MI SB0496

Establishes the "State Employee Critical Shortage Retention Program Act" to provide bonus payments to qualified state employees in critical shortage positions.

Defines qualified employees as conservation officers, corrections officers (resident representatives, transportation officers, special alternative incarceration officers), state police motor carrier officers, and certain classified civil service positions.

Provides $5,000 bonus to qualified employees who complete 2 years of service between the effective date and September 30, 2026, with an additional $5,000 bonus if they complete 4 total years of service by September 30, 2028.

Limits total bonus payments to $10,000 per qualified employee under the program.

Applies to employees of the Department of State Police, Department of Corrections, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Natural Resources, and Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.