HB 5272 proposes to create a new property tax credit for disabled veterans and surviving spouses (widows/widowers) of disabled veterans who rent or lease a home in Michigan. It amends Michigan’s income tax law to add this credit and specifically exclude it from the state’s income tax cap. This would directly benefit qualifying renters who are disabled veterans or surviving spouses, providing them with a tax reduction they currently cannot access under existing rules. The bill does not change other tax credits or the overall tax structure.
SB 709 establishes formal criteria for renaming Michigan highways to honor veterans or historical figures. It amends Michigan's highway law (MCL 250.1001-250.2092) by adding Section 1b, requiring the Michigan Department of Transportation to adopt specific procedures for such requests. The bill directly affects state transportation decisions and local communities seeking to rename roads. It mandates that renaming proposals must include historical significance and public input, but does not authorize specific name changes. This procedural bill focuses on creating a standardized process for highway memorials.
SB 532 creates special vehicle registration plates for Michigan military members, including current National Guard members, U.S. Armed Forces Reserve members, and honorably discharged veterans (including those who retired or received honorable discharges). Applicants must provide proof of service, and the plates feature a special design with "national guard" or "armed forces" wording, issued at no service fee. The plates expire on the vehicle owner’s birthday, and renewal requires no additional fee. This law directly affects eligible military members and their vehicles, expanding access beyond current plate categories.
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.
This bill designates a specific section of US-131 in Mecosta County as the "Sgt. Matthew Webber Memorial Highway" to honor a fallen service member. The legislation amends Michigan's highway naming laws by adding a new section that officially names the stretch of road between 11 Mile Road and Old State Road. This change affects only the official signage and legal designation of that roadway segment, with no changes to traffic rules or road maintenance responsibilities. The memorial name serves as a permanent tribute to Sgt. Webber within the state's transportation infrastructure.
SB 542 amends Michigan's tuition assistance program for National Guard members by updating specific sections of the 2014 law (2014 PA 259). It directly affects current and future Michigan National Guard members by modifying the terms of their tuition benefit eligibility or calculation. The bill changes the legal provisions governing how the assistance is administered under the existing program. After passing the legislature with 34-3 votes in December 2025, it was sent to the governor for final approval.
SB 370 creates Michigan's "Tricare premium reimbursement program" to help National Guard members cover health insurance costs. It directly affects Michigan National Guard members eligible for Tricare Reserve Select or Tricare Dental programs who aren't covered by employer plans or other insurance. The program reimburses members for premiums they pay for these specific Tricare plans, using funds from the existing Michigan National Guard Member Benefit Fund. To qualify, members must apply through a department-form on the website, and reimbursements are made only if sufficient funds are available.
