Bill > SB0542

This bill modifies the Michigan National Guard tuition assistance program by establishing comprehensive guidelines for providing educational support to National Guard members and their families. The program allows eligible National Guard members to apply for tuition assistance before or after enrolling in eligible educational institutions, covering courses leading to vocational training, certificates, associate's, bachelor's, or master's degrees. The adjutant general has the authority to determine the amount of available assistance each academic year and can distribute funds directly to the student or educational institution. Family members, including spouses and dependent children who meet specific age and education requirements, may also be eligible to utilize the tuition assistance. Recipients must maintain a minimum 2.0 grade point average and may be required to reimburse the fund if they do not complete their course of study, unless deployment prevented completion. The bill also establishes a tuition assistance fund within the state treasury, capping the fund's balance at $15 million, with any excess funds lapsing to the general fund. Importantly, the bill's implementation is contingent upon the passage of two related bills (Senate Bill 540 and House Bill 4962), and the unencumbered balance of the fund at the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2025, will be transferred to the Michigan National Guard member benefits fund.

Budget and Finance

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0542