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HB 4154

Education: career and technical; trade schools; include in the postsecondary enrollment options act. Amends sec. 3 of 1996 PA 160 (MCL 388.513).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brian BeGole and 12 co-sponsors

Expands state-funded dual enrollment to allow high school students to take trade-school courses for certificate credit, in addition to degree credit.

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
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Bill Summary · HB 4154

Summary — HB 4154 (Postsecondary Enrollment Options Act amendment)

Status: Passed Michigan House (Mar 20, 2025); referred to Committee on Education (Apr 15, 2025)
Primary sponsor (MI): Rep. Brian BeGole

Purpose

HB 4154 amends the Postsecondary Enrollment Options Act (1996 PA 160) to expand Michigan’s dual‑enrollment program so that high school students may use state‑funded dual enrollment to take courses at trade schools and to earn certificate credit (not just degree credit).

Key provisions

  • Adds “trade school” to the statutory definition of “eligible postsecondary institution,” alongside state universities, community colleges, and nonprofit degree‑granting colleges/universities located in Michigan that choose to comply with the Act.
  • Extends eligibility for state‑paid dual enrollment to courses that “satisfy the requirements of a certificate” at an eligible institution (current law limits to courses that satisfy degree requirements).
  • Retains existing rules for out‑of‑state institutions located within 20 miles of the Michigan border (they may be eligible under current location/enrollment conditions).
  • Defines “trade school” as a program of organized, systematic instruction designed to prepare:
    • Those who have completed or left high school for full‑time vocational study,
    • Working individuals needing training for employment stability/advancement,
    • Individuals enrolled in high school (i.e., high school students).
  • Does not change remaining statutory limits and conditions on eligible courses (course caps per year/overall, exclusions for certain subject areas, and other program rules remain in effect).

Who is affected

  • High school students seeking career and technical education (CTE) and certificate programs: gains access to additional dual‑enrollment options.
  • School districts and public school academies (PSAs): required to pay eligible charges for students who dual‑enroll at trade schools; net fiscal impact depends on enrollment shifts and course costs.
  • Trade schools: become eligible to participate in dual‑enrollment arrangements and receive state‑funded students.
  • Postsecondary institutions: may see enrollment shifts between colleges and trade schools.

Fiscal impact

  • No direct state fiscal impact reported.
  • Indeterminate impact on local school districts and PSAs: districts/PSAs must pay for eligible charges when students dual‑enroll at trade schools. The net effect could be increased costs (more students dual‑enrolling) or savings (students moving from more expensive college courses to less expensive trade‑school courses), depending on participation and price differences.

Support and rationale

Supporters (recorded in committee report) include Association of Builders and Contractors, Great Lakes Education Project, Michigan Manufacturers Association, and Michigan Laborers District Council. Proponents argue the change increases access to CTE and career pathways, particularly where local skilled‑trades training is limited.

Procedural/timeline notes

  • Introduced Feb 26, 2025 (Rep. BeGole); reported from committee March 13, 2025.
  • Passed House March 20, 2025 (Yeas 92, Nays 13) with immediate effect; transmitted same day.
  • Referred to Committee on Education (state action continuing).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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