Bill > HB4797

This bill establishes a grant program for public broadcast stations in Michigan, known as the "Securing Access to Vibrant, Enlightening Education and Local Media Outlets Act". The bill creates a Public Media Fund in the state treasury and authorizes the Department of Education to operate a grant program that will provide financial support to local public broadcast stations. To be eligible, stations must submit detailed applications demonstrating their mission, local service, financial need, and proposed use of funds. Applicants must be based in Michigan and serve state audiences, with programming that meets educational, cultural, civic, or informational community needs. The director will review applications annually between January 2 and March 15, issuing approval or denial letters by June 15, with grants not exceeding $1.5 million per station. The bill appropriates $13 million from the general fund to the Public Media Fund for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, with the funds to be used exclusively for grants to public broadcast stations and program administration. The state treasurer will manage the fund's investments, and any unspent money will not revert to the general fund at the year's end.

Budget and Finance

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4797