Committee adopts substitute and reports two bills to provide paid military leave for Guard and reserve first responders

The Michigan House Committee on Government Operations adopted a substitute and reported two companion bills that would give qualifying firefighters and police at least 26 paid military leave days per year.

The committee chair opened the meeting saying the first items were House bills "52 32" and "52 33," sponsored as stated in the record, which "would require firefighters and police officers who are also members of the National Guard or reserves to be granted at least 26 paid military, leave days per year." Representative Harris moved to adopt Substitute H-1 to HB 52 33, which the clerk later recorded as adopted by roll call.

Under the substitute, the committee noted, paid military leave is provided only to full-time employees and unused time cannot be paid out or rolled over into the next year. The clerk announced the substitute vote as 5 yeas, 0 nays and 0 passes; the substitute was adopted and HB 52 33 was reported with recommendation as Substitute H-1. HB 52 32 was also reported with recommendation after a separate roll call.

The votes were taken on the committee floor with roll-call responses recorded by the clerk. The committee moved both bills forward with recommendations to the full House; no amendments beyond the H-1 substitute were recorded in committee. Members and two municipal associations were listed on the public comment cards: Judy Allen of the Michigan Township Association and Dave Hodgkins of MML were noted as opposing the bill but did not speak to the committee.

The committee adjourned after completing its business.

Ending: The committee reported HB 52 32 and HB 52 33 (as substituted H-1) with recommendation; the bills will proceed for further consideration according to House rules.