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HB 5282

Veterans: other; Vietnam veteran era bonus extension act; create. Creates new act.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Aragona and 8 co-sponsors

Creates a Michigan Vietnam-era bonus program: combat veterans receive $600; non-combat veterans up to $450; beneficiaries may receive if veteran dies or MIA; administered by DMVA.

bill electronically reproduced 11/12/2025
#veterans:benefits #veterans:other
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Bill Summary · HB 5282

Summary — HB 5282: “Vietnam Veteran Era Bonus Extension Act” (House Bill)

Purpose

HB 5282 would create a state program to pay one-time service bonuses to Michigan veterans (and, in some cases, their beneficiaries) who served during a defined Vietnam-era period from September 1, 1973 (12:02 a.m.) through May 7, 1975 (12:01 a.m.). The bill establishes eligibility rules, payment amounts, an administering fund, and procedural requirements for applications and payments.

Key provisions

  • Establishes the “Vietnam veteran era bonus extension fund” in the state treasury to hold appropriations, receipts, and investment income for the program.
  • Authorizes payments to qualifying veterans or, if deceased or missing in action (MIA), to designated beneficiaries (surviving spouse, child, or dependent surviving parent in that order).
  • Payment amounts:
    • Combat veterans: $600 flat bonus.
    • Non-combat veterans: $15 per month (or major portion) of service during the period, capped at $450.
    • An individual cannot receive both the combat and non-combat bonus.
  • If a veteran previously received a bonus and later dies of service‑connected causes, the beneficiary may receive the difference up to $450.
  • Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) designated as administrator; director may be the adjutant general.
  • DMVA may accept federal financial or other assistance for the program.
  • Administrative expenses are to be paid from the general fund; the bill includes an appropriation provision (text indicates up to $1,000,000 for administration).
  • Applicants must submit a form and certified discharge or other evidence of service; guardians may apply for incompetent individuals or minors.

Eligibility and definitions (selected)

  • “Veteran” generally: defined by reference to Michigan law and must have at least 190 days of honorable service during the period (exceptions for those who died or received medical discharge for service‑connected injury/disease).
  • “Combat veteran”: defined as MIA or eligible to wear the Vietnam Service Medal or Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for service during the period.
  • Residency rules specify a Michigan residency requirement (various paths: born and lived in MI until service, or at least 6 months residence before entering service or before Feb 25, 1973, with conditions like voter registration).
  • Veterans who have already received similar benefits from another state for the same service period are ineligible.

Who is affected

  • Eligible Michigan veterans who served (or their beneficiaries if deceased/MIA) during the specified September 1, 1973–May 7, 1975 window.
  • DMVA and the state treasury (fund management and appropriation/administration).
  • Potential fiscal impact on state funds and any federal assistance accepted.

Procedural status (as reported)

  • Filed: March 14, 2025 (filed records reflect activity).
  • Read first time / referred: April 7, 2025 (referred to Public Education per record).
  • Bill electronically reproduced / introduced by Rep. Matthew Bierlein: November 12, 2025; referred to Committee on Appropriations on that date.
  • Current status: House-introduced bill; pending committee consideration (Appropriations).

If enacted, the act would authorize specified bonus payments, establish an administering fund and procedures, and require state-level appropriation/action to implement payments.

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

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