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SB 540

Military affairs: other; child care reimbursement for Michigan National Guard members; provide for. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0542'25, HB 4962'25

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kevin Hertel

Senate Bill 540 provides child care assistance for Michigan National Guard members, supporting about 660 households with up to $2.3 million annually for care during training.

ASSIGNED PA 0037'25 WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT
#children:childcare #militaryaffairs:other
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Bill Summary · SB 540

Summary of Senate Bill 540: Michigan National Guard Child Care Assistance Act

Bill Number: SB 540
Introduced: September 11, 2025
Status: Referred to Committee on Appropriations
Tie Barred With: SB 541, SB 542

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 540 aims to establish a child care assistance program specifically for eligible members of the Michigan National Guard. The intent is to provide financial support for child care costs incurred during weekend drills and annual training, thereby easing the burden on service members who are also parents.

Key Provisions

  • Creation of the Program: The bill establishes the Michigan National Guard Child Care Assistance Program within the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA).

  • Eligibility Criteria:

    • An eligible member must be:
    • In active service.
    • Not absent without leave (AWOL) or under military justice charges.
    • Meet any additional criteria set by the adjutant general.
    • Assistance is available to:
    • Single parents.
    • Members whose spouses are also eligible members of the National Guard.

  • Application Process:

    • Eligible members can apply for assistance, which must be approved by the adjutant general if sufficient funds are available in the Michigan National Guard Member Benefit Fund (created by SB 541).

  • Stipend Amount:

    • Approved members will receive a stipend, the amount of which will be determined annually by the adjutant general.
    • Assistance is capped at 12 hours per day for a maximum of 39 days per year during drills and training.

  • Administrative Authority:

    • The adjutant general is responsible for administering the program and may develop rules for its implementation.

Impact

  • Beneficiaries: The program is expected to support approximately 660 households with children aged 12 and under, representing about 6% of the Michigan National Guard.

  • Fiscal Considerations:

    • The program is projected to incur costs of approximately $2.3 million annually, funded through the Michigan National Guard Member Benefit Fund.
    • The fund will also support the existing Michigan National Guard Tuition Assistance Program, which has averaged expenditures of about $5.6 million annually.

Procedural Aspects

  • Tie Bar Requirement: SB 540 cannot take effect unless it is enacted alongside SB 541 and SB 542, which are designed to create the funding mechanism and amend existing tuition assistance provisions.

  • Legislative Progress: The bill was passed by the Senate on September 25, 2025, and is currently under consideration in the House.

Conclusion

Senate Bill 540 represents a significant step towards supporting Michigan National Guard members by addressing child care needs, thereby enhancing their ability to fulfill military obligations while managing family responsibilities. The bill's successful implementation will depend on the concurrent passage of related legislation that establishes the necessary funding framework.

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

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