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HB 5280

AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HIGHER EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

2025 Regular Session Introduced by David Bennett and 9 co-sponsors

Creates a state-run Transition Bridge Program for Michigan service members and veterans to identify mental-health needs, explore treatments, and access suicide-prevention resources

05/01/2025 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · HB 5280

Summary — HB 5280 (Michigan Military Act; add Sec. 321)

Amends: 1967 PA 150 (Michigan military act), MCL 32.501–32.851 — adds section 321 to establish a Transition Bridge Program for service members and veterans focused on mental health, wellbeing, and suicide prevention.

Purpose

To create a state‑run transition program that helps service members and veterans identify mental‑health needs, learn about treatment options (traditional and alternative), and connect to resources that support well‑being and suicide prevention during the military‑to‑civilian transition.

Key provisions

  • Establishes a “Transition Bridge Program” administered by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) and overseen by the manager of the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention within the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA).
  • Authorizes DMVA to develop the program with nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders; DMVA may contract with organizations to operate the program.
  • Program frequency and format:
    • Offered at least four times per year.
    • Delivered in a manner similar to federal military transition programs (cites 10 USC provisions).
  • Participation and timing:
    • Eligible members (see below) may participate.
    • Participants generally must enroll and complete the program within one year after separation; the office manager may waive this requirement.
    • The office manager should make the program available within two months before and two months after a member’s separation date when practicable.
  • Required content (includes, but not limited to):
    • Warning signs for PTSD, depression, substance use disorder, and suicidal ideation.
    • Traditional veterans’ mental‑health treatment options.
    • Alternative treatments, including those offered by federally licensed research centers.
    • Support for bridging military and civilian life and finding post‑service purpose.
  • Requires that the MVAA resource guide (created under the companion Protecting Veterans Mental Health Act) be made available to participants.
  • DMVA must conduct outreach to Michigan National Guard members exiting service.

Data, confidentiality, and FOIA

  • Any data collected under the section must exclude personally identifying information.
  • Writings held by the department or MVAA that contain information specific to an individual service member or veteran are exempt from disclosure under Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act.

Eligible participants (defined)

Residents of Michigan who are:
- Members or veterans of the Michigan National Guard;
- Active duty or reserve members of the U.S. Armed Forces;
- Commissioned officers of other uniformed services (e.g., NOAA, USPHS) transitioning from service.

Timeline, enactment conditions, and status

  • The bill includes an enactment (tie‑bar) clause: it does not take effect unless companion bills addressing MVAA office creation, interagency outreach, a buddy‑to‑buddy program, and assurance of Guard resources (HB 5276, HB 5277, HB 5279, and HB 5720) are also enacted.
  • Legislative history (selected): Substitute H‑1 adopted in committee; reported and passed by the House (June 20, 2024, Roll Call 98–11). (See bill docket for subsequent referrals and committee actions.)

Who is affected

  • Primary: transitioning service members and veterans residing in Michigan—especially Michigan National Guard members.
  • Secondary: MVAA and DMVA staff, nonprofit program partners and contractors, county veteran service officers and other service providers involved in outreach and program delivery.

Potential impact

  • Provides structured, state‑sponsored transition support focused on mental‑health awareness and suicide prevention.
  • Creates a formal oversight role (office manager) and integrates a statewide resource guide.
  • Preserves individual confidentiality for program records while enabling aggregated, deidentified data collection for oversight and reporting.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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