LANSING, MI - On October 29, 2024, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bill 5127, which expands the eligibility of the Disabled Veteran registration plate to partially disabled veterans. Governor Whitmer continues to ensure Michigan’s service members, veterans, and their families have the opportunities and support they need to succeed.

“Today, I signed a bill that will support more veterans in the state of Michigan by making sure they are eligible for the benefits of their service,” said Governor Whitmer. “Michigan’s veterans are the best of us and deserve the support of the state. Let’s keep working together so they can get good-paying jobs, affordable housing, and quality health care. Michigan will always fight for those who fought for us.”

House Bill 5127, sponsored by state Representative Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park), expands the eligibility of the Disabled Veteran registration plate to partially disabled veterans. Specifically, it would expand eligibility to veterans with a service-connected disability of 50% or more. 

The plate also provides veterans with free access to Michigan state parks. In this year’s budget, we proposed that all veterans are granted free access to Michigan’s state park system.

“This legislation highlights the importance of honoring Michigan’s disabled veterans and the sacrifices they’ve made,” said state Representative Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park). “By expanding access to specialized license plates, we’re making it easier for our veterans to receive the recognition they deserve. I am grateful for the support this bipartisan legislation has received and proud to see it signed into law.”

Investing in Michigan’s Military Families

Governor Whitmer has made significant investments to grow economic opportunity, access to health care, and more for Michigan’s veterans, service members, and their families. 

- Signed legislation lowering costs for families of disabled veterans by eliminating red tape and ensuring spouses can maintain property tax exemptions. 

- Expanded the National Guard tuition assistance program to cover spouses and dependents, lowering the cost of higher education for military families. 

- Removed barriers for veterans to get commercial driver’s licenses and signed a bill to help service members, veterans, and their dependents enter a licensed profession. 

- Launched the statewide outreach and advertising campaign “I Served. I Am a Veteran,” to engage veterans, collect their stories, and connect them to benefits.  

- Pushed for a new fighter mission at Selfridge and secured resources to modernize the base. 

- Stood up the National All-Domain Warfighting Center at Camp Grayling and the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center providing training in land, air, maritime, cyber environments.