HB 5261 establishes a mental health support program within Michigan's Veterans Affairs Agency. It requires the agency to partner with the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct statewide outreach on mental health resources for service members, veterans, and their families (Section 322(1)(a)), develop materials to help families recognize mental health changes (Section 322(1)(b)), and collect data under the Protecting Veterans Mental Health Act (Section 322(1)(c)). The bill also creates a dedicated family support program for navigating mental health services (Section 322(2)) and allows digital platforms to connect veterans to resources (Section 322(3)), while protecting individual health records from public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (Section 322(4)). The bill is contingent on the passage of companion bill HB 5270.
HB 5259 establishes a peer mentorship program within Michigan's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to connect active-duty military members (including National Guard and reserves) and veterans with volunteer mentors. The program helps participants access resources for education, employment, family issues, financial matters, and health care - including mental health and substance use disorder support through veteran navigators. Mentors must be recruited from veterans where possible, and program records are protected from public disclosure under Michigan's freedom of information law. The bill requires companion legislation (HB 5270) to take effect.
HB 5271 establishes the Michigan Azimuth Bridge Program, requiring the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to create a mental health transition program for service members and veterans. The program must be offered at least four times yearly, available within two months before and after military separation, and include resources on PTSD, depression, suicide prevention, and bridging military-to-civilian life. It mandates collaboration with nonprofits or government agencies, incorporates the Protecting Veterans Mental Health Act’s resource guide, and prohibits sharing personally identifying data. The bill directly affects Michigan National Guard members and veterans transitioning to civilian life who reside in the state.
HB 5270 establishes the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention within Michigan's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to address veterans' mental health needs. The office will collect data on veteran mental health conditions (including PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, substance use disorders, and suicide risk), create a free resource guide with self-assessment tools and local mental health service listings, and submit annual reports to state committees. This guide must be available at no cost to veterans and service members in print or digital formats, with all personally identifying information protected. The bill requires the office to ensure data accuracy and coordinate with existing programs like the "buddy-to-buddy" peer support initiative.
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 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.
