriated for state and regional programs is $322,100.00, appropriated from general fund/general purpose money and allocated as follows:

(a) Higher education database modernization and conversion, $200,000.00.

(b) Midwestern Higher Education Compact, $122,100.00.

(6) The amount appropriated for the Martin Luther King, Jr. - Cesar Chavez Dolores Huerta � Morris Hood Jr. - Rosa Parks program is $2,691,500.00, appropriated from general fund/general purpose money and allocated as follows:

(a) Select student support services, $1,956,100.00.

(b) Michigan college/university partnership program, $586,800.00.

(7) Subject to subsection (8), the amount appropriated for grants and financial aid is $469,500,000.00, $760,300,000.00, allocated as follows:

(a) Tuition incentive program, $122,300,000.00. $156,100,000.00.

(b) Children of veterans and officer's survivor tuition grant programs, $2,000,000.00.

(d) Michigan achievement scholarships, $300,000,000.00. $532,000,000.00. From this amount, up to $10,000,000.00 may be used to award skills scholarships under section 248a.

(e) Michigan reconnect, $42,000,000.00.$67,000,000.00.

(8) The money appropriated in subsection (7) for grants and financial aid is appropriated from the following:

(a) Federal revenues under the United States Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, GEAR-UP program, $3,200,000.00.

(b) Postsecondary scholarship fund, $300,000,000.00. $532,000,000.00.

(d) (c) State general fund/general purpose money, $166,300,000.00.$200,100,000.00.

(e) (d) At the close of the fiscal year, state general fund/general purpose money appropriated in subsection (7) for grants and scholarships that is unspent must be deposited into the postsecondary scholarship fund created in section 236j.

(9) For fiscal year 2025-2026 2026-2027 only, in addition to the allocation under subsection (4), from the appropriations described in subsection (1), there is allocated an amount not to exceed $7,600,000.00 $1,750,000.00 for payments to participating public universities, appropriated from the state school aid fund. A public university that receives money under this subsection shall use that money solely for the purpose of offsetting the normal cost contribution rate. As used in this subsection, "participating public universities" means public universities that are a reporting unit of the Michigan public school employees' retirement system under the public school employees retirement act of 1979, 1980 PA 300, MCL 38.1301 to 38.1437, and that pay contributions to the Michigan public school employees' retirement system for the state fiscal year.

(10) It is the intent of the legislature that $43,500,000.00 of the general fund/general purpose money appropriated in subsections (7)(a) and (8)(d) for the tuition incentive program is for the fiscal year 2026-2027 only.

Sec. 236c. In addition to the funds appropriated for fiscal year 2025-2026 2026-2027 in section 236, appropriations to the department of technology, management, and budget in the act providing general appropriations for fiscal year 2025-2026 2026-2027 for state building authority rent, totaling an estimated $142,153,900.00, $153,218,900.00, provide funding for the state share of costs for previously constructed capital projects for state universities. These appropriations for state building authority rent represent additional state general fund support provided to public universities, and the following is an estimate of the amount of that support to each public university:

(a) Central Michigan University, $12,914,000.00.

(b) Eastern Michigan University, $6,022,000.00. $8,272,000.00.

(d) Grand Valley State University, $8,614,000.00. $10,864,000.00.

(e) Lake Superior State University, $2,229,000.00.

(f) Michigan State University, $16,598,000.00.

(g) Michigan Technological University, $5,521,000.00.

(h) Northern Michigan University, $9,735,900.00.

(i) Oakland University, $11,245,000.00.$13,310,000.00.

(j) Saginaw Valley State University, $7,820,000.00.

(k) University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, $14,068,000.00.

(l) University of Michigan - Dearborn, $10,725,000.00.

(m) University of Michigan - Flint, $6,057,000.00. $8,307,000.00.

(n) Wayne State University, $10,072,000.00.$12,322,000.00.

(o) Western Michigan University, $10,987,000.00.

Sec. 236d. (1) In addition to the funds appropriated under section 232(2) for university operations, for fiscal year 2025-2026 2026-2027 only, there is appropriated an amount not to exceed $50,114,100.00 $69,760,300.00 from the state general fund/general purpose money school aid fund for 1-time operations increase payments. These funds are intended to be used for the same purposes as the funds appropriated under section 236(2) for university operations.

(2) From the amount appropriated under subsection (1), subject to sections 241a, 241b, 241c, 241e, and 244, each university is allocated the following:

(a) Central Michigan University, $2,885,000.00.$3,920,600.00.

(b) Eastern Michigan University, $2,544,200.00.$3,457,500.00.

(d) Grand Valley State University, $2,955,400.00. $3,911,200.00.

(e) Lake Superior State University, $438,300.00.$595,600.00.

(f) Michigan State University, $9,740,500.00.$12,890,700.00.

(g) Michigan Technological University, $1,650,000.00.$2,242,300.00.

(h) Northern Michigan University, $1,601,100.00.$2,175,900.00.

(i) Oakland University, $2,212,700.00.$2,928,300.00.

(j) Saginaw Valley State University, $1,036,000.00.$1,371,000.00.

(k) University of Michigan � Ann Arbor, $10,924,800.00.$14,458,000.00.

(l) University of Michigan � Dearborn, $954,700.00.$1,263,500.00.

(m) University of Michigan � Flint, $799,900.00.$1,058,600.00.

(n) Wayne State University, $6,886,500.00.$9,113,600.00.

(o) Western Michigan University, $3,672,800.00.$4,991,200.00.

(3) In addition to the funds appropriated in section 236(2) for MSU AgBioResearch, for fiscal year 2025-2026 2026-2027 only, there is appropriated an amount not to exceed $1,184,400.00 $1,567,500.00 from the state general fund/general purpose money for MSU AgBioResearch.

(4) In addition to the funds appropriated in section 236(2) for MSU Extension, for fiscal year 2025-2026 2026-2027 only, there is appropriated an amount not to exceed $1,021,700.00 $1,352,100.00 from the state general fund/general purpose money for MSU Extension.

Sec. 236j. (1) The postsecondary scholarship fund is created in the department of treasury for the purpose of providing scholarship awards to eligible students who attend eligible postsecondary educational institutions in this state, as provided in subsection (5).

(2) The state treasurer may receive money or other assets from any source for deposit into the postsecondary scholarship fund. The state treasurer shall direct the investment of the postsecondary scholarship fund. The state treasurer shall credit to the postsecondary scholarship fund interest and earnings from postsecondary scholarship fund investments.

(3) Money in the postsecondary scholarship fund at the close of the fiscal year must remain in the postsecondary scholarship fund and not lapse to the general fund.

(4) The department of treasury is the administrator of the postsecondary scholarship fund for auditing purposes.

(5) Money must be expended from the postsecondary scholarship fund only for the purpose of providing Michigan achievement scholarship awards to eligible students who attend eligible postsecondary educational institutions in this state and for other purposes described in this section. From Subject to section 236k, from the funds appropriated in section 236(7) for the Michigan achievement scholarship, the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential may use up to $10,000,000.00 $5,000,000.00 annually for the purposes of outreach programs to raise awareness of the Michigan achievement scholarship and other state scholarship programs allocated in section 236(7). The department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall ensure that state scholarships are well publicized and that high school students are provided information on the availability of financial aid. The department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential may receive and expend funds received from outside sources for scholarships, marketing, or other purposes related to Michigan state scholarships. The department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall provide the necessary funding and staff to fully operate the programs.

(6) For the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, 2027, $300,000,000.00 $200,000,000.00 of ongoing funding is deposited into the postsecondary scholarship fund from the following:

(a) State state school aid fund. , $200,000,000.00.

(b) State general fund/general purpose money, $100,000,000.00.

(7) In addition to the deposit under subsection (6), for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027 only, $100,000,000.00 is deposited into the postsecondary scholarship fund from state general fund/general purpose money.

(8) (7) It is the intent of the legislature that the postsecondary scholarship fund serves as the primary funding source of the Michigan achievement scholarship. To ensure the Michigan achievement scholarship provides ongoing supports for students, it is the intent of the legislature to increase annual deposits into the postsecondary scholarship fund until the fully implemented costs of the Michigan achievement scholarship are deposited annually into the postsecondary scholarship fund.

(9) (8) In addition to the appropriations in section 236, if the amount of general fund money state funds allocated in section 236(7)(a), (b), (d), or (e) is not sufficient to fully fund 1 or more of those awards, there is appropriated from the postsecondary scholarship fund the amount necessary to fully fund those awards. The state budget director must determine if money is appropriated from the postsecondary scholarship fund under this subsection and shall provide written notification to the house and senate appropriations subcommittee on higher education and the house and senate fiscal agencies prior to any additional appropriation described in this subsection.

(9) In addition to the deposit to the postsecondary scholarship fund described in subsection (6), for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025 only, an amount not to exceed $80,000,000.00 from the unspent and unreserved state school aid fund balances appropriated under section 11, as recorded as part of the state book-closing process for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, is deposited into the postsecondary scholarship fund.

Sec. 236k. From the amount described under section 236j(5) for marketing of the Michigan achievement scholarship and other state scholarship programs, $1,000,000.00 must be allocated for the FAFSA completion ticket to tuition incentive. The department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall use funds described under this section to run a promotional activity to promote completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the first time consistent with the promotional-activity exception provided for in section 372(2) of the Michigan penal code, 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.372. The promotional activity must offer prize funds that are available to a number, chosen by the department, of randomly selected Michigan residents who satisfactorily demonstrate to the department that they have completed the FAFSA for the first time.

Sec. 236s. (1) Not later than Within 30 days after of the enactment of the an amendatory act that added this section, to this article, the legislature house and senate shall provide to the responsible entity and the state budget director office a jointly agreed upon list of legislatively directed spending items , which may be referred to in this section as grants or direct appropriation grants, funded under the amendatory act that added this section consistent with house or senate rules and this section. funded by the amendatory act. The list must include all information and documents pertaining to the funded items as publicly disclosed in accordance with house or senate rules and this section. section 364 and 364a of the management and budget act, 1984 PA 431, MCL 18.1364 and 18.1634a. As used in this subsection, "legislatively directed spending item" means that term as defined in section 364 of the management and budget act, 1984 PA 431, MCL 18.1364.

(3) An executed grant agreement under this section between the responsible entity and a grant recipient must include at least all of the following:

(a) All necessary identifying information for the grant recipient, including any tax and financial information necessary for the responsible entity to administer grant money under this section.

(e) A clawback provision that allows the department of treasury to recoup or otherwise collect any grant money that is declined, unspent, or otherwise misused.

(f) The documents publicly disclosed under subsection (1).

(7) Any grant money that is awarded to a responsible entity is appropriated in that responsible entity for the purpose of the intended grant.

(2) (8) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (9), beginning March 15 of the current fiscal year, the responsible entity In accordance with section 364(4) of the management and budget act, 1984 PA 431, MCL 18.364(4), the department or agency administering the grant shall post a report in a publicly accessible location on its website beginning March 15 of the current fiscal year. The report must list the grant recipient, project purpose, and location of the project for each grant described in subsection (1), the status of money allocated and disbursed under the grant agreement, and the legislative sponsor, if applicable. The responsible entity The department or agency shall update the report and post the an updated report in a publicly accessible location on its website not later than June 15 of the current fiscal year and again not later than September 15 of the current fiscal year. The responsible entity department or agency shall include in the report the most comprehensive information the responsible entity department or agency has available at the time of posting for grants awarded.

(11) As used in this section, "responsible entity" means the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, a public university, or other person that administers a grant under this article.

Sec. 241. Subject to sections 241a, 241b, 241c, 241e, 241h, and 244, the funds appropriated in sections 236 and 236d to public universities must be paid out of the state treasury and distributed by the state treasurer to the respective institutions in 11 equal monthly installments on the sixteenth of each month, or the next succeeding business day, beginning with October 16, 2025. 2026. Except for Wayne State University, each institution shall accrue its July and August 2026 2027 payments to its institutional fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.2027.

Sec. 241a. (1) All public universities shall submit higher education institutional data inventory (HEIDI) data and associated financial aid program information requested by and in a manner prescribed by the state budget director. For public universities with fiscal years ending June 30, these data must be submitted to the state budget director by October 15 of each fiscal year. Public universities with a fiscal year ending September 30 shall submit preliminary HEIDI data by November 15 and final data by December 15.

(2) It is intended that accountability reporting for public universities will be streamlined through HEIDI. The state budget director and the center will work to combine the reporting requirements outlined in this subsection with the existing HEIDI collection cycle. All of the following must be reported to the house and senate fiscal agencies and the state budget director:

(a) Each public university's certification of its compliance with the requirements described in subsections (4), and (5), and (6).

(b) The reporting requirements described in sections 241b and 241c.

(3) If a public university fails to submit HEIDI data and associated financial aid program information reporting in sections 241a, 241b, 241c, and 244 in accordance with the required reporting schedule, the state treasurer budget director may withhold the monthly operations installments under section sections 236 and 236d to the public university until those data reports are submitted. If a public university does not comply with all of the requirements described in subsections (4) and (5) sections 241a, 241b, 241c, and 244 by the end of the fiscal year, the public university forfeits the amount withheld. The state budget director shall notify the chairs of the house and senate appropriations subcommittees on higher education at least 10 days before withholding funds from any public university.

(4) No later than the first business day of November 1 of each year, a public university shall maintain a public transparency website available through a link on its website homepage. The website must include all of the following concerning the public university:

(a) The annual operating budget and subsequent budget revisions.

(b) A summary of current expenditures for the most recent fiscal year for which they are available, expressed as pie charts in the following 2 categories:

(i) A chart of personnel expenditures, broken into the following subcategories:

(A) Earnings and wages.

(B) Employee benefit costs, including, but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and long-term care benefits.

(D) All other personnel costs.

(ii) A chart of all current expenditures the public university reported as part of its higher education institutional data inventory data under subsection (1), broken into the same subcategories in which it reported those data.

(i) The current collective bargaining agreement for each bargaining unit.

(iii) Audits and financial reports for the most recent fiscal year for which they are available.

(d) General fund revenue and expenditure projections for the current fiscal year and the next fiscal year.

(e) A listing of all debt service obligations, detailed by project, anticipated fiscal year payment for each project, and total outstanding debt for the current fiscal year.

(f) The institution's policy regarding the transferability of core college courses between community colleges and the public university.

(g) A listing of all community colleges that have entered into reverse transfer agreements with the public university.

(h) A dashboard or report card demonstrating the public university's performance in several "best practice" measures. The dashboard or report card must include at least all of the following for the 3 most recent academic years for which the data are available:

(i) Enrollment.

(ii) Student retention rate.

(iii) Six-year graduation rates.

(iv) Number of Pell grant recipients and graduating Pell grant recipients.

(v) Geographic origination of students, categorized as in-state, out-of-state, and international.

(vi) Faculty to student ratios and total public university employee to student ratios.

(vii) Teaching load by faculty classification.

(viii) Graduation outcome rates, including employment and continuing education.

(i) An icon badge that provides statewide consistency and public visibility. For this purpose, public universities shall use the icon badge provided by the department of technology, management, and budget consistent with the icon badge developed by the department of education for K-12 school districts. It must appear on the front of each public university's homepage. The size of the icon may be reduced to 150 x 150 pixels. The font size and style for this reporting must be consistent with other documents on each public university's website.

(j) A collection and report of the number and percentage of all enrolled students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, broken out by undergraduate and graduate/professional classifications, reported to the center and posted on its website under the budget transparency icon badge.

(k) The name of the current president, the names of the city and state where the president currently resides, and the president's annual salary.

(l) A list of severance payments and the amounts of those payments made to former employees of the university.

(5) No later than the first business day of November 1 of each year, a public university shall develop, maintain, and update a "campus safety information and resources" link, prominently displayed on the homepage of its website, to a section of its website containing, at a minimum, all of the following information:

(a) Emergency contact numbers for police, fire, health, and other services.

(b) Hours, locations, telephone numbers, and email contacts for campus public safety offices and title IX offices.

(c) A list of safety and security services provided by the public university, including transportation, escort services, building surveillance, anonymous tip lines, and other available security services.

(d) The public university's policies applicable to minors on university property.

(e) A directory of resources available at the public university or surrounding community for students or employees who are survivors of sexual assault or sexual abuse.

(f) An electronic copy of "A Resource Handbook for Campus Sexual Assault Survivors, Friends and Family", published in 2018.

(6) Each public university shall certify to the state budget director by the first business day of November of each year that it complies with all of the following requirements:

(a) The public university participates in reverse transfer agreements described in section 286 with at least 3 community colleges in this state.

(b) The public university does not and will not apply any of the following criteria when determining whether credits earned outside the public university by a student count toward a degree or certificate program offered by the public university:

(i) Whether the credits were earned in a dual enrollment program that counted the credits toward high school graduation requirements.

(ii) Whether the credits were earned in a course that was delivered in a high school classroom, community college classroom or campus, or another location.

(iii) Whether the credits were earned in a course that was delivered online, in person, or hybrid.

(iv) Whether other students enrolled in the course in which the credits were earned were enrolled in high school or counted the course toward high school graduation requirements.

(c) The public university actively participates in and submits timely updates to the Michigan Transfer Network created as part of the Michigan Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers transfer agreement.

Sec. 241b. (1) No later than the first business day of November 1 of each year, each public university that receives an appropriation in section 236 shall report its annual security report, also known as the Clery Act Report, as required under 20 USC 1092(f). Each public university shall include a title IX summary report that includes all of the following information:

(a) The amounts and descriptions of all fees incurred in title IX-related civil and criminal litigation.

(b) The number of title IX complaints.

(d) The aggregate number of title IX cases, investigations, and complaints for each of the categories described in subparagraphs (i) to (v), subject to subparagraph (vi), as follows:

(i) Cases investigated for less than 15 days.

(ii) Cases investigated for at least 15 days and less than 30 days.

(iii) Cases investigated for at least 30 days and less than 60 days.

(iv) Cases investigated for at least 60 days and less than 90 days.

(v) Cases investigated for 90 days or more.

(vi) If, for any category of cases under subparagraphs (i) to (v), there is an aggregate of fewer than 5 cases investigated, the public university shall not report the aggregate number of cases and instead shall report that fewer than 5 cases were investigated.

(e) The number of title IX appeals and the resolutions of those appeals.

(f) The number of title IX-related complaints filed by the public university with law enforcement agencies.

(2) No later than the first business day of November 1 of each year, each public university that receives an appropriation in section 236 shall certify all of the following:

(a) The public university complies with federal regulations under title IX, as required by the United States Department of Education, including, but not limited to, the following:

(i) Use of medical experts that do not have an actual or apparent conflict of interest.

(ii) Issuance of title IX reports to complainants and respondents that are not divergent.

(iii) Notification of resources to each individual who reports having experienced sexual assault by a public university member.

(iv) Consistent annual training for title IX staff and law enforcement.

(b) The public university provides both of the following:

(i) An in-person sexual misconduct prevention presentation or course for all freshman and incoming transfer students, which must include contact information for the title IX office of the public university. For a student who does not have any in-person credit hours on campus, the university may provide the presentation or course electronically.

(ii) An online or electronic sexual misconduct prevention presentation or course for all students not considered freshmen or incoming transfer students.

(c) The public university had a third party review its title IX compliance office and related policies and procedures by the end of the 2018-2019 academic year. A copy of the third-party review must be transmitted to the state budget director, the house and senate appropriations subcommittees on higher education, and the house and senate fiscal agencies. Each public university shall have a third-party review once every 4 years and a copy of the third-party review must be transmitted to the state budget director, the house and senate appropriations subcommittees on higher education, and the house and senate fiscal agencies.

(d) The public university requires that the governing board and the president or chancellor of the public university receive quarterly reports from their title IX coordinator or title IX office. The report must contain aggregated data of the number of sexual misconduct reports that the office received for the academic year, the types of reports received, including reports received against employees, and a summary of the general outcomes of the reports and investigations. A member of the governing board may request to review a title IX investigation report involving a complaint against an employee, and the public university shall provide the report in a manner it considers appropriate. The public university shall protect the complainant's anonymity, and the report must not contain specific identifying information.

(e) If allegations against an employee are made in more than 1 title IX complaint that resulted in the public university finding that no misconduct occurred, the public university requires that the title IX officer promptly notify the president or chancellor and a member of the public university's governing board in writing and take all appropriate steps to ensure that the matter is being investigated thoroughly, including hiring an outside investigator for future cases involving that employee. A third-party title IX investigation under this subdivision does not prohibit the public university from simultaneously conducting its own title IX investigation through its own title IX coordinator.

(f) The public university's president or chancellor and a member of its governing board has reviewed all title IX reports involving the alleged sexual misconduct of an employee of the public university.

(3) As used in this section, "sexual misconduct" includes, but is not limited to, intimate partner violence, nonconsensual sexual conduct, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, and stalking.

Sec. 241c. (1) No later than the first last business day of November August of each year, each public university that receives an appropriation in section 236 shall submit the amount of tuition and fees actually charged to a full-time resident undergraduate student for academic year 2025-2026 2026-2027 as part of the public university's higher education institutional data inventory (HEIDI) data. A public university shall report any revisions for any semester of the reported academic year to HEIDI within 15 days of being adopted.

(2) Payments under section 236d must be made only to a public university that certifies provides the following certifications to the state budget director by the first last business day of November August of each year: that its board did not adopt an increase in tuition and fee rates for resident undergraduate students after September 1, 2024 for the 2024-2025 academic year and that its board will not adopt an increase in tuition and fee rates for resident undergraduate students for the 2025-2026 academic year that is greater than 4.5% or $735.00, whichever is greater. For the academic year 2026-2027, the tuition and fee restraint rate for resident undergraduate students is an increase of not greater than 4.0% or $651.00, whichever is greater. It is the intent of the legislature that in the next fiscal year, the tuition and fee restraint rate will be adjusted only for the subsequent academic year. As used in this subsection:

(a) "Fee" means any board-authorized fee that will be paid by more than 1/2 of all resident undergraduate students at least once during their enrollment at a public university, as described in the higher education institutional data inventory (HEIDI) user manual. A public university increasing a fee that applies to a specific subset of students or courses shall provide sufficient information to prove that the increase applied to that subset will not cause the increase in the average amount of board-authorized total tuition and fees paid by resident undergraduate students in the academic year to exceed the limit established in this subsection.

(b) "Tuition and fee rate" means the average of full-time rates paid by a majority of students in each undergraduate class, based on an unweighted average of the rates authorized by the public university board and actually charged to students, deducting any uniformly rebated or refunded amounts, for the 2 semesters with the highest levels of full-time equated resident undergraduate enrollment during the academic year, as described in the higher education institutional data inventory (HEIDI) user manual.

(3) Each public university shall certify to the state budget director by the first business day of November each year that it complies with all of the following requirements:

(a) The public university participates in reverse transfer agreements described in section 286 with at least 3 community colleges in this state.

(i) Whether the credits were earned in a dual enrollment program that counted the credits toward high school graduation requirements.

(ii) Whether the credits were earned in a course that was delivered in a high school classroom, community college classroom or campus, or another location.

(iii) Whether the credits were earned in a course that was delivered online, in person, or hybrid.

(iv) Whether other students enrolled in the course in which the credits were earned were enrolled in high school or counted the course toward high school graduation requirements.

(a) That the university's board did not adopt an increase in tuition and fee rates for resident undergraduate students after September 1, 2025 for the 2025-2026 academic year and that its board will not adopt an increase in tuition and fee rates for resident undergraduate students for the 2026-2027 academic year that is greater than 4.0% or $651.00, whichever is greater. For the academic year 2027-2028, the tuition and fee restraint rate for resident undergraduate students is an increase of not greater than 3.5% or $599.00, whichever is greater.

(b) For academic year 2027-2028, either of the following:

(i) That the university does not have a mandatory on-campus housing policy reportable under section 275m.

(ii) That the university does have a mandatory on-campus housing policy reportable under section 275m, and that it will not adopt an increase in room and board charges that would cause the average charge for academic year 2027-2028 relative to academic year 2027-2028 reported under section 275m to increase by an amount exceeding 3.5% or $446.00, whichever is greater.

(3) (4) The state budget director shall implement uniform reporting requirements to ensure that a public university receiving a payment under section 236d has satisfied the tuition restraint requirements of this section. The state budget director has the sole authority to determine if a public university has met the requirements of this section. Information reported by a public university to the state budget director under this subsection must also be reported to the house and senate appropriations subcommittees on higher education and the house and senate fiscal agencies.

(4) As used in this section:

(a) "Fee" means any public university board-authorized fee that will be paid by more than 1/2 of all resident undergraduate students at least once during their enrollment at the public university, as described in the higher education institutional data inventory (HEIDI) user manual. A public university increasing a fee that applies to a specific subset of students or courses shall provide sufficient information to prove that the increase applied to that subset will not cause the increase in the average amount of board-authorized total tuition and fees paid by resident undergraduate students in the academic year to exceed the limit established in this subsection.

(b) "Room and board charges" means 1 or more accommodations and meal plans used by a public university to calculate the average charge reported under section 275m(1)(c).

(c) "Tuition and fee rate" means the average of full-time rates paid by a majority of students in each undergraduate class, based on an unweighted average of the rates authorized by the public university board and actually charged to students, deducting any uniformly rebated or refunded amounts, for the 2 semesters with the highest levels of full-time equated resident undergraduate enrollment during the academic year, as described in the higher education institutional data inventory (HEIDI) user manual.

Sec. 241e. (1) Payments under section 236 for operations increase 236d must be made only to a public university that certifies to the state budget director of the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, or the director's designee, by the last business day of August of each year that it complies with the following:

(a) The institutional best practice described in subdivision (c).

(b) One or more of the institutional best practices described in subdivisions (d) to (g).

(a) (c) The public university accepts the Michigan Transfer Agreement, partners with the Michigan Transfer Network, and promotes clear transfer pathways for interested students by doing all of the following:

(i) Has a policy to help transfer or accept associate degrees from other accredited Michigan postsecondary education institutions.

(ii) Publishes the policy described in subparagraph (i) on the institution's website in an easily accessible way and in admissions materials.

(iii) Provides publicly available information on the Michigan Transfer Network, applicable transfer pathways, and financial aid available to transfer students, at no cost to the student.

(b) (d) The public university requires all students to receive an academic degree or certificate map that outlines required course sequencing, program and institution requirements, declared minor program academic requirements, and a recommended timeline within which courses should be taken and in which specific semester or term in order to satisfy all program requirements to allow the student to graduate on time.

(c) (e) The public university provides non-credit-bearing developmental or remedial courses at a reduced cost to students.

(d) (f) The public university provides each degree- or certificate-seeking student with a designated, trained academic advisor to support student retention, persistence, and completion. The public university shall require students to meet with their academic advisor at least once per semester or term.

(e) (g) The public university provides employees during business hours to assist prospective and current students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

(f) The public university has adopted a corequisite model of academic support for gateway English and mathematics courses in which a student concurrently enrolls in a developmental education course and a gateway-level course in a subject area where the student requires remediation. The public university must ensure that not more than 10% of students assessed as being in need of developmental or remedial learning participate in a non-co-requisite developmental or remedial course.

(g) The public university has a policy and process for assessing prior learning and knowledge that aligns with a student's academic program and other required coursework. The policy must include the opportunity for a student to earn credit toward a degree or certificate, must be available to all students at no cost to the student, and must be easily accessible on the public university's website and in admissions materials.

(2) The state budget director of the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, or the director's designee, shall implement uniform reporting requirements to ensure that a public university receiving a payment under section 236 for operations increase 236d has satisfied the institutional best practices requirements of this section. The state budget director of the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, or the director's designee, has the sole authority to determine if a public university has met the requirements of this section. Information reported by a public university to the state budget director of the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, or the director's designee, under this subsection must also be reported to the house and senate appropriations subcommittees on higher education and the house and senate fiscal agencies.

(3) If a public university fails to comply with the certification requirements of this section, the state treasurer may withhold the monthly installments under section 241 to the public university until the report is submitted. If a public university does not comply with the certification requirements described in this section by the end of the fiscal year, the public university forfeits the amount withheld. Forfeited funds must lapse to the fund from which the funds were appropriated. The state budget director of the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, or the director's designee, shall notify the chairs of the house and senate appropriations subcommittees on higher education at least 10 days before withholding funds from any public university.

(4) No later than the last business day of November of each year, each public university that receives a payment under section 236d must provide a report to the director of the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential, or the director's designee, that includes the following information for the prior academic year:

(a) College persistence for on-time completion defined by 30 credits completed for every 12 consecutive months of enrollment for certificate- or degree-seeking students.

(b) College completion defined by certificate or degree conferral.

Sec. 247. (1) The funds appropriated in section 236 for Michigan reconnect must be distributed and administered by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential pursuant to the Michigan reconnect grant act, 2020 PA 84, MCL 390.1701 to 390.1709, the Michigan reconnect grant recipient act, 2020 PA 68, MCL 390.1711 to 390.1723, and the department's administrative procedures for Michigan reconnect.

(2) For fiscal year 2025-2026 2026-2027 only, the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential may use the funds appropriated in section 236 for Michigan reconnect to support students who are receiving awards under the temporary "ARP - Michigan reconnect expansion to 21" program described in 2023 PA 119.

Sec. 248. (1) The funds appropriated in section 236 for Michigan achievement scholarships must be distributed as provided in this section and section 248a, pursuant to the administrative procedures for Michigan achievement scholarships of the department.

(2) As used in this section:

(a) "Cost of attendance" means expenses for a student's tuition, mandatory fees, and contact hours for the student's actual program of study; books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction; housing and food costs; transportation expenses; federal student loan fees; miscellaneous expenses, including a reasonable amount for the documented cost of a personal computer, allowance for child care, or allowance for other dependent care; costs related to a disability; costs of obtaining a license, certification, or first professional credential; and reasonable costs for study abroad programs.

(b) "Department" means the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential.

(c) "Eligible institution" means a public university that receives an appropriation in section 236, a community college that receives an appropriation in section 201, a federally recognized tribal college in this state, or an independent nonprofit college or university in this state as described in section 1 of 1966 PA 313, MCL 390.991.

(d) "Gift aid" includes federal Pell grants under 20 USC 1070a, tuition incentive program benefits under section 256, state tuition grants under section 252, awards received for minimum payments awarded in subsection (4), higher education expenses paid under the Michigan promise zone authority act, 2008 PA 549, MCL 390.1661 to 390.1679, and all other federal, state, local, or institutional aid in the form of grants, scholarships, or discounts applied toward tuition and mandatory fees. Gift aid does not include student loans, work-study awards, qualified withdrawals made from education savings accounts to pay higher education expenses pursuant to the Michigan education savings program act, 2000 PA 161, MCL 390.1471 to 390.1486, or higher education expenses paid under the Michigan education trust program pursuant to the Michigan education trust act, 1986 PA 316, MCL 390.1421 to 390.1442.

(e) "High school equivalency certificate" means that term as defined in section 4.

(f) "Last-dollar payment amount" means 1 of the following:

(i) For a student attending a community college or federally recognized tribal college, an amount equal to the student's tuition, mandatory fees, and contact hours for the student's actual program of study, minus all gift aid received by the student.

(ii) For a student attending a public university or an independent nonprofit college or university, or for a student enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program described in section 121 of the community college act of 1966, 1966 PA 331, MCL 389.121, an amount equal to the student's individual cost of attendance, minus all gift aid received by the student.

(g) "Minimum payment" means a payment for any eligible cost within the student's individual cost of attendance. The minimum payment must be awarded as a separate payment not included in the student's need-based financial aid. The minimum payment must not be reduced.

(h) "SAI eligible student" means a student who has completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and meets at least 1 of the following:

(i) For awards made during academic year 2023-2024, has an expected family contribution of $25,000.00 or less. An individual is considered to have met the requirements of subsection (4) if the individual received the Michigan achievement scholarship in academic year 2023-2024, was determined to have an expected family contribution of $25,000.00 or less in academic year 2023-2024, and has completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid for the subsequent award cycles.

(ii) For awards made during academic year 2024-2025 or a subsequent academic year, has completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and has a student aid index number of 1 of the following, as applicable:

(A) For a student indicating on the student's Free Application for Federal Student Aid that the student is the only member of the student's household or the student's parents' household attending a postsecondary institution during that academic year, $30,000.00 or less.

(B) For a student indicating on the student's Free Application for Federal Student Aid that the student is not the only member of the student's household or the student's parents' household attending a postsecondary institution during that academic year, the greater of the number described in sub-subparagraph (A) or guidance determined by the department. For the purposes of this sub-subparagraph, the department, in collaboration with the state budget office and the house and senate fiscal agencies, may calculate a student aid index number or may issue administrative guidance for the student aid index eligibility of students with more than 1 member of the student's household or the student's parents' household attending a postsecondary institution during that academic year. It is intended that the utilization of a student aid index instead of expected family contribution does not adversely impact the eligibility of students with multiple members of the student's household or student's parents' household attending postsecondary institutions. It is further intended that the legislature and executive branch work collaboratively to use Michigan achievement scholarship uptake and other relevant data to establish a more permanent measure of financial need for the Michigan achievement scholarship for subsequent academic years.

(3) An individual must meet all of the following criteria each year to be eligible for a Michigan achievement scholarship awarded under this section:

(a) Maintain residency in this state, as determined for purposes of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

(b) Have graduated from high school in this state with a diploma or certificate of completion or achieved a high school equivalency certificate in 2023 or after.

(c) Be a full-time undergraduate student at an eligible institution, as defined by that eligible institution, and be a first-time enrollee in an eligible institution during the 2023-2024 academic year, or a subsequent academic year, within 15 24 months after high school graduation or attainment of a high school equivalency certificate or have received a Michigan achievement scholarship in a previous academic year. For the purposes of this subdivision, participation in a dual enrollment, early college, or other similar program while attending high school does not disqualify a student from being considered a first-time enrollee.

(d) Maintain satisfactory academic progress, as defined by the eligible institution in which the student is enrolled.

(e) Not be in default on a federal student loan.

(f) Apply for all available gift aid for each academic year in which the individual applies for a Michigan achievement scholarship.

(g) For a student who is enrolled at an eligible institution that is a public university or an independent nonprofit college or university, or who is enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program described in section 121 of the community college act of 1966, 1966 PA 331, MCL 389.121, at an eligible institution, be an SAI eligible student.

(4) The amount awarded to an eligible student at an eligible institution must equal 1 of the following, as applicable:

(a) The amount awarded to an eligible student who is enrolled at an eligible institution that is a community college or federally recognized tribal college where the student is eligible for that institution's in-district tuition rate must be equal to the sum of the last-dollar payment amount. The amount awarded to an eligible student who is eligible for a federal Pell grant under 20 USC 1070a must include an additional amount of $1,000.00.

(b) The amount awarded to an eligible student who is enrolled at an eligible institution that is a community college or federally recognized tribal college where the student is not eligible for that institution's in-district tuition rate must be the lesser of the last-dollar payment amount, or the in-district tuition rate. The amount awarded to an eligible student who is eligible for a federal Pell grant under 20 USC 1070a must include an additional amount of $1,000.00.

(c) The amount awarded to an eligible student who is enrolled at an eligible institution that is a public university or is enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program described in section 121 of the community college act of 1966, 1966 PA 331, MCL 389.121, at an eligible institution must equal the sum of following:

(i) A minimum payment of $2,500.00.

(ii) The lesser of $3,000.00 or the student's last-dollar payment amount.

(d) The amount awarded to an eligible student at an eligible institution that is an independent nonprofit college or university must equal the sum of the following:

(i) A minimum payment of $2,500.00.

(ii) The lesser of $3,000.00 or the student's last-dollar payment amount.

(e) Money awarded under this subsection for a Michigan achievement scholarship must be paid to the eligible institution for credit to the student's account.

(5) Subject to section 248a(3)(f)(i), an eligible student may receive a Michigan achievement scholarship award under this section or section 248a for a maximum of 5 academic years, not more than 3 of which may be for attending eligible institutions that are community colleges or federally recognized tribal colleges unless the student is enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program described in section 121 of the community college act of 1966, 1966 PA 331, MCL 389.121. A student may not receive an award under this section and section 248a(3)(f)(i) during the same academic year.

(6) The department shall work closely with participating institutions to provide the highest level of participation and ensure that all requirements of the program are met.

(7) From the funds appropriated in section 236(7) for the Michigan achievement scholarships, the department may not use more than $10,000,000.00 for the purposes of outreach programs to raise awareness of the Michigan achievement scholarship described in this section and section 248a and shall ensure that Michigan achievement scholarships are well publicized and that high school students are provided information on the program. The department may receive and expend funds received from outside sources for scholarships, marketing, or other purposes related to the Michigan achievement scholarship. The department shall provide the necessary funding and staff to fully operate the program.

(7) (8) The department shall convene a workgroup to consider and advise the department on implementing policies for administering the Michigan achievement scholarship. The workgroup shall include participation from the Michigan Association of State Universities and its institutional members, the Michigan College Access Network, the Michigan Community College Association and its institutional members, the Michigan Independent Colleges and Universities and its institutional members, and any other interested stakeholders and offices as determined by the department. The workgroup shall make recommendations on packaging order, packaging structure, definitions of terms not otherwise defined in statute, and other administrative regulatory requirements as necessary to implement the Michigan achievement scholarship.

(8) (9) The following reporting obligations apply to the Michigan achievement scholarship program:

(a) By February 15 of each year, the department shall provide a written report, organized by eligible institution, to the house and senate appropriations subcommittees on higher education, the house and senate fiscal agencies, and the state budget director that includes the following information for the previous academic year:

(i) The number of students who qualified for a Michigan achievement scholarship.

(ii) The number of students who received a Michigan achievement scholarship.

(iii) The average number of credits earned by students who received a Michigan achievement scholarship.

(iv) The number of Michigan achievement scholarships that were canceled due to failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress as described in subsection (3)(d).

(v) The number of Michigan achievement scholarships that were canceled due to a student ceasing attendance at an eligible institution. The number must not include any known transfers to another eligible institution.

(vi) The number of Michigan achievement scholarships that were canceled due to a student's failure to maintain full-time status.

(vii) The average Michigan achievement scholarship award per student, delineated by sector, including community colleges, tribal colleges, public universities, independent colleges and universities, and training institutions. As used in this subparagraph, "training institutions" means training institutions accepted to participate in the Michigan achievement scholarship program under section 248a.

(b) Each eligible institution whose students receive awards under this section shall cooperate with the department in a timely manner to facilitate the creation of the report under subdivision (a).

(9) (10) By April 1 of each year, each eligible institution shall submit a report to the department, the state budget office, and the house and senate fiscal agencies providing information as to the average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time first-time undergraduate students for the immediately preceding 2 institution fiscal years. If the average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time first-time undergraduate students in fiscal year 2024-2025 2025-2026 is less than the average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time first-time undergraduate students in fiscal year 2023-2024, 2024-2025, the institution shall include in the report a description of any changes to the institutional financial aid during the 2 immediately preceding fiscal years. An institution's report of the average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time first-time undergraduate students pursuant to this subsection must be consistent with data most recently reported to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System.

(10) (11) For each fiscal year, an eligible institution shall maintain and report its compliance with the following tuition restraint requirements, as applicable:

(a) For an eligible institution that is a community college, the tuition restraint described in section 217b.

(b) For an eligible institution that is a public university or independent nonprofit college or university, the tuition restraint described in section 241c.

(11) (12) The state budget director shall implement reporting requirements to ensure that an eligible institution has satisfied the tuition restraint requirements of this section. The state budget director has the sole authority to determine if an eligible institution has met the requirements of this section.

(12) (13) If an eligible institution exceeds the applicable tuition restraint level for 2 consecutive years, the state budget director may consider the institution ineligible for funding under this section in the subsequent academic year.

(13) (14) If an institution is considered ineligible for funding under this section, the state budget director shall reevaluate the status of the ineligible institution after 1 academic year.

(14) (15) It is the intent of the legislature that an eligible institution will not make reductive changes to scholarship or financial aid programs offered by that eligible institution that have the goal or net effect of shifting the cost burden of those programs to the program described in this section.

Sec. 254. The Subject to sections 217g and 275l, the sums appropriated in sections 236 and 236e for the state competitive scholarship, tuition incentive, tuition grant, Michigan reconnect, and Michigan achievement scholarship programs must be paid out of the state treasury and must be distributed to the respective institutions under a quarterly payment system as follows:

(a) For the state competitive scholarship and tuition grant programs, 50% must be paid at the beginning of the state's first fiscal quarter, 30% during the state's second fiscal quarter, 10% during the state's third fiscal quarter, and 10% during the state's fourth fiscal quarter.

(b) For the tuition incentive program, Michigan reconnect, and Michigan achievement scholarship, 65% must be paid at the beginning of the state's first fiscal quarter, and 35% during the state's second fiscal quarter.

Sec. 256. (1) The funds appropriated in section 236 for the tuition incentive program must be distributed as provided in this section and pursuant to the administrative procedures for the tuition incentive program of the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential.

(2) As used in this section:

(a) "Phase I" means the first part of the tuition incentive program defined as the academic period of 80 semester or 120 term credits, or less, leading to an associate degree or certificate. Students must be enrolled in a certificate or associate degree program and taking classes within the program of study for a certificate or associate degree. Tuition will not be covered for courses outside of a certificate or associate degree program.

(b) "Phase II" means the second part of the tuition incentive program that provides assistance in the third and fourth year of 4-year degree programs.

(d) "High school equivalency certificate" means that term as defined in section 4.

(3) An individual must meet the following basic criteria and financial thresholds to be eligible for tuition incentive program benefits:

(a) To be eligible for phase I, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:

(i) Be less than 20 years of age at the time the individual graduates from high school with a diploma or certificate of completion or achieves a high school equivalency certificate or, for students attending a 5-year middle college approved by the Michigan department of education, be less than 21 years of age when the individual graduates from high school, or be considered a special education pupil at the time the individual graduated from high school as described in section 6(4)(l)(i).

(ii) Be a United States citizen and maintain residency in this state, as determined for purposes of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

(iii) Be at least a half-time student, earning less than 80 semester or 120 term credits at a participating educational institution within 4 years of high school graduation or achievement of a high school equivalency certificate. All program eligibility expires 10 years after initial enrollment at a participating educational institution.

(iv) Meet the satisfactory academic progress policy of the educational institution attended by the individual.

(b) To be eligible for phase II, an individual must meet either of the following criteria in addition to the criteria in subdivision (a):

(i) Complete at least 56 transferable semester or 84 transferable term credits.

(ii) Obtain an associate degree or certificate at a participating institution.

(c) To be eligible for phase I or phase II, an individual must be financially eligible as determined by the department. An individual is financially eligible for the tuition incentive program if the individual was eligible for Medicaid from this state for 24 months within any 36 months prior to completion of high school or achievement of a high school equivalency certificate. The department shall accept certification of Medicaid eligibility only from the department of health and human services for the purposes of verifying if a person is Medicaid eligible for 24 months within any 36 months prior to completion of high school or achievement of a high school equivalency certificate. Certification of eligibility may begin in the sixth grade.

(4) For phase I, the department shall provide payment on behalf of a person eligible under subsection (3). The department shall only accept standard per-credit hour tuition billings and shall reject billings that are excessive or outside the guidelines for the type of educational institution.

(5) For phase I, all of the following apply:

(a) Payments for associate degree or certificate programs must not be made for more than 80 semester or 120 term credits for any individual student at any participating institution. The department shall not do either of the following:

(i) Adopt or apply any total semester-credit or term-credit maximum that is less than the 80 semester-credit or 120 term-credit maximum provided in this subdivision.

(ii) Adopt or apply any per-semester or per-term credit maximum for a student whose semester-credit or term-credit load will not result in exceeding the total 80 semester-credit or 120 term-credit maximum provided in this subdivision.

(b) For persons enrolled at a Michigan community college, the department shall pay the current in-district tuition and mandatory fees. For persons residing in an area that is not included in any community college district, the out-of-district tuition rate may be authorized.

(c) For persons enrolled at a Michigan public university, the department shall pay lower division resident tuition and mandatory fees for the current year. 1 of the following, as applicable:

(i) For awards made during academic year 2026-2027, or a prior academic year, lower division resident tuition and mandatory fees for the current year.

(ii) For awards made during academic year 2027-2028 or a subsequent academic year, mandatory fees for the current year and a per-credit payment that does not exceed 2.5 times the average community college in-district per-credit tuition rate as reported by the last business day of August for the immediately preceding academic year.

(d) For persons enrolled at a Michigan independent, nonprofit degree-granting college or university or a Michigan federal tribally controlled community college, the department shall pay mandatory fees for the current year and a per-credit payment that does not exceed the average community college in-district per-credit tuition rate as reported by the last business day of August for the immediately preceding academic year.

(6) A person participating in phase II may be eligible for additional funds not to exceed $500.00 per semester or $400.00 per term up to a maximum of $2,000.00 subject to the following conditions:

(a) Credits are earned in a 4-year program at a Michigan degree-granting 4-year college or university.

(b) The tuition reimbursement is for coursework completed within 30 months of completion of the phase I requirements.

(7) The department shall work closely with participating institutions to provide the highest level of participation and ensure that all requirements of the program are met.

(8) The department shall notify students in an age-appropriate manner of their financial eligibility for the program any time after the student begins sixth grade.

(9) Except as otherwise provided in sections 13(c) and 17 of the Michigan reconnect grant recipient act, 2020 PA 68, MCL 390.1713 and 390.1717, each institution shall ensure that all known available restricted grants for tuition and fees are used before billing the tuition incentive program for any portion of a student's tuition and fees.

(10) The department shall ensure that the tuition incentive program is well publicized and that eligible Medicaid clients are provided information on the program. The department shall provide the necessary funding and staff to fully operate the program.

(11) The department shall collaborate with the center to use the P-20 longitudinal data system to report the following information for each qualified postsecondary institution:

(a) The number of phase I students in the most recently completed academic year who in any academic year received a tuition incentive program award and who successfully completed a degree or certificate program. Cohort graduation rates for phase I students must be calculated using the established success rate methodology developed by the center in collaboration with the postsecondary institutions.

(b) The number of students in the most recently completed academic year who in any academic year received a Pell grant at the reporting institution and who successfully completed a degree or certificate program. Cohort graduation rates for students who received Pell grants must be calculated using the established success rate methodology developed by the center in collaboration with the postsecondary institutions.

(12) If a qualified postsecondary institution does not report the data necessary to complete the reporting in subsection (11) to the P-20 longitudinal data system by October 15 for the prior academic year, the department shall not award phase I tuition incentive program funding to otherwise eligible students enrolled in that institution until the data are submitted.

Sec. 263. (1) Included in the appropriation in section 236 for fiscal year 2025-2026 2026-2027 for MSU AgBioResearch is $2,982,900.00 and included in the appropriation in section 236 for MSU Extension is $2,645,200.00 for Project GREEEN. Project GREEEN is intended to address critical regulatory, food safety, economic, and environmental problems faced by this state's plant-based agriculture, forestry, and processing industries. "GREEEN" is an acronym for Generating Research and Extension to Meet Environmental and Economic Needs.

(2) The department of agriculture and rural development and Michigan State University, in consultation with agricultural commodity groups and other interested parties, shall develop Project GREEEN and its program priorities.

Sec. 263b. Included in the appropriation in section 236 for fiscal year 2025-2026 2026-2027 for MSU AgBioResearch and MSU Extension is funding for the Agricultural Climate Resiliency Program. The Agricultural Climate Resiliency Program is intended to address environmental sustainability of Michigan agriculture and promote the protection and efficient use of Michigan's water resources.

Sec. 264. Included in the appropriation in section 236 for fiscal year 2025-2026 2026-2027 for Michigan State University is $80,000.00 for the Michigan Future Farmers of America Association. This $80,000.00 allocation must not supplant any existing support that Michigan State University provides to the Michigan Future Farmers of America Association.

Sec. 268. (1) For the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, 2027, it is the intent of the legislature that funds be allocated for unfunded North American Indian tuition waiver costs incurred by public universities under 1976 PA 174, MCL 390.1251 to 390.1253, from the general fund.

(2) By January 15 of each year, the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential shall annually submit to the state budget director, the house and senate appropriations subcommittees on higher education, and the house and senate fiscal agencies a report on North American Indian tuition waivers for the preceding academic year that includes, but is not limited to, all of the following information:

(a) The number of waiver applications received and the number of waiver applications approved.

(b) For each public university submitting information under subsection (3), all of the following:

(i) The number of graduate and undergraduate North American Indian Native American students enrolled each term for the previous academic year.

(ii) The number of North American Indian waivers granted each term, including to continuing education students, and the monetary value of the waivers for granted each term of the previous academic year.

(iii) The number of North American Indian Native American students who receive a granted waiver for the previous academic year.

(iv) The number of graduate and undergraduate students attending under a North American Indian tuition waiver who withdrew from the public university each term during the previous academic year. For purposes of this subparagraph, a withdrawal occurs when a student who has been awarded the waiver withdraws from the institution at any point during the term, regardless of enrollment in subsequent terms.

(v) The number of graduate and undergraduate students attending under a North American Indian tuition waiver who successfully transfer to a 4-year public or private university, or complete a degree or certificate program, separated by degree or certificate level, and the graduation rate for graduate and undergraduate students attending under a North American Indian tuition waiver who complete a degree or certificate within 150% of the normal time to complete, separated by the level of the degree or certificate.

(3) By January 1 of each year, a public university that receives an appropriation in section 236, or a tribal college receiving pass-through funds under section 269, 270, or 270c, shall provide to the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential any information necessary for preparing the report detailed in subsection (2), using guidelines and procedures developed by the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential.

(4) The department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential may consolidate the report required under this section with the report required under section 223, but a consolidated report must separately identify data for public universities and data for community colleges.

Sec. 269. For fiscal year 2025-2026, 2026-2027, from the amount appropriated in section 236 to Central Michigan University for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver, $80,800.00 $96,700.00 must be paid to Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College for the costs of waiving tuition for North American Indians under 1976 PA 174, MCL 390.1251 to 390.1253. It is the intent of the legislature that Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College provide the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential the necessary information for the college to be included in the report required under section 268.

Sec. 270. For fiscal year 2025-2026, 2026-2027, from the amount appropriated in section 236 to Lake Superior State University for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver, $498,800.00 $465,000.00 must be paid to Bay Mills Community College for the costs of waiving tuition for North American Indians under 1976 PA 174, MCL 390.1251 to 390.1253. It is the intent of the legislature that Bay Mills Community College provide the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential the necessary information for the college to be included in the report required under section 268.

Sec. 270c. For fiscal year 2025-2026, 2026-2027, from the amount appropriated in section 236 to Northern Michigan University for costs incurred under the North American Indian tuition waiver, $105,700.00 $112,200.00 is to be paid to Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College for the costs of waiving tuition for North American Indians under 1976 PA 174, MCL 390.1251 to 390.1253. It is the intent of the legislature that Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College provide the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential the necessary information for the community college to be included in the report required under section 268.

Sec. 275l. (1) Subject to subsection (2), the state treasurer shall reduce payments made under section 254 for any public university that is an authorizing body by an amount equal to the difference between the amount reported under section 275k(1)(m)(i) during the previous fiscal year and 1% times the total state school aid received by all public school academies authorized by the authorizing body during that fiscal year. The state treasurer may coordinate with the state budget office or any other state department or agency to administer this section.

(2) If the calculation under subsection (1) would result in a net payment under section 254 that is a negative number, the payment under section 254 must be $0.00.

(3) As used in this section:

(a) "Authorizing body" means that term as defined in section 501 of the revised school code, 1976 PA 451, MCL 380.501.

(b) "Total state school aid" means that term as used in section 502 of the revised school code, 1976 PA 451, MCL 380.502.

Sec. 275n. A student may not receive an award under a scholarship program receiving an appropriation under section 236(7) under either of the following conditions:

(a) The student is enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree in theology, divinity, or religious education.

(b) The student is enrolled at a college or university that does not have a board-approved policy of inclusion and nondiscrimination that includes race, ethnicity, citizenship, color, religion, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, ability status, or any other characteristic protected under the Elliott-Larsen civil rights act, 1976 PA 453, MCL 37.2101 to 37.2804.

Sec. 275o. (1) By December 31, 2026, each public university that receives an appropriation under section 236 shall produce a report detailing any increases, decreases, or other substantive changes to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs made after January 1, 2026.

(2) If the report described in subsection (1) documents a change that could reduce access to a diversity, equity, or inclusion program for that university's students or employees, the university shall also report other efforts, programs, or resources that the university provides that would serve to mitigate any negative consequences associated with the documented program reduction.

Sec. 276. (1) Included in the appropriation for fiscal year 2025-2026 2026-2027 for each public university in section 236 is funding for the Martin Luther King, Jr. - Cesar Chavez Dolores Huerta � Morris Hood Jr. - Rosa Parks future faculty fellowship program that is intended to increase the pool of academically or economically disadvantaged candidates pursuing faculty or administration careers in postsecondary education in this state. Preference may not be given to applicants on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, gender, or national origin. Institutions should encourage applications from applicants who would otherwise not adequately be represented in the graduate student, faculty, or administration populations. Each public university shall apply the percentage change applicable to every public university in the calculation of appropriations in section 236 to the amount of funds allocated to the future faculty fellowship program.

(2) Each public university shall administer the program in a manner prescribed by the department of labor and economic opportunity. The department of labor and economic opportunity shall use a good-faith effort standard to evaluate whether a fellowship is in default. All of the following apply to the program:

(a) By June 15 of each year, public universities shall report any anticipated unexpended or unencumbered program funds to the department of labor and economic opportunity. Encumbered funds are those funds that were committed by a fellowship agreement that is signed during the current fiscal year or administrative expenses that have been approved by the department of labor and economic opportunity.

(b) Before September 1 of each year, unexpended or unencumbered funds may be transferred, under the direction of the department of labor and economic opportunity, to a future faculty fellowship program at another public university to be awarded to an eligible candidate at that public university.

(c) Program allocations not expended or encumbered by September 30, 2027 2028 must be returned to the department of labor and economic opportunity so that those funds may lapse to the state general fund.

(d) Not more than 5% of each public university's allocation for the program may be used for administration of the program.

(e) In addition to the appropriation for fiscal year 2025-2026, 2026-2027, any revenue received during prior fiscal years by the department of labor and economic opportunity from defaulted fellowship agreements is appropriated for the purposes originally intended.

Sec. 277. (1) Included in the appropriation for fiscal year 2025-2026 2026-2027 for each public university in section 236 is funding for the Martin Luther King, Jr. - Cesar Chavez Dolores Huerta � Morris Hood Jr. - Rosa Parks college day program that is intended to introduce academically or economically disadvantaged schoolchildren to the potential of a college education in this state. Preference may not be given to participants on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, gender, or national origin. Public universities should encourage participation from those who would otherwise not adequately be represented in the student population.

(2) Individual program plans of each public university must include a budget of equal contributions from this program, the participating public university, the participating school district, and the participating independent degree-granting college. College day funds must not be expended to cover indirect costs. Not more than 20% of the university match may be attributable to indirect costs. Each public university shall apply the percentage change applicable to every public university in the calculation of appropriations in section 236 to the amount of funds allocated to the college day program.

(3) Each public university shall administer the program described in this section in a manner prescribed by the department of labor and economic opportunity.

Sec. 278. (1) Included in the appropriation for fiscal year 2025-2026 2026-2027 for each public university in section 236 is funding for the Martin Luther King, Jr. - Cesar Chavez Dolores Huerta � Morris Hood Jr. - Rosa Parks select student support services program for developing academically or economically disadvantaged student retention programs for 4-year public and independent educational institutions in this state. Preference may not be given to participants on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, gender, or national origin. Institutions should encourage participation from those who would otherwise not adequately be represented in the student population.

(2) An award made under this program to any 1 institution must not be greater than $150,000.00, must have an award period of no more than 2 years, and must be matched on a 70% state, 30% college or university basis.

(3) The department of labor and economic opportunity shall administer the program described in this section.

Sec. 279. (1) Included in the appropriation for fiscal year 2025-2026 2026-2027 for each public university in section 236 is funding for the Martin Luther King, Jr. - Cesar Chavez Dolores Huerta � Morris Hood Jr. - Rosa Parks college/university partnership program between 4-year public and independent colleges and universities and public community colleges, which is intended to increase the number of academically or economically disadvantaged students who transfer from community colleges into baccalaureate programs in this state. Preference may not be given to participants on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, gender, or national origin. Institutions should encourage participation from those who would otherwise not adequately be represented in the transfer student population.

(2) The grants must be made under the program described in this section to Michigan public and independent colleges and universities. An award to any 1 institution must not be greater than $150,000.00, must have an award period of no more than 2 years, and must be matched on a 70% state, 30% college or university basis.

(3) The department of labor and economic opportunity shall administer the program described in this section.

Sec. 280. (1) Included in the appropriation for fiscal year 2025-2026 2026-2027 for each public university in section 236 is funding for the Martin Luther King, Jr. - Cesar Chavez Dolores Huerta � Morris Hood Jr. - Rosa Parks visiting professors program, which is intended to increase the number of instructors in the classroom to provide role models for academically or economically disadvantaged students. Preference may not be given to participants on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, gender, or national origin. Public universities should encourage participation from those who would otherwise not adequately be represented in the student population.

(2) The department of labor and economic opportunity shall administer the program described in this section.

(3) The amount allocated to each public university is $11,184.00 and is subject to an award period of no more than 2 years. Each public university receiving funds for fiscal year 2025-2026 2026-2027 under this section shall report to the department of labor and economic opportunity by April 15, 2026 2027 the amount of its unobligated and unexpended funds as of March 31, 2026 2027 and a plan to expend the remaining funds by the end of the fiscal year. The amount of funding reported as not being expended may be transferred, under the direction of the department, to another public university for use under this section.

Sec. 281. (1) Included in the appropriation for fiscal year 2025-2026 2026-2027 for each public university in section 236 is funding under the Martin Luther King, Jr. - Cesar Chavez Dolores Huerta � Morris Hood Jr. - Rosa Parks initiative for the Morris Hood, Jr. educator development program, which is intended to increase the number of academically or economically disadvantaged students who enroll in and complete K-12 teacher education programs at the baccalaureate level and teach in this state. Preference may not be given to participants on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, gender, or national origin. Institutions should encourage participation from those who would otherwise not adequately be represented in the teacher education student population.

(2) The program described in this section must be administered by each state-approved teacher education institution in a manner prescribed by the department of labor and economic opportunity.

(3) Approved teacher education institutions may and are encouraged to use select student support services funding in coordination with the Morris Hood, Jr. funding to achieve the goals of the program described in this section.

Sec. 282. (1) Each institution receiving funds for fiscal year 2025-2026 2026-2027 under section 278, 279, or 281 shall provide to the department of labor and economic opportunity by April 15, 2026 2027 the unobligated and unexpended funds as of March 31, 2026 2027 and a plan to expend the remaining funds by the end of the fiscal year. Notwithstanding the award limitations in sections 278 and 279, the amount of funding reported as not being expended will be reallocated to the institutions that intend to expend all funding received under section 278, 279, or 281.

(2) Funds received for the purpose of administering programs under sections 278, 279, and 281 must not be used for direct financial aid or indirect financial aid. However, a public university may provide academic incentives to motivate participating students as approved by the department. As used in this subsection:

(a) "Direct financial aid" includes, but is not limited to, scholarships, payment of tuition, stipends, and work-studies.

(b) "Indirect financial aid" includes, but is not limited to, transportation, textbook allowances, child care support, and assistance with medical premiums or expenses.

Sec. 287. Not later than December 1 of each year, each public university that receives an appropriation in section 236 shall provide a report to the house and senate appropriations subcommittees on higher education, the house and senate fiscal agencies, and the state budget director providing an itemized cost of attendance for full-time students attending that public university for the current and previous 2 academic years.

Enacting section 1. (1) In accordance with section 30 of article IX of the state constitution of 1963, total state spending on school aid under article I of the state school aid act of 1979, 1979 PA 94, MCL 388.1601 to 388.1772, as amended by 2025 PA 15 and this amendatory act, from state sources for fiscal year 2025-2026 is estimated at $18,704,213,800.00 and state appropriations for school aid to be paid to local units of government for fiscal year 2025-2026 are estimated at $17,433,304,100.00. In accordance with section 30 of article IX of the state constitution of 1963, total state spending on school aid under article I of the state school aid act of 1979, 1979 PA 94, MCL 388.1601 to 388.1772, as amended by this amendatory act, from state sources for fiscal year 2026-2027 is estimated at $19,617,320,800.00 and state appropriations for school aid to be paid to local units of government for fiscal year 2026-2027 are estimated at $18,113,118,900.00.

(2) In accordance with section 30 of article IX of the state constitution of 1963, total state spending from state sources for community colleges for fiscal year 2026-2027 under article II of the state school aid act of 1979, 1979 PA 94, MCL 388.1801 to 388.1830, as amended by this amendatory act, is estimated at $490,763,500.00 and the amount of that state spending from state sources to be paid to local units of government for fiscal year 2026-2027 is estimated at $490,763,500.00.

(3) In accordance with section 30 of article IX of the state constitution of 1963, total state spending from state sources for higher education for fiscal year 2026-2027 under article III of the state school aid act of 1979, 1979 PA 94, MCL 388.1836 to 388.1891, as amended by this amendatory act, is estimated at $2,586,932,800.00 and the amount of that state spending from state sources to be paid to local units of government for fiscal year 2026-2027 is estimated at $0.00.

Enacting section 2. Sections 11y, 11bb, 25g, 27k, 41, 41b, 55, 61d, 97k, 99aa, 99ee, 99mm, 107a, 147g, 164k, 217f, and 241h of the state school aid act of 1979, 1979 PA 94, MCL 388.1611y, 388.1611bb, 388.1625g, 388.1627k, 388.1641, 388.1641b, 388.1655, 388.1661d, 388.1697k, 388.1699aa, 388.1699ee, 388.1699mm, 388.1707a, 388.1747g, 388.1764k, 388.1817f, and 388.1841h, are repealed.

Enacting section 3. (1) Sections 11, 22a, 22b, 26a, 26d, 27b, 51a, 51c, 51e, 56, 62, 104, 147a, and 147e of the state school aid act of 1979, 1979 PA 94, MCL 388.1611, 388.1622a, 388.1622b, 388.1626a, 388.1626d, 388.1627b, 388.1651a, 388.1651c, 388.1651e, 388.1656, 388.1662, 388.1704, 388.1747a, and 388.1747e, as amended by this amendatory act, if granted immediate effect pursuant to section 27 of article IV of the state constitution of 1963, take effect on enactment of this amendatory act.

(2) Except as otherwise provided for those sections listed in subsection (1), the remaining sections of this amendatory act take effect October 1, 2026.

Enacting section 4. This amendatory act does not take effect unless Senate Bill No. 903 of the 103rd Legislature is enacted into law.