HB 5715 Michigan House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Military affairs: other; direct deposit for compensation of Michigan national guard members; provide for. Amends sec. 6 of 1978 PA 390 (MCL 408.476).

This bill requires the Michigan National Guard to pay all servicemembers their compensation through direct deposit or electronic transfer starting with their first eligible pay period. The legislation amends existing state wage payment laws to mandate this specific payment method for National Guard members, who must provide the necessary banking information to enable the transfers. While the bill maintains existing protections for other employees regarding payroll debit cards and direct deposit consent, it creates a special provision that applies exclusively to the National Guard without requiring individual opt-in consent from each servicemember. This change ensures consistent electronic payment processing for military compensation while preserving the broader legal framework governing wage payments for other Michigan employees.
Bill status passed both 4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2026
Committee Review
Apr 2026
House Passage
Apr 2026
Senate Passage
Apr 2026
Governor
Introduced Mar 12, 2026 Last action Apr 28, 2026
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What changed between versions

House Introduced Bill As Passed by the House · 6 edits · Apr 22, 2026
MODERATE
This bill updates Michigan's wage payment laws to modernize how employers can pay employees, specifically adding payroll debit cards as a legal payment method alongside direct deposit and checks. It establishes strict rules to protect employees from hidden fees and unauthorized charges, ensuring debit cards function like cash without linking to credit or requiring fees for basic access. The changes also clarify that employers cannot force employees to pay for the cost of receiving their wages.
Scope change
The bill expands the scope of acceptable wage payment methods to include payroll debit cards, provided they meet specific consumer protection standards, while maintaining existing protections for direct deposit and cash payments.
REQUIREMENT

Added payroll debit cards as a legal method for paying wages, subject to strict compliance with federal garnishment protections.

Mandated that employers must provide a written form and clear statements explaining that failing to return the form within 30 days is presumed consent to use a debit card.

Required detailed written disclosures on debit cards, including itemized fee lists, methods for free balance checks, and warnings about out-of-network ATM charges.

Prohibited employers from charging employees any fees or costs related to the payment process or establishing the payroll system.

Established that employees can request a change in payment method at any time, and employers must implement the change within one pay period.

DEFINITION

Formalized the definition of 'payroll debit card' to ensure it is issued by a federally insured institution and provides immediate access to funds via ATMs.

Floor votes · House Apr 22, 2026

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
13
Key actions
3
Committee
4
Apr 28, 2026
Committee
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON FINANCE, INSURANCE, AND CONSUMER PROTECTION
upper
Apr 28, 2026
Upper · Passed
PASSED BY HOUSE WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT
upper
Apr 22, 2026
Lower · Passed
passed; given immediate effect Roll Call #118 Yeas 107 Nays 0 Excused 0 Not Voting 3
lower
Apr 14, 2026
Committee
referred to second reading
lower
Apr 14, 2026
Lower · Passed
reported with recommendation without amendment
lower
Mar 12, 2026
Committee
referred to Committee on Families and Veterans
lower
Mar 12, 2026
Introduced
introduced by Representative Rep. Kathy Schmaltz
lower
1 primary · 24 co-sponsors

Sponsors