Michigan House Bill HB4378

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/22/25
• Refer: 4/22/25

Caption

Higher education: financial aid; eligibility for Michigan reconnect program; modify. Amends sec. 1 of 2020 PA 84 (MCL 390.1701). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4377'25

Summary

HB 4378 amends the Michigan Reconnect Grant Act to change the stated eligibility age for the Reconnect program from 25 and older to 21 and older. The bill updates the legislative findings and purpose section to reflect that the program is intended to provide last-dollar financial assistance to adults age 21 and up who seek associate degrees or industry-recognized certificates or credentials through Michigan community colleges and related pathways. The bill keeps the broader policy goals of the Reconnect program intact: expanding access to postsecondary education and workforce training, supporting adult learners, addressing equity gaps, and helping Michigan reach its goal of increasing the share of residents ages 25 to 64 with a college degree or credential to 60% by 2030. It is tied to companion legislation and would not take effect unless HB 4377 or the referenced Senate bill is enacted, indicating it is part of a coordinated package rather than a standalone change.

Impact

If enacted, HB 4378 would amend MCL 390.1701, the section that defines the purpose of the Michigan Reconnect Grant Act, to lower the minimum age referenced in the program’s stated eligibility from 25 to 21. This would broaden the pool of adults who may qualify for last-dollar tuition assistance under the Reconnect program, potentially increasing participation in community college degree and credential programs. The bill does not itself rewrite the detailed eligibility rules in the recipient act, but it changes the governing act’s core policy statement and aligns the program’s purpose with a younger adult population.

Sentiment

The bill appears generally supportive and expansion-oriented, with no recorded committee testimony or votes indicating opposition in the provided materials. Its language emphasizes workforce development, adult learner innovation, and educational equity, suggesting a positive framing around access to higher education and skills training. The tie-bar to companion legislation also suggests the proposal is being advanced as part of a broader, coordinated higher-education policy effort.

Contention

The main point of potential contention is the age reduction from 25 to 21, which expands eligibility and could increase program costs or change the program’s target population. Supporters are likely to view this as a way to help younger adults complete credentials sooner and meet workforce needs, while any critics may question whether the program should remain focused on older adult learners or whether the state can sustain the added financial commitment. Because no committee transcripts or votes are provided, there is no documented debate in the record here beyond the policy change itself.