Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed three bills into law on July 23, 2026 providing Military First Responders Paid Leave and allowing retired county employees to return to work at county sheriff’s offices or prosecutor’s offices without losing their pension benefits.

House Bill 5233 provides at least 26 days of paid leave annually for full-time police officers and firefighters, who also serve in the military or National Guard. House Bill 5232 allows local governments to make up the difference if military pay is less than their regular salary through a differential pay program. The legislation, sponsored by state Representatives Matt Koleszar (D-Northville) and Ron Robinson (R-Utica), guarantees that Michigan law enforcement officers and firefighters, who request or are required to take a leave of absence for military service, will not lose income or have to use their Vacation Time to serve their country. 

House Bill 4471 allows retired county employees to return to work in a county sheriff’s office — including as a sheriff’s office corrections employee — or at county prosecutor's offices without losing their pension benefits. Sponsored by state Representative Mike Harris (R-Waterford), this legislation helps counties fill open positions with experienced retirees.

Please click on the links below for full details about the individual House Bills:
HB 5233
HB 5232
HB 4471