Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

Michigan House Bill HJRH

Introduced
3/20/25  

Caption

Higher education: other; use of school aid funds for the operations of public universities; prohibit. Amends sec. 4, art. VIII & sec. 11, art. IX of the state constitution.

Impact

If enacted, HJRH will substantially alter how public universities are financed within Michigan. The prohibition on using the state school aid fund for operating expenses may compel universities to seek alternative funding sources or adjust their budgets significantly. This shift in funding policy could lead to increased tuition fees, a reduction in available services, or the implementation of cuts to various programs, thereby affecting students and staff alike. Furthermore, the amendment may influence the legislative landscape surrounding education funding in Michigan.

Summary

House Joint Resolution H (HJRH) proposes an amendment to the Michigan Constitution, specifically aiming to update the enumeration of public universities. The resolution seeks to amend sections of Article VIII and Article IX to clarify that the state school aid fund cannot be utilized for funding the operating expenses of public universities. The measure emphasizes accountability by requiring the legislature to provide an annual accounting of all income and expenditures from these institutions as part of its funding oversight.

Contention

Discussions about HJRH have surfaced notable points of contention among stakeholders. Supporters argue that the amendment is necessary to ensure that taxpayer-funded aid is directed purely toward K-12 education and does not subsidize university operations, while opponents express concern that this could limit universities' financial flexibility. There's a fear that the measure may lead to financial instability for institutions that rely heavily on aid for their operating expenses, thereby jeopardizing the quality of education and access for students.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MI HJRG

Constitutional amendments: state; state board of education; eliminate. Amends secs. 3 & 7, art. VIII of the state constitution.

MI SJRD

Higher education: governing boards; open meetings for university boards; require. Adds sec. 4 to art. VIII of the state constitution.

MI HCR5005

Proposing to amend section 6 of article 6 of the constitution of the state of Kansas to limit the use of elementary and secondary public funds for secular public schools and prohibit public funds from being used for private nonpublic schools.

MI HJRE

Constitutional amendments: state; governor-appointed superintendent of public instruction; provide for. Amends sec. 3, art. VIII of the state constitution.

MI HB4239

Higher education: other; foreign influence of state institutions of higher education; prohibit. Creates new act.

MI HB4829

Education: curriculum; instruction in constitutional literacy; provide for. Amends secs. 1278a & 1531 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1278a & 380.1531) & adds secs. 1166d, 1174 & 1531k.

MI HB5919

Education: other; learner-first district; create. Amends secs. 4 & 5 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.4 & 380.5) & adds (See bill).

MI HB5554

Education: other; protections against harassment by an educational institution; provide for. Amends secs. 103, 401, 402, 801 & 802 of 1976 PA 453 (MCL 37.2103 et seq.) & adds secs. 402b, 402c & 402d.

MI HB5431

School aid: supplemental; supplemental appropriations in the school aid act; provide for. Amends secs. 11, 11s, 33, 201 & 236 of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1611 et seq.) & adds secs. 27g, 97h, 201j, 201k & 236t.

MI HB5088

Higher education: other; use of school aid funds for community colleges and higher education expenses; limit. Creates appropriation act.

Similar Bills

MI SB0382

Higher education: financial aid; Michigan achievement scholarship; provide for. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0383'25

MI HB4954

Higher education: financial aid; eligible recipients of the police officer's and fire fighter's survivor tuition grant; expand to include medical examiners and medical examiner investigators. Amends title & secs. 1, 2, 3 & 4 of 1996 PA 195 (MCL 390.1241 et seq.).

MI HB4955

Higher education: financial aid; Michigan achievement scholarship; provide for. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4956'25

MI HR0254

A resolution to urge the public institutions of higher education in Michigan to establish a consistent policy for awarding postsecondary-level academic credit for International Baccalaureate coursework.

MI SR0098

A resolution to urge the public institutions of higher education in Michigan to establish a consistent policy for awarding postsecondary-level academic credit for International Baccalaureate coursework.

MI HB4123

Higher education: financial aid; Michigan reconnect program; modify. Amends secs. 3 & 7 of 2020 PA 84 (MCL 390.1703 & 390.1707).

MI SJRD

Higher education: governing boards; open meetings for university boards; require. Adds sec. 4 to art. VIII of the state constitution.

MI HR0206

A resolution to declare November 10–16, 2025, as Michigan Historical Music Week in the state of Michigan.