Veterans

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 ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransDesignates highway in honor of Master Sgt. Gregory T. Kuhse, directly recognizing veteran service per bill title and summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

in committee · Michigan · House Jul 23, 2025

HB 4743: Recreation: state parks; recreation passport requirement; exempt veterans. Amends sec. 74116 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.74116).

This bill exempts honorably discharged veterans (who are Michigan residents) from paying the state park recreation passport fee. Veterans can obtain a special sticker or hangtag by verifying their status through the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. This allows them to enter all state parks and recreation areas without paying the annual fee required for most resident vehicle owners. The exemption applies to all locations where the fee would normally be required, including designated boating access sites.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExempts honorably discharged veterans from state park fees, providing direct financial benefit and recognition through simplified access to recreational facilities.95% confidence

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in committee · Michigan · House Sep 3, 2025

HB 4673: Recreation: state parks; recreation passport requirement; exempt Gold Star family members in vehicle code. Amends sec. 805 of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.805). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4672'25

HB 4673 amends Michigan's vehicle code to exempt Gold Star families (immediate family members of military service members killed in action) from the annual state park recreation passport fee. The bill changes section 805 of the Michigan Vehicle Code (MCL 257.805) to remove this fee requirement specifically for Gold Star family members when accessing state parks. This directly affects eligible Gold Star families by eliminating a cost for park access. The provision modifies an existing fee structure rather than creating new requirements or programs.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExempts Gold Star families (immediate relatives of fallen service members) from state park fees, removing financial barriers and recognizing military sacrifice through direct benefit provision.95% confidence

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passed · Michigan · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SB 208: Veterans: other; Michigan veterans coalition grant program; create. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: SB 207'25

SB 208 creates the Michigan Veterans Coalition Grant Program, which provides state funding to veteran service organizations (VSOs) to support their operations. To qualify, VSOs must certify they provide accredited veteran service officer hours to help veterans access federal benefits like healthcare and financial aid. Grants come from the existing Michigan Veterans Coalition Fund and cover allowable costs directly tied to veteran service operations, such as staffing and outreach. The program requires approval from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency and depends on SB 207 becoming law. The bill passed the Senate on June 3, 2025, but remains pending legislative action.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates existing state funds from Michigan Veterans Coalition Fund to VSOs for veteran service operations, supporting essential public program funding.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransCreates state funding for VSOs to help veterans access benefits, directly advancing veteran service operations through grants.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare Veteran Housing

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in committee · Michigan · House Jul 15, 2025

HB 4712: Military affairs: other; Tricare premium reimbursement program; create. Creates new act.

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.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareReimburses premiums for Tricare Reserve Select/Dental coverage, expanding healthcare access for National Guard members lacking employer coverage.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransCreates reimbursement program for Guard members' Tricare premiums, directly funding healthcare benefits for veterans as specified in subjects.95% confidence

Sub-Topics National Guard & Reserve Veteran Education

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passed both · Michigan · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 4395: Occupations: barbers; license to perform services at veteran service organizations; provide for. Amends secs. 1117 & 1217 of 1980 PA 299 (MCL 339.1117 & 339.1217). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4394'25

HB 4395 allows licensed barbers in Michigan to provide hair services at veteran service organizations without needing additional permits. It updates existing barber licensing laws (MCL 339.1117 & 339.1217) to explicitly permit this activity at locations serving veterans. The bill directly affects licensed barbers who may now offer services at these organizations and the veteran service organizations themselves. This change simplifies access to barber services for veterans by removing a previous regulatory barrier. The bill passed the House on June 12, 2025, with strong bipartisan support.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransRemoves permit barrier for barbers to serve veterans at orgs, improving access to non-medical services at veteran-focused locations.85% confidence

Tags Licensing

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in committee · Michigan · House May 6, 2025

HB 4423: Appropriations: supplemental; funding for the county veteran service fund emergency relief program; provide for. Creates appropriation act.

HB 4423 is an appropriations bill that allocates and adjusts funding for various state departments, agencies, the judicial branch, and the legislative branch for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025. A specific provision of this bill provides supplemental funding for the county veteran service fund emergency relief program, directly affecting veterans who utilize these services. The bill outlines the conditions under which these state funds can be expended.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides supplemental funding for veteran emergency relief program, directly increasing state budget allocation for essential services.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill allocates supplemental funding to county veteran service fund emergency relief program, directly advancing veteran services as per bill's specific provision.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget

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passed · Michigan · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SB 207: Veterans: other; Michigan veterans coalition fund; create. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: SB 208'25

SB 207 creates the Michigan Veterans Coalition Fund in the state treasury to support veterans' services. The fund receives and manages money from various sources (not lapsing to the general fund), with the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency administering it to establish and run a grant program. This program will provide funding to organizations serving Michigan veterans, directly benefiting veterans through community-based support services. The bill requires Senate Bill 208 to pass first before taking effect.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates dedicated Michigan Veterans Coalition Fund in state treasury, directing state resources to fund veterans' services via grants, increasing targeted budget allocation for public service.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransCreates Michigan Veterans Coalition Fund to provide grants for veteran services, directly funding community-based support programs through the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Healthcare Veteran Housing Veteran Mental Health

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in committee · Michigan · House Sep 3, 2025

HB 4672: Recreation: state parks; recreation passport requirement; exempt Gold Star family members in NREPA. Amends secs. 74116 & 78119 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.74116 & 324.78119). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4672'25

HB 4672 amends Michigan's state park and boating access fee rules to exempt Gold Star family members (immediate family of service members killed in action) from paying the recreation passport fee. The bill modifies existing requirements in sections 74116 and 78119 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, which currently mandate that Michigan residents pay an annual fee to enter state parks or designated boating access sites. Under this bill, Gold Star family members would no longer need to pay this fee to access these recreational areas. The exemption applies directly to the fee requirement, not to other park entry rules or vehicle permit systems. The bill is currently pending in committee review.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExempts Gold Star families (immediate family of fallen service members) from state park fees, providing direct financial benefit and recognition for veterans' families.95% confidence

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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 ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill formally recognizes POW/MIA veterans through ceremonial observance, aligning with 'recognizes veteran service' support indicator without creating obligations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

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