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Bill Summary · SB 542

Summary of Senate Bill 542 (SB 542)

Bill Title: Military Affairs: Tuition Assistance for Michigan National Guard Members

Introduced: September 11, 2025
Status: Referred to Committee on Appropriations
Classification: Bill
Subject: Higher Education: Financial Aid, Military Affairs: Other

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 542 aims to amend the Michigan National Guard Tuition Assistance Act to enhance financial support for eligible members of the Michigan National Guard. The bill seeks to streamline the funding process for tuition assistance and establish a new fund to support both tuition and child care assistance programs for National Guard members.

Key Provisions

  1. Transfer of Funds:

    • The bill mandates that the unencumbered balance remaining in the Michigan National Guard Tuition Assistance Fund at the end of the fiscal year 2024-25 be transferred to the newly created Michigan National Guard Member Benefit Fund.

  2. Fund Management:

    • It changes references in the existing law from the Michigan National Guard Tuition Assistance Fund to the Michigan National Guard Member Benefit Fund, ensuring that future tuition assistance is drawn from this new fund.

  3. Appropriation Requirement:

    • Funds from the Michigan National Guard Member Benefit Fund can only be expended on appropriation, ensuring legislative oversight of the fund's use.

  4. Tie-bar with Other Bills:

    • This bill is tie-barred with Senate Bills 540 and 541, meaning it will only take effect if all three bills are enacted.

Impact

  • Eligible Members: The bill primarily affects members of the Michigan National Guard who are seeking financial assistance for tuition and child care while fulfilling their military obligations.
  • Financial Implications: The Michigan National Guard Member Benefit Fund is expected to receive an estimated balance of $15 million from the Tuition Assistance Fund, which will support ongoing tuition assistance and the newly proposed child care assistance program.
  • Administrative Costs: The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) will manage the fund and is expected to incur administrative costs, which are anticipated to be covered by the existing budget allocations.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced and referred to the Committee on Appropriations on September 11, 2025.
  • It has undergone several legislative actions, including being reported favorably by the Committee of the Whole and passed by the Senate on September 25, 2025, with a vote of 26 in favor and 10 against.

Conclusion

Senate Bill 542 represents a significant step in enhancing the financial support available to Michigan National Guard members, facilitating their access to education and child care assistance. By consolidating funding mechanisms and ensuring legislative oversight, the bill aims to provide a more effective support system for those who serve in the National Guard.

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

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