Veterans

in committee · Michigan · House Apr 28, 2026

HB 5883: Highways: memorial; portion of M-28; designate as the "Sgt. Fabian T. Godell Memorial Highway". Amends 2001 PA 142 (MCL 250.1001 - 250.2092) by adding sec. 127.

This bill designates a specific segment of Highway M-28 in Baraga County as the "Sgt. Fabian T. Godell Memorial Highway." The legislation amends the state's memorial highway act to officially name the road in honor of Sergeant Fabian T. Godell. Additionally, it authorizes signs along this stretch to display the text "Silver Star" and "World War II" to recognize his military service. The change directly affects the naming of the roadway and the signage displayed to the public in that area.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill honors a veteran by naming a highway after him and displaying his military awards, directly recognizing veteran service.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

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in committee · Michigan · House Apr 30, 2026

HB 5912: Criminal procedure: sentencing; mandatory sentencing for certain crimes regarding contraband in jails; require. Amends secs. 2, 2a, 3 & 5 of 1981 PA 7 (MCL 801.262 et seq.).

This bill strengthens penalties for bringing weapons, drugs, alcohol, and cell phones into Michigan jails. It mandates minimum prison sentences of five to fifteen years for individuals who smuggle in or provide these items to inmates, while also imposing a one-to-five-year sentence for unauthorized possession of communication devices by prisoners. The law requires that confiscated cell phones be donated to charities supporting military personnel rather than being destroyed or sold. These changes directly affect jail administrators, visitors, and anyone attempting to introduce contraband into correctional facilities.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases mandatory prison sentences and expands criminalization of contraband possession, restricting judicial discretion.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill mandates donating confiscated cell phones from inmates to charities supporting military personnel, directly aiding veterans.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Sentencing

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in committee · Michigan · House Apr 23, 2026

HB 5844: Appropriations: other; Upper Peninsula state veterans cemetery; provide for. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5843'26

This bill authorizes the Michigan veterans affairs agency to establish a state veterans cemetery in the Upper Peninsula. It requires the agency to conduct a feasibility study to identify a suitable location and ensure the site qualifies for federal funding grants. The legislation allows the agency to purchase or designate state-owned land for the cemetery and creates a dedicated fund to manage money for the project's design, land preparation, and ongoing operation. Additionally, the bill cannot take effect unless it is passed together with a companion bill, HB 5843.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates a dedicated fund and authorizes spending to establish a veterans cemetery, directly advancing state budget appropriations for public services.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill authorizes creation of a state veterans cemetery, funding design, land, and operations to honor and serve veterans.95% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget Memorials & Recognition

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Mar 10, 2026

SB 821: Natural resources: hunting; lifetime hunting and fishing licenses for veterans; provide for. Amends secs. 44101, 44103, 44104, 44105 & 44106 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.44101 et seq.) & adds sec. 44102a.

This bill creates new lifetime hunting and fishing licenses specifically for disabled veterans in Michigan, starting on July 1, 2027. The licenses are priced based on the veteran's disability rating, ranging from free for those rated 100% disabled to $100 for those rated 30% or more but less than 50% disabled. These lifetime licenses include standard hunting and fishing privileges such as deer, waterfowl, turkey, and all-species fishing, but holders must still follow all current hunting and fishing regulations. The bill also establishes how applications are processed, what information is required, and how much license sellers can retain as fees.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill creates lifetime hunting/fishing licenses for disabled veterans, reducing costs based on disability rating and expanding recreational benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education

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passed both · Michigan · House Apr 28, 2026

HB 5715: 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.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill mandates direct deposit for National Guard compensation, improving payment security and aligning with modern wage payment standards that protect workers from check fraud and ensure timely access to earnings.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill mandates direct deposit for Michigan National Guard compensation, improving financial access and modernizing payment methods for servicemembers.90% confidence

Sub-Topics National Guard & Reserve

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in committee · Michigan · House Mar 18, 2026

HB 5720: Highways: memorial; portion of M-5; designate as the "Joseph R. Blake Memorial Highway". Amends 2001 PA 142 (MCL 250.1001 - 250.2092) by adding sec. 122.

This bill designates a specific section of M-5, also known as Grand River Avenue in Wayne County between 8 Mile Road and Telegraph Road, as the "PV2 Joseph R. Blake Memorial Highway." It directly affects the Michigan State Highway Department by requiring them to update official records and signage to reflect this new name. The legislation amends the Michigan Memorial Highway Act to formally establish this memorial designation for the roadway. This change is primarily commemorative and does not alter traffic rules or funding allocations for the highway. The bill is sponsored by Representative Laurie Pohutsky and is currently under review by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill honors a veteran by designating a highway as a memorial, providing recognition and commemoration of veteran service.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

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in committee · Michigan · House Mar 10, 2026

HB 5687: Natural resources: hunting; lifetime hunting and fishing licenses for veterans; provide for. Amends secs. 44101, 44103, 44104, 44105 & 44106 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.44101 et seq.). & adds sec. 44102a.

This bill creates new lifetime hunting and fishing licenses specifically for disabled veterans in Michigan, effective July 1, 2027. The licenses are priced based on the veteran's disability rating, ranging from free for those rated 100% disabled to $100 for those rated 30% or more but less than 50% disabled. These lifetime licenses include all standard hunting and fishing privileges, such as deer, waterfowl, turkey, and fishing rights, and remain valid even if the veteran moves out of state. The bill also updates definitions for disabled veterans and resident status within the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill provides lifetime hunting and fishing licenses to disabled veterans based on disability rating, expanding benefits and recognizing veteran service.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits

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passed · Michigan · House Apr 14, 2026

HR 265: A resolution to declare April 2026 as Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.

This bill designates April 2026 as Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month in Michigan to highlight the experiences of people affected by limb loss or limb difference. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about the approximately 5.6 million Americans living with limb loss and the 500,000 new cases that occur annually. It encourages education, support for families and caregivers, and recognition of veterans who have lost limbs while serving or after retirement. The measure does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic declaration to promote understanding of the challenges and needs of this community.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill recognizes veterans who lost limbs while serving, raising awareness and encouraging support for their experiences and families.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

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passed · Michigan · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SR 103: A resolution to designate April 2026 as Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month.

This Senate resolution designates April 2026 as Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month to raise public awareness about individuals with limb loss or limb difference. The bill directly affects people living with limb loss, their families, healthcare providers, and the general public by promoting education and support during the designated month. Key provisions include recognizing the prevalence of limb loss, highlighting prevention strategies like diabetes management and safety practices, and acknowledging the importance of prosthetic care for daily living and independence. The resolution serves as a commemorative measure rather than establishing new laws or funding requirements.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill promotes awareness of limb loss/difference, supporting patient education and healthcare provider awareness of prevention strategies like diabetes management.75% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill raises awareness about limb loss, a common veteran injury, promoting education and support for affected individuals including veterans.75% confidence

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in committee · Michigan · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 865: Appropriations: department of military and veterans affairs; appropriations for fiscal year 2026-2027; provide for. Creates appropriation act.

Senate Bill 865 allocates state funding to Michigan's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for the fiscal year 2026-2027. The bill establishes an appropriation act that authorizes the department to spend designated funds on its operations and programs during this period. It directly affects state military and veterans affairs agencies by providing the financial resources necessary to carry out their duties. The legislation follows standard budget procedures by being introduced, referred to a committee, and set for further legislative action.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state funding to Michigan's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for FY 2026-2027, directly advancing budget appropriations for essential government services.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill allocates state funding to Michigan's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for FY 2026-2027, directly supporting veteran services and programs through financial resources.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget National Guard & Reserve

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