Veterans

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 ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransCreates special plates for veterans/families as recognition, aligning with state-level veteran service recognition per topic description.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

Track

in committee · Michigan · House Sep 29, 2025

HB 5062: Gaming: bingo and charitable gaming; veteran's organization conducting a charity game using a video charity game dispenser; allow, and allocate proceeds. Amends sec. 7a of 1972 PA 382 (MCL 432.107a) & adds secs. 7e, 7f & 7g.

HB 5062 allows veteran organizations to conduct charity games using video charity game dispensers instead of traditional paper tickets. It changes how proceeds are allocated: 45% to the organizing veteran group, 5% to statewide veteran organizations (if the group is a member), and 50% to a new "charity game veterans fund" for Michigan veterans programs. The bill also creates a separate "Michigan charity gaming service fund" to cover dispenser costs. This directly affects veteran organizations conducting charity games and modifies revenue distribution from these events under Michigan's bingo act.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates 50% of charity gaming proceeds to veterans programs via new fund, directly funding essential services without new taxes or budget cuts.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransDirectly allocates 50% of proceeds to a new veterans fund for Michigan programs, with additional funds to veteran groups, explicitly advancing veteran services.95% confidence

Track

passed · Michigan · Senate Sep 26, 2025

SB 541: Military affairs: other; Michigan National Guard member benefit fund; create. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0540'25, SB 0542'25

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates dedicated fund for National Guard tuition assistance, allocating state treasury resources to support military benefits without lapsing to general fund.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates fund for National Guard tuition assistance program, directly funding higher education access for military members.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransCreates dedicated fund for National Guard tuition assistance, ensuring year-round funding for veteran benefit program per bill's purpose and administration.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Financial Aid National Guard & Reserve Veteran Education

Track

in committee · Michigan · House Sep 17, 2025

HB 4958: Military affairs: other; tuition assistance for national guard members; modify. Amends secs. 3 & 4 of 2014 PA 259 (MCL 32.433 & 32.434). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4953'25

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.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands higher education financial aid access for National Guard members and families, directly increasing educational opportunity through tuition assistance program enhancements.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExpands tuition benefits to National Guard members and their families, directly advancing educational support for veterans' families under military affairs legislation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Financial Aid National Guard & Reserve Veteran Education

Track

in committee · Michigan · House Sep 16, 2025

HB 4924: Occupations: individual licensing and registration; licensing reciprocity under the occupational code for certain individuals who hold an out-of-state license; provide for. Amends sec. 217 of 1980 PA 299 (MCL 339.217).

HB 4924 amends Michigan's Occupational Code (MCL 339.217) to allow certain individuals to obtain a Michigan license or registration without taking an exam. It directly affects military members, veterans, their dependents, and licensed professionals moving to Michigan who hold valid out-of-state licenses in good standing for at least one year. Key provisions require applicants to prove they met the original state's education/work requirements, passed any required exams, and have no pending disciplinary actions or investigations in other states. The bill does not override existing temporary or courtesy licensing options and includes safeguards if federal guidelines would be violated.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill enables veterans to obtain Michigan licenses without exams by recognizing out-of-state credentials, directly supporting veteran employment and reducing licensing barriers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Military Families Tags Licensing

Track

passed · Michigan · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SB 215: Veterans: benefits; Michigan consumer protection act; amend to enhance protections for individuals applying for veterans benefits. Amends sec. 3k of 1976 PA 331 (MCL 445.903k).

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.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransRestricts unscrupulous providers, bans upfront fees, mandates disclosures to prevent exploitation when applying for veterans' benefits, enhancing protection per bill's explicit purpose.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare

Track

in committee · Michigan · House Oct 28, 2025

HB 5118: Individual income tax: credit; work opportunity tax credit for qualified employees; provide for. Amends 1967 PA 281 (MCL 206.1 - 206.847) by adding secs. 279 & 679. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5119'25

HB 5118 would create a Michigan income tax credit for employers hiring residents from specific federal "targeted groups" (like veterans or long-term unemployed individuals). The credit equals 50% of the federal work opportunity tax credit amount, applied to qualified wages paid to Michigan residents certified by the state unemployment agency as part of these groups. It applies to tax years beginning January 1, 2026, and cannot exceed an employer's total tax liability for that year. The bill directly affects Michigan employers (excluding tax-exempt organizations) who hire eligible employees meeting federal and state certification criteria.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates tax credit for employers hiring targeted groups (veterans, long-term unemployed), reducing tax liability and incentivizing employment. Aligns with tax relief and economic support policies.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentCreates tax credit for employers hiring from targeted worker groups (veterans, long-term unemployed), directly promoting employment opportunities and labor market inclusion.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransVeterans explicitly listed as a targeted group for tax credit, incentivizing employer hiring to support veteran employment and workforce integration.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits Tax Incentives Professional Licensing Unemployment Veteran Employment

Track

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 ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransDesignates Honor and Remember flag as official symbol to honor fallen military members, directly recognizing veteran service per topic description.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

Track

signed · Michigan · House Jul 29, 2026

HB 5233: Labor: leave; paid military leave for certain members of a fire department or law enforcement agency; provide. Creates new act.

HB 5233, the "Military Leave for First Responders Act," requires fire departments and law enforcement agencies in Michigan to provide at least 26 days of paid leave annually for employees serving in military reserve components. It directly affects fire department and law enforcement agency members who are enlisted in reserve units, covering both active duty deployment and training. The law mandates employers pay these members their regular wage during leave and maintain all contractually required benefits. It also specifies advance notice requirements for leave requests (14 days for 10-20 days off, as soon as possible for longer periods) and includes a provision for paid leave to attend pre-induction military exams.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates 26 days paid leave for first responders during military service, protecting job security and income, directly strengthening employment benefits for covered workers.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill mandates paid military leave for reserve members in first responder roles, directly supporting veterans' employment continuity and service recognition through maintained wages and job security.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Paid Leave National Guard & Reserve

signed · Michigan · House Nov 4, 2025

HB 4962: Military affairs: other; Michigan National Guard member benefit fund; create. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4958'25, HB 4953'25

HB 4962 creates a new Michigan National Guard Member Benefit Fund to provide financial support to eligible service members. The bill establishes a dedicated state fund to assist National Guard members with specific needs, though implementation details like funding sources or administration are not specified in the provided context. This law became effective immediately upon the Governor's approval on November 4, 2025, as codified under PA 31'25. It directly affects current and former Michigan National Guard members who qualify for the benefits outlined in the new fund.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransCreates dedicated Michigan National Guard Member Benefit Fund for financial support to eligible service members, directly advancing veteran benefits per bill's purpose and summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics National Guard & Reserve