Veterans (Memorials & Recognition) in Michigan

signed · Michigan · Senate Apr 29, 2026

SB 274: Highways: memorial; portion of US-131; designate as the "Master Sergeant Gregory T. Kuhse Memorial Highway". Amends 2001 PA 142 (MCL 250.1001 - 250.2092) by adding sec. 111.

SB 274 designates a specific stretch of US-131 in Kalamazoo County (between I-94 and Parkview Avenue) as the "Master Sergeant Gregory T. Kuhse Memorial Highway." The bill amends Michigan's Memorial Highway Act to add this permanent name to the designated road segment. This is a ceremonial designation with no policy changes or direct impact on residents, businesses, or government operations. The bill passed unanimously in the Senate on July 1, 2025, and will take effect 90 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

passed · Michigan · House Sep 18, 2025

HR 175: A resolution to declare September 19, 2025, as POW/MIA Recognition Day in the state of Michigan.

This resolution declares September 19, 2025, as POW/MIA Recognition Day in Michigan. It commemorates Michigan's service members missing in action or held as prisoners of war since World War II, honoring their sacrifice and the state's commitment to finding and repatriating them. The resolution does not create new laws or obligations but serves as a ceremonial observance.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

in committee · Michigan · House Sep 25, 2025

HB 5048: Vehicles: registration plates; special registration plates for the Cold War; provide for. Amends sec. 803e of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.803e).

HB 5048 creates special vehicle registration plates in Michigan for specific military service groups. It allows eligible veterans, survivors, and family members to apply for plates featuring unique identifiers: "EX-POW" for prisoners of war or spouses, "WWI" for World War I/Cold War veterans (defined as 1945-1991), "Pearl Harbor survivor," "Purple Heart" with medal vignette, "Gold Star Family" (for families of fallen service members), and "Blue Star Family" (for families of currently serving members). Applicants must provide proof of eligibility to the Secretary of State, with no application or renewal fees required. These plates are displayed on vehicles and expire annually, with standard registration taxes applying except for the "EX-POW" plate for one vehicle per household.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

in committee · Michigan · House Nov 12, 2025

HB 5231: State: symbol; Honor and Remember flag; designate as the official state symbol of remembrance of fallen military members. Creates new act.

HB 5231 designates the "Honor and Remember flag" (created by Honor and Remember, Inc.) as Michigan's official state emblem for honoring military members who died in service. This procedural bill directly affects Michigan's official symbols by replacing the current emblem with this specific flag for remembrance purposes. It does not create new programs or alter existing laws, only formally adopting the flag as the state's designated symbol of remembrance. The bill is currently in committee referral after its introduction on November 6, 2025.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

in committee · Michigan · House Nov 12, 2025

HR 217: A resolution to urge the United States Congress, Department of War, and Department of Veterans Affairs to prioritize research and investment in non-technology treatment options for servicemembers and veterans who have psychological trauma as a result of military service.

HR 217 is a House resolution urging the U.S. Congress, Department of War, and Department of Veterans Affairs to prioritize research and funding for non-technology mental health treatments for veterans and servicemembers with psychological trauma from military service. It specifically highlights promising approaches like buddy-to-buddy programs, clinical psychedelic therapy, outdoor therapy, and service animal access, while also calling for resources to support families affected by veterans' behavioral health challenges. The resolution does not create new law or funding but formally requests federal agencies focus on these alternative treatment options. It was introduced by Rep. Mike McFall and referred to the Government Operations Committee in November 2025.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Mental Health Memorials & Recognition Veteran Healthcare Veteran Mental Health

in committee · Michigan · Senate Nov 12, 2025

SB 703: State: symbol; Honor and Remember flag; designate as the official state symbol of remembrance of fallen military members. Creates new act.

SB 703 designates the "Honor and Remember flag" as Michigan's official symbol of remembrance for military members who died in service. It requires the flag to be displayed alongside the U.S. flag at all Michigan state capitol buildings, state properties, and local government facilities. The bill mandates flying the flag on specific military observance days, including Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and days when flags are flown at half-staff for fallen service members. This policy change directly affects state and local government operations regarding flag display protocols. The bill does not alter existing military benefits or funding but establishes a new official symbol for remembrance.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

passed both · Michigan · House Dec 2, 2025

HB 5089: Highways: memorial; portions of M-60; rename as memorial highways. Amends sec. 106 of 2001 PA 142 (MCL 250.1106).

HB 5089 amends Michigan's memorial highway law to rename four specific segments of M-60 in Jackson County after veterans. Each segment is designated with a memorial name honoring distinct groups: WWII veterans (Lynford Graham, Melvin King, Vernon Smalley), Vietnam War veterans (Timothy Ballinger, Robert Jenks, James Morgan), and an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran (Donald Wheeler Jr.). The bill directly affects drivers using these M-60 portions by changing their official highway names. It does not create new policies or funding, only renaming existing road segments per the memorial highway act. The bill passed unanimously in the Michigan House on December 2, 2025.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

signed · Michigan · House Dec 31, 2025

HB 5078: Highways: memorial; portion of M-22; designate as the "Company K Indian Veterans 1st Michigan Sharpshooters Civil War Memorial Highway". Amends 2001 PA 142 (MCL 250.1001 - 250.2092) by adding sec. 108.

HB 5078 designates a specific segment of M-22 in Leelanau County (from North Stallman Road to North Putnam Road) as the "Company K Indian Veterans 1st Michigan Sharpshooters Civil War Memorial Highway." The bill amends Michigan's Memorial Highway Act to add this official name, directly affecting signage and official records for that highway stretch. It is a purely commemorative measure with no policy changes or funding mechanisms, solely honoring the Civil War unit known as the 1st Michigan Sharpshooters.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

in committee · Michigan · House Nov 13, 2025

HB 5258: Military affairs: generally; Michigan Iraq and Afghanistan veteran recognition certificate; establish, and provide eligibility requirements. Amends sec. 182 of 1967 PA 150 (MCL 32.582).

HB 5258 establishes a new "Iraq and Afghanistan veteran recognition certificate" for Michigan veterans who served honorably in those conflicts. To qualify, veterans must have been Michigan residents (or former residents) during their service, served during active combat periods in Iraq or Afghanistan, and received an honorable discharge. The certificate can be awarded only once per person, and family members may receive it if the veteran has passed away. This bill updates Michigan’s military recognition program to specifically honor veterans of recent conflicts, building on existing provisions for Vietnam War veterans.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits Veteran Mental Health

in committee · Michigan · House Nov 13, 2025

HB 5264: Veterans: other; Michigan military and veteran services support fund; provide for. Creates new act.

HB 5264 creates a new Michigan Military and Veteran Services Support Fund within the state treasury to provide tax-deductible donations for military members, veterans, and their families. The bill establishes a 7-member board (including agency directors and appointed experts in fundraising) to manage the fund, which will maintain separate accounts for military service members/families and veterans/community support. Contributions stay in the fund year-to-year, and the board can allocate funds for direct grants or supplemental support to state veteran programs. This bill directly affects military personnel, veterans, and their families by creating a dedicated funding mechanism for their services.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Healthcare Veteran Housing

All veterans bills