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SB 239

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

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kevin Daley

The bill creates a Michigan Vietnam veteran era bonus program awarding a $600 combat or up to $450 non-combat lump-sum payment to eligible veterans or their beneficiaries, administ

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Bill Summary · SB 239

SB 239 — "Vietnam Veteran Era Bonus Extension Act" (Michigan)

Status: Introduced April 22, 2025; referred to Committee on Appropriations. Sponsor: Senator Kevin Daley.

Main purpose

Create a state program to pay a one-time bonus to Michigan veterans (and in some cases their beneficiaries) who served during the defined Vietnam-era period Sept. 1, 1973 – May 7, 1975. The bill establishes eligibility rules, benefit amounts, application requirements, and a dedicated fund to administer payments.

Key provisions

  • Creates the “Vietnam veteran era bonus extension fund” and makes the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) the administering agency.
  • Benefit amounts:
    • Combat veterans (eligible for the Vietnam Service Medal or Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for service in the period, or listed MIA): $600 flat payment.
    • Non‑combat veterans: $15 per month (or major portion of a month) of service during the period, up to a maximum of $450.
  • A person cannot receive both the combat and non‑combat bonus.
  • Beneficiaries (surviving spouse, child, or dependent surviving parent, in that order, as determined by probate) may apply if the veteran is deceased or listed MIA. If a veteran died later from service‑connected causes after receiving a smaller bonus, the beneficiary may receive the difference up to $450.
  • Eligibility and residency:
    • “Veteran” must meet Michigan statutory definition plus 190+ days of honorable service during the period (with exceptions for those who died or were medically discharged for service‑connected reasons).
    • Detailed residency criteria are specified (born in and lived in Michigan until entry; or 6‑month residence rules; other indicators on discharge papers).
    • Applicants must provide a certified copy of discharge or other evidence of service as prescribed by the DMVA.
  • Administrative provisions:
    • DMVA to receive and process applications, make payments from the fund, and keep records.
    • The bill authorizes deposit of money from any source into the fund and allows investment earnings credited back to it.
    • Administrative expenses to be paid from the general fund; text references an appropriation limit (draft shows up to $1,000,000) for administration (language in the draft is partially truncated).

Who is affected

  • Michigan residents (as defined in the bill) who served honorably during Sept. 1, 1973 – May 7, 1975 and meet the service and residency requirements.
  • Beneficiaries of deceased veterans or veterans listed MIA meeting the statutory criteria.
  • DMVA (administration workload) and the State (fiscal impact via appropriations and payouts).

Fiscal/procedural notes

  • The bill creates a dedicated fund and contemplates appropriations; specific fiscal estimates are not in the text excerpt but payments and administration will have a state cost.
  • Introduced April 22, 2025; next step is consideration by the Senate Appropriations Committee. No effective date specified in the excerpt.

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

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