Bill
HB 5983
The bill would authorize and regulate public innovative programs in K-12 schools, outlining approval, funding, governance, and evaluation requirements.
HB 5983 proposes amendments to the Michigan Public School Code to establish and support public innovative programs within the K-12 education system. The bill aims to create a framework for innovative educational offerings beyond traditional classroom models and to set conditions for their operation, funding, oversight, and evaluation. It is paired with HB 5984 (as a tie-bar), suggesting complementary or coordinating provisions across related bills.
Amendments to existing statutes: The bill amends sections 1278a, 1278b, and 1284a of 1976 Public Act 451 (the Michigan School Code) and adds a new section 1278e. The exact text of these sections is not provided here, but the changes are intended to modify how innovative programs are approved, conducted, funded, and assessed.
Creation/authorization of public innovative programs: The core policy change is to authorize and regulate innovative programs in public schools. While specifics are not listed in the summary, such programs typically include flexible instructional models, alternative curricula, pilot approaches, and potentially expanded use of technology or partnerships to broaden educational options for students.
Funding and resources: The amendments generally imply provisions related to funding for these innovative programs. This may involve allocation mechanisms, eligibility criteria, reporting requirements, or oversight to ensure funds are used for their intended purposes.
Oversight, accountability, and evaluation: The bill is likely to establish or modify accountability measures for innovative programs, including performance metrics, reporting to the state or local education agencies, and periodic evaluation to determine effectiveness and continuation.
Tie-bar with HB 5984: The bills are connected, indicating that HB 5984 may contain related provisions (e.g., funding, implementation timelines, or governance structures) that complement HB 5983. Action on both bills may be coordinated.
Public school districts and charter schools: Entities that would implement or host innovative programs would be primary actors, subject to approval, funding, and reporting requirements established by the bill.
Students and families: Students in districts that adopt innovative programs could access expanded instructional options, potentially including new pathways, curricula, or delivery methods.
Educators and administrators: School leaders and teachers would participate in the design, implementation, and evaluation of innovative programs, possibly requiring professional development or changes to scheduling and staffing.
State and local education agencies: Agencies responsible for approving, funding, monitoring, and evaluating innovative programs would be affected by new statutory requirements.
Introduction and referral: HB 5983 was introduced on May 19, 2026, by Representative Jimmie Wilson Jr., with co-sponsorship from Nancy DeBoer.
First reading and committee: The bill received its first reading on May 19, 2026, and was referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce for consideration.
Action timeline: No explicit dates for committee hearings, amendments, or floor votes are provided in the available information. As a tie-bar with HB 5984, progress on both bills may be coordinated.
The exact statutory language is not included in this summary; therefore, details on eligibility, standards, funding amounts, and specific program parameters are not specified. Interested readers should review the bill text and any committee reports for precise provisions.
Given the tie-bar with HB 5984, stakeholders should monitor both bills for a coherent set of provisions governing the scope, funding, governance, and evaluation of public innovative programs.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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