HB 5440 would allow Michigan taxpayers to voluntarily contribute $5 or more from their state income tax refund to a new "homeless advocacy fund" starting with the 2026 tax year. The bill amends the tax code to add this specific checkoff option on income tax forms, alongside existing charitable designations like the Children's Trust Fund. Funds designated for this new fund would be distributed directly to homelessness services, with the requirement that the fund must raise at least $50,000 annually to remain on the tax form. This change affects all Michigan taxpayers who file individual income tax returns and choose to allocate a portion of their refund to this new cause.
HB 5439 creates the "Homeless Advocacy Fund" within Michigan's Department of Treasury, funded by money from the state's individual income tax system (specifically Section 435 of the 1967 Income Tax Act). The fund will provide annual support to the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness for programs, policy improvements, and direct services aimed at ending homelessness. All money in the fund must be used solely for this purpose, with unspent funds rolling over each year instead of expiring. The bill requires companion legislation (HB 5440) to take effect.
HB 4754 creates a tax credit for Michigan taxpayers who donate cash or food to qualifying nonprofits, such as homeless shelters, food banks, or kitchens that primarily serve people with household incomes below 140% of the federal poverty level. Taxpayers can claim a credit equal to the value of their donations, capped at $150 for individuals or $300 for joint filers, or 10% of tax liability (up to $7,500) for estates/trusts. To claim the credit, donors must receive written proof from the nonprofit confirming its eligibility, including compliance with anti-discrimination laws and IRS tax-deductibility rules. The credit applies to tax years beginning January 1, 2026, and excess credits are refundable.
SB 180 is a funding bill that allocates $39.29 billion to Michigan's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. It provides specific funding for key programs including $276 million for department administration and management, $195 million for child support enforcement operations, and $197 million for community services like homeless programs, diaper assistance, and housing support. The bill directly affects DHHS operations and the state's recipients of these services, such as families using child support enforcement, homeless individuals accessing shelter programs, and low-income households receiving food or housing aid. It establishes the financial framework for these programs but does not change their underlying policies or eligibility rules.
HB 4197 establishes Michigan's "Bill of Rights for the Homeless," creating new legal protections for individuals experiencing homelessness. It guarantees rights including free movement in public spaces, equal access to services and employment (without discrimination over lack of permanent address), emergency medical care, voting access, and privacy protections for records shared with shelters. The bill also allows local governments to create designated "safe outdoor spaces" for encampments and provides legal remedies for violations, such as court orders or damages. It directly affects homeless residents across Michigan, particularly youth aged 13-23, by prohibiting discrimination in public services, housing, and schools. The law takes effect 90 days after enactment.
HB 5266 creates Michigan's Office of Veteran Homelessness within the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to coordinate support for homeless veterans. The office will identify, align, and connect veterans to existing state, federal, and local resources and programs addressing homelessness, including mental health, substance use, and housing services. It establishes a $1 million Veteran Homelessness Fund for the office's operations and requires annual reports detailing the scope of veteran homelessness, resource gaps, and recommendations for improvement. The bill directly affects homeless veterans in Michigan by streamlining access to services and improving coordination across government programs.
