First Responder Hazard Premium Pay Update

Posted on Friday, November 6, 2020

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed emergency rules to clarify workers’ compensation coverage for health care employees and first responders, including law enforcement and fire safety, who have tested positive for COVID-19. These rules replace Executive Order 2020-128, which is no longer effective. Workers’ compensation is available until March 20, 2021. 

Read more about the emergency rules in its official news release.

Kenneth E. Grabowski, POAM’s Legislative Director


Posted on Thursday, July 9, 2020

The Michigan Department of Treasury announced the grant application process for the First Responder Hazard Pay Premiums Program (FRHPPP). Upon the passage and signing of SB 690, $100 million was allocated for hazard pay. up to $1,000 per first responder.

  • The application round is currently open and applications must but submitted by September 30, 2020
  • The program is a first come first serve basis. However, $100 million was appropriated so all eligible workers would be able to receive the $1000 bonus and the program would not run out of money.
  • View the application here.
  • Additional information can be found through the Michigan Department of Treasury.

Kenneth E. Grabowski, POAM’s Legislative Director


Posted on Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Senate Bill 690 into law. This bill provides $880 million in federal funding, including the allocation of $1,000 hazard/premium bonuses for most of our law enforcement members.


Posted on Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Last week, the State Legislature passed Senate Bill 690, Sponsored by Sen. Jim Stamas (R-Midland). This appropriations bill included $100 million for first responder hazard pay premiums. As of this update, Governor Whitmer is still waiting for the bill to be transmitted to her from the legislature for her consideration and signature.

While we expect the Governor to sign this bill in the coming days, it is important to know this bill has not been signed into law as of this update.

Many of you have questions on how to access this money and we are working diligently with the state of Michigan how the grant process will work. Here is a brief overview of the program as of today. Please note, this information and program are contingent on Governor Whitmer signing the bill.

  • The funding will be paid by the Department of Treasury through grants to first responders.
  • Payments may be made as a lump sum payment or an hourly rate enhancement, with a maximum amount of $1,000 per eligible employee.
  • Bonuses must be paid by September 30, 2020.
  • In the legislation, it requires the Michigan Department of Treasury to issue information to local units of government on how to apply for reimbursement. This information is not yet available from the Department of Treasury.
  • These funds will be issued on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, $100 million was appropriate based on the understanding it would cover hazard premiums for all eligible first responders.

We will provide an update when this bill is signed by Governor Whitmer. POAM will continue to provide you information as it is available around this grant program.

Kenneth E. Grabowski, Legislative Director


Hazard Pay Legislation Passes

Posted on Wednesday, June 17, 2020

On Wednesday, June 17, 2020, the Michigan House passed and the Senate concurred on an appropriations bill that included $100 million for hazard/premium pay to first responders – unfortunately, university officers are not included. This money will be available to departments to reimburse new hazard pay bonuses of up to $1,000. This bill now heads to Governor Whitmer for her signature. She has signaled her support and is expected to sign the bill.

POAM worked aggressively behind the scenes over the last several weeks on this bill. We are appreciative of the House, Senate, and Governor for their work to include law enforcement hazard pay bonuses.

Kenneth E. Grabowski, Legislative Director


Posted on May 14, 2020

We have a premium pay update for all of our dedicated, hard-working law enforcement officers and first responders. Our Legislative Director Kenneth E. Grabowski shares more information about the bill’s passing. Read more.

On Wednesday, May 13, 2020, the Michigan State Senate passed Senate Bill 690, which includes $100 million in funding for first responder bonuses. Under this legislation, first responders would be eligible for bonuses either as a lump sum or hourly payments of up to $1,000. As passed by the Senate, bonuses must be paid by September 30, 2020. Local communities would apply to the state for reimbursements of this $1,000 and would be awarded funding on a first-come, first-serve basis. No single community could receive more than $5 million.

These reimbursement dollars come from the Federal Coronavirus Relief Fund.

This legislation will now go to the MI House of Representatives for its consideration. There is no timeline for when or if this will pass the House and head to the Governor for her consideration. This remains a very fluid situation.

POAM has been actively engaged with legislators at both the State and Federal level advocating for premium/bonus pay for our members who continue to work on the front lines during this pandemic.

Stay Tuned

Stay tuned to our website, social channels, and mobile app for a continuous Premium Pay update.

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