HB 4712 creates a new program through which the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will reimburse eligible Michigan National Guard members for premiums paid toward Tricare Reserve Select or Tricare Dental coverage. The program allows the department to award grants to qualifying members who apply using a department-provided form, covering premiums for these specific health plans. It directly affects Guard members who are not on active duty and lack other employer or private health insurance. The bill establishes the framework for administering these reimbursements but does not specify funding amounts or application deadlines.
SB 541 creates the Michigan National Guard member benefit fund in the state treasury to support existing benefit programs for National Guard members. The fund receives deposits from any source, earns interest through state treasurer investments, and retains all money year-to-year without lapsing to the general fund. The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs administers the fund and can only use its money to implement the Michigan National Guard tuition assistance program (2014 PA 259) and the Michigan National Guard child care assistance act. This bill directly affects Michigan National Guard members by ensuring dedicated funding for their tuition and child care benefits through these established programs.
HB 4958 modifies Michigan's National Guard Tuition Assistance Act to expand eligibility and adjust fund management. It allows Michigan National Guard members and their eligible family members (spouses or dependent children who graduated high school or turned 18) to use tuition benefits, requiring the adjutant general to approve applications based on fund availability. The bill sets a $15 million cap on the tuition assistance fund balance, with excess funds lapsing to the general fund or transferring to a separate benefits fund by 2025. It also clarifies that members who withdraw from courses without completing them must repay the fund unless deployment prevented completion.
SB 215 regulates who can provide veterans' benefit assistance in Michigan by amending the Michigan Consumer Protection Act. It restricts service providers to government agencies, VA-accredited individuals, or recognized veterans' organizations, and bans upfront fees - allowing only contingent fees capped at 5 times the monthly benefit increase. Providers must disclose free government services, that benefits aren’t guaranteed, and that no compensation can be charged for claims filed during the 1-year presumptive period. The bill also mandates specific disclaimers in advertising about veterans' benefit events, clarifying they’re not affiliated with VA or state agencies.
HB 5262 amends Michigan's definition of "veteran" to explicitly include members of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Commissioned Officer Corps and the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps who meet federal veteran criteria. It directly affects these uniformed service members by ensuring they qualify for state veterans' benefits and protections under Michigan law, similar to traditional military veterans. The key provision adds a new subsection defining "Veteran of the uniformed services" to cover these specific federal corps, mirroring federal eligibility under 38 USC 101. This change creates uniform recognition for these service members within Michigan's veteran support system. The bill is currently in committee referral after its introduction on November 12, 2025.
HB 5260 amends Michigan's Veterans' Trust Fund Act by removing the requirement that board members must be veterans. This change allows non-veterans to serve on the board while maintaining representation from major veterans' organizations (American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans) and three independent members who do not represent such groups. The board, which administers trust funds supporting Michigan veterans, would gain broader expertise in managing these resources. The bill is contingent on another bill (HB 5273) being enacted first.
HB 5279 expands Michigan's veteran designation on driver's licenses to include members of the NOAA Commissioned Corps (NOAACOC) and U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (USPHSCC). It amends the vehicle code to add these service members to the existing definition of "veteran" for license purposes, requiring the Secretary of State to provide a special veteran designation upon proof of service. This change directly affects current or former members of the NOAA and Public Health Service Corps who hold Michigan driver's licenses. The bill modifies Section 310 of the Michigan Vehicle Code and adds new sections (803v and 803w) to formalize this eligibility.
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 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.
