REDEFINE VIETNAM ERA - H.B. 4646: FLOOR ANALYSIS
House Bill 4646 (Substitute S-1 as reported)
Sponsor: Representative Bob Brown
House Committee: Senior Citizens and Veterans' Affairs
Senate Committee: Human Resources, Labor and Veterans Affairs
CONTENT
The bill would amend Public Act 190 of 1965 (which provides for the uniform service dates for veterans) to redefine the beginning of the Vietnam era as February 28, 1961. Currently, the Act defines the Vietnam era as beginning August 5, 1964, and ending May 7, 1975.
MCL 35.61 - Legislative Analyst: N. Nagata
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have a minimal fiscal impact on State and local government. Expanding the time-frame in Michigan statute in which a Michigan veteran is termed a Vietnam era war veteran as the bill proposes to do would bring the State in line with current U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs (V.A.) definitions.
Michigan veterans defined as "wartime veterans" are eligible to apply for emergency grants from the Michigan Veteran's Trust Fund and for admission to the Grand Rapids and D.J. Jacobetti State veteran's facility. These programs already honor the V.A.'s definition for Vietnam era veterans and therefore the bill would have little fiscal impact on existing State programs for veterans.
The bill also would have a minimal fiscal impact on county governments, which are required under the Soldier's Relief Commission Act to provide burial costs for needy wartime veterans.
Date Completed: 10-14-97 - Fiscal Analyst: B. Baker
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This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.