(LANSING) - Michigan lawmakers are weighing new legislation that would give the state Legislature greater authority over future education standards, including health and sex education guidelines.
House Bill 5364 was introduced after the State Board of Education approved updated health education standards in November. The new guidelines recommend instruction on topics including gender identity and sexual orientation. According to Bridge Michigan, the standards were approved on a 6-2 vote split along party lines and prompted significant public debate.
Under the proposal, any new or revised academic content standards would only take effect if approved by both the Michigan House and Senate through a concurrent resolution. Supporters say the change would ensure lawmakers have a direct role in decisions that could require school districts to make costly curriculum updates.
Backers of the bill include advocacy groups such as Citizens for Traditional Values and several legal organizations, which argue the Legislature should have oversight of standards with broad educational and financial impacts.
Opponents say the bill would weaken local control and reduce parental input. Pamela Pugh, president of the State Board of Education, and the Michigan Department of Education have criticized the measure. Bridge Michigan reports the department warned the bill would "usurp the authority of the State Board of Education and take away the voice of parents in local communities."
The bill's sponsor, Gina Johnsen, told Bridge Michigan the legislation is meant to tighten the approval process rather than advance a political or religious agenda. State Board member Nikki Snyder said she supports changes to education governance but believes the bill is not the right solution.
House Bill 5364 is currently under review in the House Education and Workforce Committee. Even if approved by the House, the legislation would face an uncertain path in the Democratic-controlled Senate.