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Bill

HB 5995

Education: other; fees for evaluation of applications; eliminate. Amends secs. 1531h & 1538 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1531h & 380.1538).

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Brian BeGole and 8 co-sponsors

Michigan bill eliminates school district fees for student application evaluations to increase educational program access without upfront financial barriers.

bill electronically reproduced 09/26/2024
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Bill Summary · HB 5995

Legislative bill overview

HB 5995 eliminates fees that Michigan school districts currently charge for evaluating applications from students seeking enrollment in educational programs. The bill modifies sections of Michigan's public school code that govern application evaluation procedures and associated costs.

Why is this important

Application evaluation fees create financial barriers for families seeking educational alternatives or specialized programs within their district. Eliminating these fees could increase access to magnet schools, career technical education, or other specialized programs, particularly for lower-income families who may be deterred by upfront costs.

Potential points of contention

  • School district revenue loss: Districts currently use these fees to offset administrative costs; eliminating them may require districts to absorb evaluation expenses through general funds or reduce evaluation resources
  • Program capacity concerns: Removing financial barriers could increase application volume, potentially overwhelming programs with limited enrollment capacity
  • Implementation clarity: The bill language doesn't specify transition timelines, refund policies for previously paid fees, or which programs fall under the evaluation fee elimination

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

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