April 16, 2008 – A state Senate bill that provides additional protections for the re-employment of military veterans is headed to Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm for her signature.
Senate Bill 192, sponsored by Sen. Jim Barcia, D-Bay City, unanimously passed the House and the Senate, with the help of Rep. John Espinoza, D-Croswell, Barcia said.
“My colleagues and I care deeply about the welfare of our veterans and their families,” Barcia said in a news release. “These young men and women should be praised, not penalized, upon return from honorably serving their country.”
Michigan law currently considers violation of the re-employment statute as a misdemeanor and a victimized veteran has no compensatory recourse.
The Senate bill allows veterans to seek reinstatement and reasonable attorney fees through the courts.
The legislation also amends law to require an employer to re-employ an employee following service if provided written notice within 45 days of release, or within 90 days if the length of service was for more than 180 days.
Previously, notice was required within 15 days. It also requires re-employment be in a comparable position with comparable pay, Barcia said.
