State: identification cards; individuals who served in the NOAACOC or USPHSCC; include in the definition of veteran. Amends sec. 2 of 1972 PA 222 (MCL 28.292).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joey Andrews and 28 co-sponsors

Authorizes a veteran designation on Michigan state ID cards, including NOAA and USPHS, requires discharge proof, SOS verification, and data-sharing with veterans agencies.

bill electronically reproduced 11/12/2025

#state:identificationcards #veterans:other

Summary — HB 5278 (House Introduced Bill)

Primary purpose:
HB 5278 amends Michigan’s official personal identification card statute (1972 PA 222, sec. 2; MCL 28.292) to clarify and expand how veteran status is confirmed and displayed on state ID cards — explicitly recognizing service under the uniformed services defined in federal law (including the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps and the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps) for the purpose of veteran designation on a state ID.

Key provisions

Allows an individual to request a veteran designation on an official state personal identification card. The designation’s style/format is set by the Secretary of State.

Requires the Secretary of State to require proof of discharge or separation from “the armed forces of this state, another state, or the United States or the uniformed services of the United States,” and to verify the nature of that discharge. The bill refers to 37 U.S.C. §101 (the federal statutory list of “uniformed services”), which includes the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps and the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.

Directs the Secretary of State to consult with the relevant uniformed service department or the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to determine acceptable proof for veteran status verification.

Authorizes the Secretary of State to share applicant-provided information with the relevant uniformed service departments, the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and county veteran service agencies for purposes of veterans’ benefits eligibility referral.

Other provisions in MCL 28.292 addressing card content (name, photo, organ-donor indicator, emergency medical info, donor registry materials, and physical security features) are retained; the bill operates within that section to implement the veteran-designation changes.

Contains language ensuring issuance procedures for persons with “temporary lawful status” comply with applicable federal regulations (6 C.F.R. 37.21 / 37.71).

Who is affected

Veterans and former members of the uniformed services, specifically including those who served in NOAA and USPHS commissioned corps, who wish to have veteran status shown on a Michigan state personal ID card.

Michigan Secretary of State (administrative responsibility to verify status, set proof standards, and enable data-sharing).

Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and county veteran service agencies (may receive referral information).

Procedural status / timeline

Filed: March 14, 2025.

Read first time and referred to committees in April 2025 (read April 7; later withdrawn from schedule April 14).

Bill electronically reproduced November 12, 2025; reintroduced November 12, 2025 by Rep. Denise Mentzer; read first time and referred to Committee on Government Operations (companion: SB 2721).

Expected impact

Primarily administrative: clarifies verification standards and expands practical recognition of service in NOAA and USPHS for ID-card veteran designation and referrals to benefits agencies.

No appropriation or explicit fiscal changes stated in the bill text; impacts limited to Secretary of State processing and interagency coordination.

Bill