Construction: code; building classification of virtual educational and counseling services; modify. Amends 1972 PA 230 (MCL 125.1501 - 125.1531) by adding sec. 4e.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tom Kunse

Buildings hosting virtual learning centers for high school students would be reclassified from educational to business occupancies under Michigan's construction code.

bill electronically reproduced 07/03/2026

#construction:code

Bill Summary: HB 6176 (Michigan, 2025-2026)

Purpose and intent

The bill amends the Stille-DeRossett-Hale single state construction code act (1972 PA 230) to address how certain facilities are classified for building code purposes.

Specifically, it creates a new provision that classifies a facility serving as a virtual learning center differently from traditional schools.

Key provisions

Section 4e (new language):

Notwithstanding any other provision of the act or related rules, a building or structure that serves as a virtual learning center must be classified under the business occupancy classification in the building code, rather than the educational occupancy classification.

Definition of “virtual learning center”:

An organization that provides educational support, counseling, and administrative services for students in grades 9 through 12 who participate in virtual education courses.
A virtual learning center does not provide routine in-person instruction.

Affected entities and facilities

Buildings used as virtual learning centers (VLCs) for high school students enrolled in virtual education programs.

Such facilities would be reclassified from educational occupancy to business occupancy for purposes of the construction code.

The change applies regardless of other code provisions or rules, as it is stated to be “notwithstanding” other provisions.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced: July 3, 2026.

Assigned to: Committee on Education and Workforce.

The bill’s action history indicates standard initial committee referral following introduction.

No explicit effective date is stated in the text provided; typically, enactment would follow the legislative process (e.g., passage, signature, and a defined effective date).

Potential impacts and considerations

Operational impact for VLCs:

Reclassification to business occupancy could affect fire safety, egress, accessibility, mechanical systems, and inspection/configuration expectations under the state construction code.
May influence insurance, permitting processes, and associated costs or timelines for opening/renovation of VLC facilities.

Clarity for compliance:

The bill provides a clear statutory basis to treat VLCs as business occupancies, potentially simplifying certain regulatory interactions as opposed to educational occupancies.

Policy implications:

Signals a delineation between traditional in-person schools and virtual learning environments in building code classification, which may reflect differing facility needs and risk profiles.

Summary

HB 6176 proposes a targeted change to Michigan’s construction code classification framework by requiring buildings that host virtual learning centers (serving high school students in grades 9–12 who take virtual courses) to be classified as business occupancies rather than educational occupancies. A VLC is defined as an organization offering educational support, counseling, and administrative services for virtual learners and not providing routine in-person instruction. The change is intended to align the occupancy classification with the nature of services provided within such facilities.