MI SB1180

Michigan veterans' facility authority operates as an autonomous entity within the department but maintains separate legal status, assets, and finances from the state.

Board of directors consists of the department director, three veterans organization representatives, three healthcare professionals (one from Upper Peninsula), and two members selected by legislative leaders, all with 4-year terms.

Department director serves as board chairperson until January 1, 2019, then becomes a nonvoting member one year after the authority's second facility opens, replaced by an appointed veteran board member.

Authority has powers to solicit funding, issue bonds, develop and operate veterans' facilities, establish nonprofit corporations, and hire employees with preference given to current Michigan veterans' facility staff.

Property, income, and operations of the authority are exempt from state and local taxation, and the authority must follow civil service commission rules when staffing facilities.