BOARD OF MANAGERS FOR

MICHIGAN VETERANS FACILITY

Senate Bill 799

Sponsor:  Sen. John Pappageorge

House Committee:  Government Operations

Senate Committee:  Veterans, Military Affairs, and Homeland Security

Complete to 11-28-11

A SUMMARY OF SENATE BILL 799 AS PASSED BY THE SENATE 11-10-11

The bill would amend Public Act 152 of 1885, which authorizes the establishment of the Michigan Veterans' Facility, to revise provisions dealing with the Facility Board of Managers.  The general supervision and government of the Facility would continue to be vested in a board of managers consisting of seven members.  The bill would take effect January 1, 2012.

Board Membership

Under the bill, each board member must have demonstrated knowledge, skills, and experience in public health, business, or finance.  The bill requires the following membership:  one representative of the American Legion; one from the Veterans of Foreign Wars; one from the Disabled American Veterans; one from any other congressionally chartered veterans organization; and three members who may or may not be members of veterans organizations but, in any case, would not be representatives of such organizations.

The current membership is as follows:  two representatives from the American Legion; two from the VFW; one from the DAV; one from the American veterans of World War II-Korea-Vietnam; and one additional veteran not a representative of the previously mentioned organizations.

Terms of Office

Under the bill, board members would serve three-year terms and continue to hold office at the pleasure of the governor.  Currently, members are appointed for six years.  As now, members are to be appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the State Senate.

Removal from Office/Vacancies

The bill allows the governor to remove a member for misfeasance, malfeasance, and nonfeasance, and the bill specifies that missing three or more consecutive meetings is considered malfeasance and is grounds for removal.  Vacancies would be filled using the same method as the original appointment, with the new member to represent the same organization as the member being replaced.

Compensation

Current law says that each board member is entitled to per diem compensation and reimbursement of expenses.  The bill would remove the per diem compensation.

Annual Meeting

Current law requires the board of managers to meet annually to elect officers on the second Wednesday of March.  The bill continues to require an annual meeting but deletes the specific date of the meeting.

Repealed Sections

The bill would repeal the current section of law that specifies board membership and replace it with a new section.  The bill also repeals two other sections: one that requires the board to appoint a home's commandant, and one that requires a board member to visit the operation of similar institutions.

 

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would not appear to have any fiscal impact on the state or local governments.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Chris Couch

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Robin Risko

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.