Military affairs: other; Michigan National Guard member benefit fund; create. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4958'25, HB 4953'25

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ron Robinson

House Bill 4962 creates the Michigan National Guard Member Benefit Fund, enhancing support for child care and tuition assistance for eligible National Guard members.

assigned PA 31'25 with immediate effect

#militaryaffairs:other

Overview

House Bill 4962, enacted as Public Act 31 of 2025, establishes the Michigan National Guard Member Benefit Fund. This fund is designed to support various assistance programs for eligible members of the Michigan National Guard, including child care assistance and tuition assistance programs. The bill was introduced by Rep. Ron Robinson on September 16, 2025, and was signed into law on November 4, 2025.

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of HB 4962 is to create a dedicated funding mechanism to enhance the benefits available to Michigan National Guard members. This includes:
- Supporting child care assistance for eligible members.
- Facilitating tuition assistance for educational programs.
- Potentially providing reimbursement for Tricare health insurance premiums.

Key Provisions

Creation of the Fund: The Michigan National Guard Member Benefit Fund is established in the state treasury. The fund will receive money and assets from various sources, which will be managed by the state treasurer.

Administration: The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) will administer the fund and is responsible for expending money from it, upon appropriation, to support:

The Michigan National Guard Child Care Assistance Act (proposed by Senate Bill 540).
The Michigan National Guard Tuition Assistance Act (amended by Senate Bill 542).
A Tricare premium reimbursement program, if established.

Eligibility for Assistance:

Child Care Assistance: Eligible members include those in active service who are not AWOL and meet additional criteria set by the adjutant general. Assistance is available for single parents or those whose spouses are also eligible members.
Tuition Assistance: The fund will replace the existing Michigan National Guard Tuition Assistance Fund, ensuring continuity in educational support for members.

Funding Mechanism: The fund will not require an initial deposit but will accumulate resources over time. Any unspent funds at the end of the fiscal year will remain in the fund and will not revert to the general fund.

Impact

Beneficiaries: The legislation primarily affects members of the Michigan National Guard, providing them with enhanced support for child care and educational expenses.

Fiscal Considerations: While the bill does not impose direct costs on the state, the DMVA estimates that the child care assistance program could incur approximately $2.3 million in ongoing costs, depending on appropriations.

Implementation Timeline: The bill took effect immediately upon being signed into law, contingent upon the enactment of related Senate Bills 540 and 542.

Conclusion

House Bill 4962 represents a significant step in enhancing the benefits available to Michigan National Guard members, addressing critical needs such as child care and education. By establishing a dedicated fund, the state aims to provide ongoing support to those who serve in the National Guard, ensuring they have access to necessary resources for their families and personal development.

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