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HB 6112

State agencies (proposed): other; office of American Freedmen affairs; establish. Creates new act.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joey Andrews and 26 co-sponsors

Creates the Office of Freedmen Affairs to study, advocate, and address disparities for American Freedmen in Michigan, guiding policy and access to state services.

bill electronically reproduced 06/18/2026
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Bill Summary · HB 6112

Summary of HB 6112 (2025-2026) – Michigan

Main purpose and intent

  • Establishes the office of Freedmen affairs as an autonomous entity within the Michigan Department of Civil Rights.
  • The Office aims to advocate for, coordinate, research, and provide policy recommendations on matters affecting American Freedmen (descendants of individuals emancipated from slavery in the U.S.) residing in Michigan.
  • The bill seeks to address disparities in state resource allocation, programs, and opportunities for American Freedmen and improve access to state services.

Key provisions and changes

  • Creation and status

    • Creates the Office of Freedmen Affairs as an autonomous unit within the Department of Civil Rights (not fully independent of the department, but operates independently on its duties).

  • Responsibilities of the Office

    • Advise the governor and legislature on policies, programs, and legislation affecting American Freedmen.
    • Provide data- and research-driven policy recommendations to address disparities in state resources, funding, and opportunities.
    • Improve access to state programs and benefits through outreach and coordination with state agencies.
    • Develop initiatives to expand economic opportunity, workforce development, and entrepreneurship for American Freedmen.
    • Establish genealogy research assistance, archival resources, and historical documentation support.
    • Conduct policy analysis, program evaluations, and data-informed assessments of state actions affecting American Freedmen.
    • Solicit input from American Freedmen communities and stakeholders to guide priorities.
    • Partner with public, private, academic, and nonprofit organizations to align efforts.
    • Identify systemic barriers and propose strategies for state agencies and the legislature to address them.

  • Leadership and staffing

    • A Director, appointed by the Governor for a 5-year term (eligible for reappointment), leads and staffs the Office.

  • Operational tools

    • The Office may hire staff with expertise in policy analysis, community engagement, genealogy/history, and economic/financial planning.
    • The Office may enter into contracts or partnerships with academic institutions, nonprofits, consultants, and other professionals.

  • Reporting and transparency

    • An annual report is due by February 28 each year to the Governor, Senate Secretary, and House Clerk. The report includes:
    • Activities and accomplishments from the prior year.
    • An assessment of the social, economic, and health conditions of American Freedmen in Michigan.
    • Legislative or policy recommendations to address identified disparities.

  • Funding and gifts

    • The Office may solicit and accept gifts, grants, donations, loans, appropriations, and other funds from federal, state, local, or private sources to carry out its purposes.

Who is affected

  • American Freedmen in Michigan – The primary beneficiaries, with potential impacts through improved access to programs, targeted economic initiatives, and enhanced state data on disparities.
  • State government – The Governor, the Legislature, and state agencies would engage with the Office for policy guidance, data-informed analyses, and recommendations.
  • Researchers, nonprofits, and educational institutions – Potential partners and contractors for research, genealogical services, and program evaluations.
  • Local governments and communities – May collaborate with the Office on outreach and initiative implementation.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Establishment and leadership

    • The Office is created as an autonomous entity within the Department of Civil Rights, led by a Governor-appointed Director for a five-year term.

  • Annual reporting

    • Mandatory annual reporting due by February 28 to the Governor and Capitol leadership.

  • Funding and outside partnerships

    • Authority to receive external funds (gifts, grants, donations, etc.) to support activities.

Potential implications and considerations

  • The bill formalizes a centralized, data-driven, and coordinated approach to addressing disparities experienced by American Freedmen in Michigan.
  • Success hinges on the Office’s ability to access robust data, secure stable funding, and effectively collaborate with other state entities and external partners.
  • The creation of genealogy and historical documentation resources may have cultural and educational benefits, alongside policy-focused objectives.
  • Since the Office operates within the Department of Civil Rights but is described as autonomous for its duties, questions may arise about governance, budget, and oversight mechanisms.

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

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