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SB 846

Health occupations: social workers; social worker scholarship fund; create. Creates new act.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rosemary Bayer and 4 co-sponsors

SB 846 establishes a Michigan social worker scholarship fund to reduce educational costs and increase workforce pipeline for understaffed mental health and social services sectors.

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HOUSING AND HUMAN SERVICES
#healthoccupations:socialworkers #health:education
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Bill Summary · SB 846

Legislative bill overview

SB 846 creates a new scholarship fund specifically designed to support students pursuing social work degrees in Michigan. The bill establishes a financial assistance program intended to help address workforce shortages in the social work profession by reducing educational barriers for prospective practitioners.

Why is this important

Social workers are critical infrastructure for mental health services, child protective services, and vulnerable population support, yet many states face chronic staffing shortages. By lowering financial barriers to entry, the scholarship fund could expand the workforce capacity to serve Michigan residents needing these essential services, particularly in underserved rural and low-income areas.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding source unclear: The bill's text does not specify how the scholarship fund will be financed (general fund allocation, dedicated tax, private donations), which affects feasibility and cost to taxpayers
  • Program structure undefined: Details about scholarship amounts, eligibility criteria, service requirements (loan forgiveness for working in underserved areas), and administration are not yet specified in this early stage
  • ROI and retention questions: No guarantee that scholarship recipients will remain in Michigan social work positions, potentially subsidizing workers who relocate elsewhere

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

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