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HB 5844

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

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Karl Bohnak and 10 co-sponsors

Establishes a Michigan Upper Peninsula veterans cemetery with land acquisition/designation, federal grant eligibility, and a dedicated fund to support construction, operation, and

bill electronically reproduced 04/22/2026
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Bill Summary · HB 5844

Summary: HB 5844 (2025-2026) – Upper Peninsula Veterans Cemetery Act (Michigan)

Proposed bill to create a state veterans cemetery in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, including a structured process for site selection, financing, and administration. Acts as a companion tie-bar to HB 5843.

1) Purpose and Intent

  • Establishes the “Upper Peninsula veterans cemetery act.”
  • Creates a framework to locate, acquire land, designate state-owned land, and operate a veterans cemetery in the Upper Peninsula.
  • Aims to maximize eligibility for federal funding and reimbursements through the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

Location Analysis and Feasibility

  • Mandates a comprehensive location analysis and feasibility study to identify the best site in the Upper Peninsula.
  • Primary goal: maximize eligibility for federal construction grants, per-interment reimbursement, and other federal funding under VA programs.
  • Evaluation factors include:
    • Demographics and market analysis
    • Traffic, accessibility
    • Competitive/regional service landscape
    • Site economics and costs
    • Infrastructure and site characteristics
    • Economic, legal, and regulatory environment
  • Feasibility study components cover project description, market, technical, operational/organizational, financial, legal/environmental feasibility, and risk assessment.
  • Upon completion, the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) must consult with the NCA to ensure compliance with federal standards (38 U.S.C. sections 2303 and 2408) and submit documentation for federal review and potential grants.

Land Acquisition and Designation

  • Based on the analysis, MVAA may:
    • Acquire or purchase land in the Upper Peninsula suitable for a cemetery, or
    • Designate existing state-owned land under its jurisdiction as a veterans cemetery.

Federal Funding and Grants

  • MVAA director is responsible for applying for and accepting grants under 38 U.S.C. 2408 and per-interment reimbursements under 38 U.S.C. 2303.
  • Ensures alignment with federal eligibility requirements for construction grants and per-interment reimbursements.

Upper Peninsula Veterans Cemetery Fund

  • Creates the Upper Peninsula Veterans Cemetery Fund in the state treasury.
  • Procedures:
    • Deposits of appropriations and other assets into the fund; investments earn interest and are credited to the fund.
    • Funds do not lapse to the general fund at fiscal year-end.
    • MVAA administers the fund for audits.
  • Authorized uses (by appropriation) include:
    • Architectural/engineering design and environmental impact studies
    • Costs to qualify for federal grants and per-interment reimbursements
    • Preparation of land for operational use
    • Ongoing operating expenses for the cemetery

3) Who/What is Affected

  • State government and MVAA (administration, analyses, and coordination with NCA).
  • Potential landowners or landholders in the Upper Peninsula (for acquisition or designation of land as a cemetery).
  • Veterans and their families (future access to a state-supported Upper Peninsula veterans cemetery and eligibility for federal funding/assistance in construction and per-interment costs).
  • The state treasury (creation and management of the dedicated fund).

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Initiation: Legislative action required; bill is introduced and referred to Appropriations.
  • Analysis Phase: MVAA conducts location analysis and feasibility study; coordination with NCA upon study completion.
  • Land actions: Based on analysis, MVAA may acquire land or designate state land as a cemetery.
  • Federal Funding: MVAA to apply for and accept federal grants and per-interment reimbursements (38 U.S.C. authorities).
  • Fund Management: Establishment and ongoing management of the Upper Peninsula Veterans Cemetery Fund; expenditures limited to purposes related to establishment, operation, and qualification for federal funding.
  • Enactment caveat: The act is contingent on enactment of Senate Bill S04511'25 or HB 5843 (as tie-bar) to take effect.
  • Statewide impact finding: Framed as a matter of statewide concern and interest.

5) Notable Details

  • Legislative tie-bar: Requires passage of HB 5843 (or related bill) for effective enactment.
  • Federal standards alignment: Explicit requirement to consult the NCA and pursue federal eligibility criteria for grants and per-interment reimbursements.
  • No lapse provision: Funds carry over year-to-year in the dedicated fund.

This bill outlines a structured, federally aligned approach to establish a state veterans cemetery in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, including a dedicated funding mechanism and clear administrative responsibilities.

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

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