VETERAN DESIGNATION ON DRIVER
LICENSE AND STATE PERSONAL ID
House Bill 4037 (Substitute H-2)
Sponsor: Rep. Nancy E. Jenkins
House Bill 4287 (reported without amendment)
Sponsor: Rep. George T. Darany
Committee: Military and Veterans Affairs
Complete to 2-25-13
A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILLS 4037 & 4287 AS REPORTED FROM HOUSE COMMITTEE ON 2-20-13
The bills would allow individuals who are veterans of the armed forces to get a veteran's designation on the driver's license or on the state identification card on request.
The bills also would allow the Secretary of State to provide the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and county agencies that provide veterans services with information provided by an applicant for purposes of veterans' benefit eligibility referral.
House Bill 4037 would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code (MCL 257.310) to apply to a driver's license. House Bill 4287 would amend Public Act 222 of 1972 (MCL 28.292) to apply to an official state personal identification card. The bills would take effect May 1 2014.
Each bill says this applies to veterans of the armed forces of this state, another state, or the United States other than an individual who was dishonorably discharged. The designation would be in a style and format considered appropriate by the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State would have to require proof of discharge or separation of service and the nature of the discharge for purpose of verifying military status.
Under the bill, the Secretary of State would need to consult with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs in determining proof that would be required to identify an applicant as a veteran.
FISCAL IMPACT:
House Bills 4037 and 4287 would have a negative fiscal impact on the Department of State, including a one-time cost of approximately $210,000 to modify the Driver’s License/State ID production processes and $285,000 in annual labor costs to review military discharge papers (assuming that 20% of Michigan veterans apply for the designation and an average of 3.5 minutes to review their discharge papers).
POSITIONS:
The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs supports the bills. (2-20-13)
The Secretary of State's Office testified in support of the bills. (2-13-13)
Disabled American Veterans supports the bills. (2-20-13)
Military Order of the Purple Heart supports the bills. (2-20-13)
The American Legion, Marion Corps League & Commanders Group supports the bills. (2-20-13)
Fiscal Analyst: Paul Holland
■ 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.