HB 5275 modifies Michigan's property tax credit for individual income tax by changing the definition of "disabled veteran" and removing a limit on the credit amount for qualifying veterans. The bill amends sections 506 and 520 of the 1967 Income Tax Act (MCL 206.506, 206.520) to expand eligibility and eliminate a cap previously applied to this credit. This directly affects disabled veterans who claim the property tax credit, allowing them to receive the full credit amount without the prior limitation. The change is a specific policy adjustment to the tax code, not a new benefit.
HB 5257 exempts qualified disabled veterans from Michigan's use tax when purchasing a vehicle for personal use. This applies to veterans meeting the definition in Michigan's General Property Tax Act (MCL 211.7b), which requires a service-connected disability rating. The exemption begins January 1, 2026, and covers the full purchase price of the vehicle. The bill amends the Use Tax Act to add this specific exemption while maintaining other tax collection provisions.
HB 5277 amends Michigan's state procurement rules to prioritize Michigan-based businesses, biobased products, and qualified disabled veteran-owned businesses in state contracts. It requires state agencies to give up to 15% preference to disabled veteran businesses when they are the lowest bidders and sets a goal for 5% of annual state spending on goods/services to go to these businesses. The bill mandates annual reporting on disabled veteran contracting progress and includes new requirements for state contracts to include anti-boycott clauses regarding strategic partners. These changes directly affect all state agencies purchasing goods/services and businesses seeking state contracts.
HB 5268 amends Michigan law to require the state veterans' facility ombudsman to directly forward reports finding verified abuse, neglect, or exploitation in veterans' facilities to the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). This change affects veterans' facilities and their residents, as it ensures LARA - responsible for facility licensing and oversight - receives these reports immediately. The bill modifies Section 10 of the existing ombudsman law to mandate this specific reporting pathway when abuse findings are deemed valid, rather than only sharing internally with the department of military and veterans affairs. This creates a clearer accountability step for serious facility safety concerns.
HB 5274 creates a sales tax exemption for qualified disabled veterans purchasing vehicles. Beginning January 1, 2026, disabled veterans who meet the state's definition (as outlined in the General Property Tax Act) will not pay the 4% state sales tax on new or used vehicles bought for their personal use and registered in their name. This directly affects disabled veterans seeking to purchase a vehicle for personal transportation. The exemption applies specifically to the sales tax on the vehicle itself, not other taxes or fees.
HB 5282 creates a new program to provide financial bonuses to Michigan veterans who served during the Vietnam-era period from September 1, 1973, to May 7, 1975, and met specific residency and service requirements. Combat veterans (those missing in action or eligible for the Vietnam Service Medal) receive a one-time $600 payment, while non-combat veterans receive $15 per month (capped at $450 total). Surviving spouses, children, or dependent parents of deceased or missing veterans can apply for these benefits through the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. The program is funded by a newly created "Vietnam veteran era bonus extension fund" administered by the state, with application requirements including proof of honorable service and Michigan residency.
HB 5278 amends Michigan's identification card law to include individuals who served in the NOAA Commissioned Corps (NOAACOC) or the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (USPHSCC) in the state's definition of "veteran" for identification cards. This change would allow these service members to request a "veteran" designation on their state ID, similar to military veterans, upon providing proof of service and discharge. The bill requires the Secretary of State to verify service records with relevant agencies and issue the designation in an appropriate format. This policy change directly affects NOAA and USPHSCC personnel seeking to identify their service on official state IDs.
HB 5283 designates the Honor and Remember flag as Michigan's official symbol for honoring fallen U.S. military members who died in service. The bill requires all state properties (including the capitol and government buildings) and local government sites to display this flag wherever the U.S. flag is shown. It mandates specific display days, such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and days of half-staff for fallen service members, as ordered by the governor. The bill does not create new funding or alter existing military benefits - it solely establishes a symbolic recognition protocol for state and local government properties.
HB 5265 creates Michigan's Veterans Service Animal Grant Program, providing financial assistance to eligible veterans for obtaining service animals. It directly affects veterans diagnosed with service-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who are matched with service animals through IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. The program, administered by the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, uses a new state fund to cover costs like training and acquisition, with grants awarded based on specific eligibility criteria. The fund is established in the state treasury and can only be used for program grants and administration, as outlined in the bill.
HB 5276 extends eligibility for Michigan's Vietnam veteran era bonus to veterans who received the National Defense Service Medal between September 1, 1973, and May 7, 1975. It adds Section 6a to the existing law, creating a new eligibility path for veterans meeting the service period requirements and medal award criteria. The bill also extends the application deadline for these veterans to May 7, 2028, instead of the original 1980 cutoff. This change directly affects Michigan veterans who served during the Vietnam era and were awarded the specified medal during the extended timeframe.
