LANSING, Mich. — Retired state corrections officers in Michigan could soon see some long-awaited tax relief.
A bill from State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz of Jackson advanced through the House Finance Committee this week. The plan would exempt pensions and retirement income for state prison officers from the state income tax.
Schmaltz says the bill corrects what she calls a “glaring oversight” in Michigan’s tax law. While police, firefighters, and county jail staff were included in a 2023 retirement tax relief package, state prison officers were left out.
During committee testimony, Schmaltz said, quote, “We need to show corrections officers we support them, in and out of uniform,” unquote.
She added that the change could help ease Michigan’s corrections officer shortage by improving retirement benefits and making the job more appealing to future recruits.
House Bill 4201 now moves to the full House for consideration.