Michigan Enacts Paid Military Leave Requirements for Police and Fire Personnel

On July 21, 2026, Governor Whitmer signed Public Act 58 of 2026, known as the Military Leave for First Responders Act (the “Act”).  The Act, now found at MCL 419.221-229, took effect on July 23, 2026.  It requires organized fire departments and law enforcement agencies to provide eligible full-time personnel who serve in the National Guard or military reserves with at least twenty-six (26) days of paid military leave each calendar year.

Under the Act, eligible employees using paid military leave must receive their regular rate of pay, as well as all fringe benefits and accruals required under any applicable collective bargaining agreement.  Employees requesting military leave must provide a copy of the military orders requiring the leave.  The Act also establishes notice requirements that vary based on the length of the requested leave.

Importantly, the Act establishes a minimum benefit level and does not diminish greater military leave benefits that may already be available under a collective bargaining agreement.  For collective bargaining agreements that were in effect when the Act became law and contain conflicting provisions, the Act generally becomes applicable upon expiration of the agreement or the effective date of a successor agreement, whichever occurs first.

What This Means for Employers

Fire departments, law enforcement agencies, and municipalities with these departments should review their military leave policies, employee handbooks, payroll practices, and collective bargaining agreements to ensure compliance with the Act’s new requirements. Employers with questions regarding the Act or its implementation should contact Nate Wolf, Nikole Canute, Scott Dwyer, Dominic Clolinger, or Kathryn Stegink, or Carly Cruickshank.