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On January 30, 2026, Michigan Governor Sarah Thompson signed into law a series of provisions aimed at protecting the rights of military service members and veterans in the state. The new legislation, known as the Military Service Members and Veterans Rights Act, is a comprehensive package that addresses various issues impacting the military community.One of the key provisions of the new law is the establishment of a Military and Veteran Rights Division within the Michigan Department of Defense. This division will serve as a centralized resource for service members and veterans seeking assistance with legal matters, including benefits claims, employment discrimination, and housing issues. The division will also provide outreach and education programs to ensure that military personnel are aware of their rights and resources available to them.In addition, the Military Service Members and Veterans Rights Act includes measures to combat predatory lending practices targeted at service members and veterans. Under the new law, lenders will be prohibited from charging exorbitant interest rates or imposing unfair terms on loans extended to military personnel. Any violations of these provisions will result in significant penalties for offending lenders.Furthermore, the legislation enhances existing protections for service members and veterans in custody disputes, ensuring that their military service is not used against them in family court proceedings. The new law also strengthens employment rights for military personnel, prohibiting discrimination based on their military status and ensuring that they are not penalized for fulfilling their military obligations.Governor Thompson praised the new legislation as a significant step towards safeguarding the rights and well-being of Michigan's military community. "Our service members and veterans have made tremendous sacrifices to protect our freedoms, and it is our duty to ensure that they receive the support and protections they deserve," she stated.The Military Service Members and Veterans Rights Act is scheduled to go into effect on July 1, 2026. Lawmakers and advocates hope that these new provisions will serve as a model for other states seeking to bolster protections for military personnel and veterans across the country.