Bill > HB4238

This bill amends Michigan's school code to restrict public schools from engaging with certain foreign countries deemed to potentially pose national security risks. Specifically, public schools are prohibited from entering agreements or accepting grants from a list of "foreign countries of concern" (which includes China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, and Syria) if those agreements or grants would: constrain the school's contracting freedom, allow foreign control of curriculum or values, or promote agendas deemed detrimental to U.S. safety and security. Before executing any cultural exchange agreement with these countries, schools must first share the agreement's details with a U.S. federal agency like the State Department for review. If the federal agency determines the agreement could harm U.S. safety or security, the school cannot proceed. Additionally, schools are banned from accepting anything of value that is contingent on participating in programs promoting the language or culture of these specified countries. The bill defines a "grant" broadly as a transfer of money for a specific purpose, including conditional gifts, and requires local school district boards to participate in determining whether a proposed agreement might pose a security risk.