LANSING – In a move to ease the financial burden on military families, the Michigan House of Representatives today passed the Military Personnel Wireless Contract Act introduced by State Representative Richard LeBlanc (D-Westland). The bill would make it easier for servicemembers who are called to active duty to terminate cell phone contracts without having to pay penalties.
"The brave members of our armed forces and their families often have to make tremendous financial and personal sacrifices," said LeBlanc, chairman of the House State Police and Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. "The financial hardship that many military families face can be overwhelming. Allowing members of the military to terminate their cell phone contracts without penalties while fighting for our country is one way to ease that financial strain."
Under LeBlanc's plan that passed the House 105-0, servicemembers called to active duty for 180 days or more and their spouses would be allowed to terminate a cell phone contract without having to pay any early termination charges. However the service member would remain responsible for any use charges incurred before termination. Cell phone providers that violate the conditions of the bill would face civil action and all fines recovered would be deposited into the Military Family Relief Fund.
The Military Family Relief Fund provides up to $2,000 a year for the families of Michigan servicemembers who are on active duty or who have suffered an illness or disability on active duty. The Military Family Relief Fund, administered by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, distributes the money to struggling families for clothing, food, housing, utilities, medical services or prescriptions, vehicle payments or other necessities.
"We must support our service members and their families because of the sacrifices they make for our country," LeBlanc said. "Passing this plan will bring much-needed relief to our military families who are struggling financially while their loved ones are away. It's the least we can do to pay them back for all that they do for us."