Michigan House Bill HB4800

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/15/23
• Refer: 6/15/23

Caption

Veterans: other; certain references in the veterans relief fund act; make gender neutral. Amends title & sec. 1 of 1899 PA 214 (MCL 35.21). TIE BAR WITH: HJR F'23

Impact

If enacted, HB 4800 will result in the replacement of outdated terminology, allowing for a more equitable approach to veterans' benefits. The modification of the language to gender-neutral terms may lead to broader acceptance and recognition of all veterans and their families, promoting equity in the distribution of relief funds. The act mandates each county to impose a tax to generate a relief fund designated for indigent veterans and their families, which will now explicitly include diverse family structures and genders.

Summary

House Bill 4800 seeks to amend the existing veterans relief fund act from 1899, specifically targeting the inclusivity of language regarding beneficiaries. The bill aims to ensure that terms used throughout the act are gender-neutral, making it clear that both genders are equally eligible for the support provided. This reflects a societal shift toward inclusivity in legal language, ensuring that no group is inadvertently marginalized or excluded based on gender identity.

Contention

While the bill primarily serves as a modernization of terms, there could be discussions about its implications for the funding and distribution process. Critics may argue that simply changing the wording does not address deeper issues within the veterans' assistance framework, such as funding adequacy and accessibility to services. Supporters, on the other hand, see this as a crucial step towards acknowledging and facilitating the needs of all veterans and their dependents, which can ultimately lead to enhanced support for families affected by military service.