The Michigan House of Representatives on Tuesday approved House Bill 5364, legislation sponsored by State Representative Gina Johnsen that would strengthen transparency and legislative oversight when statewide education standards are changed.

House Bill 5364 requires that any revisions to Michigan’s model curriculum content standards adopted by the State Board of Education must also receive approval through concurrent resolutions of the Michigan House and Senate before they can be implemented.

Johnsen said the legislation is intended to ensure that major statewide education policy changes receive appropriate public review and accountability.

“Michigan families deserve transparency when statewide education standards are changed,” said Johnsen. “This legislation simply ensures that significant revisions to model curriculum standards receive legislative review, so the people’s elected representatives have a voice in the process.”

The bill was introduced following the State Board of Education’s approval last year of updated health education standards, which included expanded content related to gender identity and sexual orientation. The changes prompted widespread debate among parents, educators, and lawmakers across the state.

Johnsen said the legislation addresses what she described as a structural gap in the current process for adopting statewide education standards.

“This legislation does not dictate curriculum, and it does not replace the expertise of educators,” Johnsen said. “It simply adds a reasonable check to ensure transparency, public scrutiny, and democratic accountability when statewide standards are revised.”

House Bill 5364 now moves to the Michigan Senate for consideration.