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Committee backs bill requiring schools to post and notify parents about Michigan School Data
Summary
The committee reported a substitute (H-1) to House Bill 4149 requiring public schools to post a link to the Michigan School Data parent dashboard on their websites by July 1, 2026, and to provide annual notifications of key metrics starting July 1, 2027.
A sponsor whose name was not recorded on the hearing lectern testified in support of House Bill 4149 and its H‑1 substitute, saying the measure would expand access to Michigan's existing Michigan School Data parent dashboard by requiring local schools to post a link on their websites and to notify parents annually of key performance metrics. The sponsor said the posting requirement would take effect by July 1, 2026, and the annual notification requirement would begin July 1, 2027, calling the bill "common sense" and aimed at improving parental access to existing state data.
Representative Wilson asked what would be different from current practice; the sponsor said the state website already exists but the bill would require local schools to place the link on their own websites to make access easier for parents. Representative Fox commended the transparency effort but highlighted rural broadband gaps and asked whether the bill could require schools to provide alternative means to share the information with parents without internet access. The sponsor said the bill requires annual notice but does not dictate the method; he said districts would likely use the most effective local means to reach families.
Written supporters on the record included Jeff Cobb (Education Trust Midwest), David Randalls (Oakland Schools), and Beth Deshone (Great Lakes Education Project); the clerk recorded the committee vote on the H‑1 substitute as 7 ayes, 0 nays, 4 pass, and the motion prevailed to report House Bill 4149 as substitute H‑1 with recommendation.
Why it matters: The bill would create a uniform requirement for local schools to make existing state data more discoverable for parents; implementation details (how notices are delivered, language access, broadband limitations) were raised by committee members but not prescribed in the bill text during the hearing.
Next steps: The committee reported the substitute with recommendation; the transcript does not record further legislative action.
