Senate Bill 1002 allows school districts in Michigan to issue high school diplomas to women who left school between 1940 and 1946 to work or support the war effort during World War II. To receive a diploma, these individuals must apply through the Michigan veterans affairs agency, and the application can be submitted by family members or designated representatives. The bill amends existing legislation that currently provides diplomas to male veterans of World War II and the Korean conflict.
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.
This bill prohibits businesses from charging fees to veterans or their families for obtaining military discharge records, specifically form DD214. It amends Michigan's consumer protection act to ban compensation for providing or assisting in obtaining this document, while allowing accredited government agencies, recognized veterans' organizations, and federal accredited individuals to receive payment for related services. The legislation also requires clear disclosures in advertisements for veterans' benefit events and prohibits businesses from guaranteeing specific benefit outcomes. The law applies to anyone engaged in trade or commerce but excludes state, county, city, and federal officials acting in their official capacities.
HB 5612 allocates state funding for Michigan's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2026-2027. The bill creates a formal appropriation act to fund the department's operations, including military and veterans programs, during that fiscal period. It does not establish new policies or programs but provides the necessary budget authority for existing services. This procedural bill directly affects the department's ability to deliver military and veterans support services.
Senate Bill 237 creates the Michigan Army National Guard and Air National Guard Apprenticeship Program. This program will assist members of these units in applying their military training and experience toward earning a registered apprenticeship certificate from the United States Department of Labor. The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will establish and operate the program as a no-cost benefit, coordinating with other state agencies to align military occupational specialties with civilian apprenticeship standards. Eligible members can participate if their military training is compatible with a registered apprenticeship, with on-the-job learning occurring during duty hours.
SB 239, also known as the "Vietnam veteran era bonus extension act," proposes to create a new program providing financial bonus payments to eligible veterans and their beneficiaries. This bill directly affects individuals who served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces between September 1, 1973, and May 7, 1975, and met specific Michigan residency requirements. Under the bill, "combat veterans" during this period would receive a $600 bonus, while other eligible veterans would receive $15 per month of service, up to a maximum of $450. The bill establishes a "Vietnam veteran era bonus extension fund" to manage these payments and outlines the application process through the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
House Bill 4444 amends Michigan's general property tax act to modify property tax exemptions for homesteads owned by disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. The bill outlines the application process for these exemptions and specifies that those granted on or after January 1, 2025, will remain in effect without requiring reapplication. It also introduces methods for prorating the exemption if the property is not used as a homestead for the entire tax year. Additionally, the bill clarifies that properties exempt under this section will be subject to a specific disabled veteran's homestead tax, which will also be prorated accordingly.
House Resolution 97 is a commemorative resolution that formally honors Michigan's veterans. It expresses the enduring gratitude and utmost respect of the House of Representatives for their service to the state and nation.
HB 4529 would exempt veterans from the $100 application and licensing fee required for a concealed pistol license in Michigan. The bill amends Michigan's firearms licensing law (MCL 28.425b) to remove the fee obligation specifically for veterans while maintaining all other application requirements. Veterans applying for a concealed pistol license would still need to submit standard documentation, pass background checks, and complete required training. This change directly affects veterans seeking concealed carry permits, reducing their out-of-pocket costs without altering eligibility criteria.
HB 4572 is an appropriations bill that allocates funding for Michigan's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026. It establishes the specific budget amount the department can spend on military and veterans programs during this period. The bill directly affects the department's operations and the veterans and military personnel it serves through its funded services. As a routine budget measure, it creates the legal framework for spending but does not change existing programs or policies.
