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Bill Summary · HB 6164

Summary of HB 6164 (2025-2026) – Michigan

Purpose and intent

HB 6164 would require public high schools to offer at least one computer science course starting in the 2027-2028 school year. The bill aims to expand access to computer science education for high school students by establishing minimum course availability and defining course standards and eligibility.

Key provisions

  • New requirement start date

    • Beginning with the 2027-2028 school year, every public high school must offer at least one computer science course to students.

  • Course standards and eligibility

    • The course must meet or exceed standards set by the State Board of Education.
    • Schools must make a good-faith effort to offer the course in-person. If in-person delivery is not feasible, the course may be offered via virtual or distance-based options.
    • The in-person requirement does not apply to high schools that operate entirely virtually.
    • A school may meet the requirement by offering the course in any facility operated by:
    • A school district
    • An intermediate school district
    • A public school academy
    • A career and technical education center
    • A career and technical education consortium
    • The course must be listed as an option in the school's catalog of courses, as confirmed by the district or equivalent entity.

  • Definition of computer science

    • Computer science is defined as the study of computers and algorithmic processes, including principles, hardware and software designs, implementation, and societal impact. It emphasizes teaching students how to create new technologies, not merely how to use existing technology.

  • Definition of public high school

    • A public high school is one that offers at least one of grades 9 through 12.

Who is affected

  • Public high schools in Michigan will be required to offer at least one computer science course beginning in the 2027-2028 school year.
  • Students in these high schools will have access to a designated computer science course, subject to school-level implementation and catalog listing.
  • School districts, ISDs, public school academies, and CT/CTE centers may provide the course in various facilities and via multiple delivery modes (in-person, virtual, or distance-based), as long as standards are met.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced and referred: The bill was introduced on July 3, 2026, to the Education and Workforce Committee.
  • Implementation timeline: The mandate takes effect for the 2027-2028 school year, allowing districts time to plan course offerings, identify delivery methods, and ensure compliance with statewide standards.
  • Delivery flexibility: The bill provides flexibility in how the course is delivered (in-person preferred, but virtual options allowed if in-person is not feasible, including for fully virtual schools).

Additional notes

  • The bill builds on the definition and framework for computer science education by specifying that the focus should include creating technologies, not solely using technology.
  • It aligns with ongoing efforts to standardize computer science education across Michigan public high schools by tying the requirement to state board standards and course catalog inclusion.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill to current Michigan computer science education provisions or outline potential implementation considerations for school districts.

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

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