(1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2025-2026 only an amount not to exceed $250,000.00 to Wayne State University to study this state's public school library programs.

    (2) Wayne State University shall convene a committee to conduct the study described in this section. The committee must consist of 1 member from each of the following organizations:

    (a) The department.

    (b) The Library of Michigan.

    (c) The Michigan Association of School Librarians.

    (d) The Michigan senate.

    (e) The Michigan house of representatives.

    (f) The Michigan Education Association.

    (g) The Michigan chapter of the American Federation of Teachers.

    (h) The Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators.

    (i) A Michigan research university.

    (3) The committee described in subsection (2) shall conduct a study to investigate at least all of the following issues:

    (a) How many schools in each district have a school library.

    (b) What hours school libraries are open each week for students and faculty to use.

    (c) What full-time equivalency of certified school librarians are employed at each building.

    (d) The ratio of students per certified school librarian.

    (e) What full-time equivalency of paraprofessional or other staff are employed in the school library and the credentialing of these staff, if any.

    (f) How school libraries are scheduled.

    (g) How many hours each week school librarians provide direct library-related instruction to students.

    (h) The technology available for students to access library resources and lessons.

    (i) The size and age of the collection in each school library, and the extent of digital materials available for students to access.

    (j) Current funding per student for school library materials.

    (k) Any other matters that the committee considers relevant to the fulfillment of its mission to determine the status of school library programs in this state.

    (4) The department shall provide staff and other resources as the committee described in subsection (2) considers appropriate, including contracting with a researcher. Appropriate costs must be determined by the department, and the committee described in subsection (2) shall reimburse the department for costs related to this subsection.

    (5) The committee described in subsection (2) may conduct public hearings to gather information, and may sponsor statewide or regional conferences involving educators, students, or the public at large.

    (6) The committee described in subsection (2) shall provide a report to the house and senate appropriations subcommittees on school aid, the state budget director, the house and senate fiscal agencies, and the department by not later than December 31, 2026. The report must create a long-term plan for this state's school library programs that may include the adoption of guidelines for school library facilities, budget, staffing, collection development, and curriculum standards for school library programs. The final report and recommendations must include drafts of legislation necessary to carry those recommendations into effect.

    (7) Notwithstanding section 17b, the department shall make payments under this section on a schedule determined by the department.