Bill
HB 4873
Requires a minimum $610 million annual appropriation for the Great Start Readiness Program, starting FY2026, ensuring ongoing pre-K funding for districts and providers.
HB 4873 Summary (Great Start Readiness Program Funding Minimum)
Overview
- Purpose: Establish a mandatory minimum annual appropriation for the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP), ensuring ongoing state support for pre-kin programs described in the state school aid framework.
- Legal basis: Amends the Revised School Code (1976 PA 451) by adding a new Section 1147a.
- Companion: SB 2345 (Senate companion).
What the bill would do
- New requirement: Beginning with the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, the Legislature must appropriate at least $610,000,000 each fiscal year specifically for Great Start Readiness Programs.
- Reference: The annual appropriation amount is tied to programs described in section 32d of the State School Aid Act of 1979 (MCL 388.1632d).
Key provisions
- Add Sec. 1147a to the Revised School Code (MCL 380.1 – 380.1852).
- Mandates a minimum annual appropriation of $610 million for GSRP funding, starting with the 2026 fiscal year.
- The funding is described as part of the State School Aid Act framework (specifically section 32d).
Fiscal and timeline details
- Effective minimum funding: $610,000,000 per fiscal year for GSRP, starting with the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026.
- Implementation timeline: The bill introduces Sec. 1147a now; the first required minimum appropriation would apply to the 2026 fiscal year and subsequent years.
- Legislative process: Introduced March 13, 2025; read first time April 3, 2025; referred to Appropriations; electronically reproduced September 11, 2025.
Who would be affected
- State government/General Fund and School Aid Fund administrators responsible for K-12 and early childhood funding.
- Local school districts, charter schools, and other entities participating in or administering the Great Start Readiness Program, which provides pre-K services to eligible children.
- Providers and partner organizations that deliver GSRP services, as the funding floor could influence budgeting, staffing, and program capacity.
Relation to existing law and programs
- The bill would align with, and reinforce, the Great Start Readiness Program as defined within the State School Aid Act framework (section 32d) and integrated into the Revised School Code via Sec. 1147a.
- It does not specify distributions beyond the minimum annual amount; distributions, formulas, or eligibility details would continue to follow existing statutes and any updates from the Appropriations process.
Notes
- Related legislation: SB 2345 (Senate companion bill).
- As introduced, the bill seeks to guarantee stable, ongoing funding for GSRP to support early childhood education access and program capacity statewide.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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