News From the Capitol  March 8, 2024

• House Committee Considers Requiring Instruction on Becoming an Organ Donor
• Senate K-12 Appropriations Subcommittee Hears Presentations on Teacher Shortage
• House Committee Begins Hearings on the “Headlee Unfunded Mandates Prohibition Act” 
• School Cardiac Emergency Response Plan Changes Considered 
• House K-12 Subcommittee Talks Universal Free Meals 
• Register Today for Spring 2024 Behind the Scenes at the Capitol 

House Committee Considers Requiring Instruction on Becoming an Organ Donor

On Tuesday, the House Education Committee heard testimony on House Bill 5174, which would require all 9th grade students to receive at least one hour of instruction on becoming an organ donor and how to register for the Michigan Organ Donor Registry. This instruction would start in the 2025-26 school year.

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) would be required to develop a one-hour training with the assistance of recognized third-party organizations such as, but not limited to, Donate Life America, Eversight, and Gift of Life Michigan. Additionally, parents/guardians may have their student(s) opt out of this instruction with a written request and without penalty. 

MASB and other education organizations have raised concerns about this bill in its current form and are working to address them with the bill sponsor. Further hearings are expected.

Senate PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee Hears Presentations on Teacher Shortage

The Senate PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee held a hearing on Tuesday with presentations on the teacher shortage. Launch Michigan testified to research they have done and suggestions they are putting together to increase the teacher pipeline and retain those teachers. The Michigan Education Justice Coalition, African American Committee testified to the need for more diversity among teachers and how important it is for all kids to see themselves in their teachers. Finally, Teach for America testified about its Teach Michigan program, how they train teachers and successes they have seen. They urged the committee to put significant funds into teacher recruitment and retention programs.

School Cardiac Emergency Response Plan Changes Considered 

Also on Tuesday, the House Regulatory Committee began testimony on bills that would modify and expand the cardiac emergency response plans for schools. House Bill 5527 & 5528 would require that each school create an emergency plan and response team to act in case of a cardiac emergency during the school day or at school-sponsored athletic events. The cardiac emergency response plan would establish steps and practices that would reduce the chances of serious harm or possible death. 

These bills would require ongoing training for the response team, including Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), First aid, and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). In addition, any athletic coach at a high school must have a valid certification in both CPR and the use of an AED. HB 5527 also specifically requires Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to be accessible within one to three minutes from the location of a cardiac emergency. This requirement might mean that multiple AED units must be available throughout buildings and sports fields.  

MASB has raised concerns about how schools can be compliant with some of the requirements of the bill, specifically the 1-3 minute response time. We are working with MI Association of Secondary School Principals, American Heart Association and the bill sponsor to address our concerns before this bill moves forward. Hearings will continue next week.

House Committee Begins Hearings on the “Headlee Unfunded Mandates Prohibition Act” 

The House Committee on Local Government and Municipal Finance met Wednesday to hear testimony on House Bill 5353, which would require that all new legislative mandates be funded. Simply, the bill requires that the legislature will pay the necessary costs of a state mandated requirement. 

HB 5353 has the support of Michigan Association of Counties, Oakland Schools, and the Michigan Townships Association. MASB also supports this bill. The bill was not reported out and further hearings are expected.

House K-12 Subcommittee Talks Universal Free Meals 

On Thursday, the House K-12 Appropriations Subcommittee heard testimony about the Universal Free Meals Program. Providing free school meals remains a legislative priority of MASB, and those in attendance were supportive of the current Free School Breakfast and Lunch Program. 

Dr. Diane Golzynski from the Michigan Department of Education answered questions about the current meals program and what changes are expected. Questions ranged from available a’ la carte options, capacity to prepare foods in school, and meeting the special dietary needs of students. 

Lori Adkins, Oakland Schools, presented about the positive response to free meals and included this video about Michigan Meals Program Oakland ISD.  Marquette Area Public Schools’ Zack Sedgwick and Chris Collins also presented via Zoom in support of the program.  

Register Today for Spring 2024 Behind the Scenes at the Capitol 

Behind the Scenes at the Capitol will be held on Wednesday, April 24, in the Mackinac Room of the House Office Building in Lansing. Registration is now open!

This event will feature a panel of legislators discussing potential education issues for this year, a discourse on the changes to the superintendent evaluation law, and a budget update, among other topics. It’s a great opportunity for members to network with others from around the state and advocate on behalf of their school districts with their state elected officials. 

Register today to secure your spot.