Education: graduation requirements; credit for working certain trades; provide for. Amends sec. 1278a of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1278a) & adds sec. 1279i.
Key claim: A House-passed bill would let Michigan high school students earn graduation credit for working in certain trades.
Abstract
(HB5648 · 103rd Legislature) Education: graduation requirements; credit for working certain trades; provide for. Amends sec. 1278a of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1278a) & adds sec. 1279i. Sponsor: Rep. Jason Woolford ® + 17 co-sponsors In committee: S Education Latest vote: House Third Reading: Given Immediate Effect Roll Call #354 — 59-39 (passed, 2026-08-26) Latest action (2026-09-09): Referred To Committee On Education
Why this matters
Graduation requirements set the floor for what every Michigan high schooler must complete to earn a diploma, so changes to what counts toward credit reshape both student pathways and district curriculum planning. Allowing paid trades work to count would create a new career-connected route through the diploma, aligning with parallel CTE flexibility bills but shifting some learning off school campuses. Because it is House-passed but not yet law, districts and families would only see changes if the Senate concurs and the governor signs.