State Reps. Ron Robinson (R-Utica) and Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth) hold drafts of their House Bills 5233 and 5232, respectively, on Nov. 5, 2025 at the Michigan Capitol in Lansing.

PLYMOUTH, Mich., Nov. 7, 2025 — This week, state Reps. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth) and Ron Robinson (R-Utica) introduced House Bills 5232 and 5233, respectively. Together, the legislation would allow first responders to take up to 26 paid days of military leave for reserve service or training before having to dip into personal leave time.

“Michiganders are fortunate that many of our first responders are so dedicated to our nation that they are also in the reserve service. These public servants shouldn’t be repaid by having to forgo hard-earned personal leave for their continued service, nor should a low reserve of leave time stand in the way of a first responder joining the reserves,” said Koleszar. “This is our way of recognizing and helping to mitigate the challenges of this dual service. National First Responders Day was just last week, and this is one way we can continue supporting these integral members of our community year-round.”

The legislation was developed with robust input from first responders, including firefighters.

“As president of the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union, I strongly support House Bills 5232 and 5233, which ensure our firefighters serving in the military receive the leave they deserve without sacrificing their hard-earned benefits. I would like to thank Reps. Robinson and Koleszar for working with us to get this important legislation introduced. These bills recognize the dual commitment many of our members make to public safety—both as firefighters in our communities and as service members defending our nation. No firefighter should have to choose between serving their country and maintaining their professional benefits. These pieces of legislation honor the sacrifices of our firefighter-veterans and demonstrate Michigan’s commitment to those who serve in uniform on multiple fronts,” said Matt Sahr, President of the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union.

House Bills 5232 and 5233 are tie-barred to each other and have been referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

###