Michigan House approves paid military-leave package for first responders

The Michigan House on the floor debated and passed two bills designed to protect vacation time for public safety personnel who also serve in the military reserves.

Representative Kolazar, sponsor of House Bill 5232, said the package responds to examples in which firefighters and police officers were required to use vacation time for military duty: "Simply put, there are currently places in the state of Michigan where those who protect and serve are being told to use their vacation time to protect and serve," he said, urging lawmakers to give those service members a tangible benefit.

Representative Robinson, speaking in support, described the package as bipartisan and said it would ease a difficult choice for dual-role service members by providing paid military leave. On the floor she described the measure as providing "up to 26 days of paid military leave each year so these officers and firefighters can meet their military obligations without sacrificing the time that they've earned with their loved ones or worrying about their paycheck." The House adopted HB5232 and HB5233 by roll call vote, each recording 101 I votes and 8 N votes.

After passage, the House ordered both bills given immediate effect. The majority floor leader moved for immediate effect and the order was sustained.

The bills were presented for final passage on the House calendar and, with immediate effect ordered, will proceed to the next steps specified by House rules for enrollment and presentation to the governor.