Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

Michigan Senate Bill SB0709

Introduced
11/13/25  
Refer
11/13/25  
Report Pass
12/3/25  
Report Pass
12/4/25  
Refer
12/3/25  

Caption

Highways: memorial; criteria for highway renaming; provide for. Amends 2001 PA 142 (MCL 250.1001 - 250.2092) by adding sec. 1b. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0708'25

Impact

The proposed bill would centralize and clarify the memorial designation process, thereby reducing ambiguity regarding who or what can be memorialized on highways under this legislation. By requiring that designated individuals have passed away and that their contributions relate directly to public service officers or military personnel killed in the line of duty, the bill seeks to ensure that memorials are not only commemorative but also meaningful reflections of valor and service. This would likely help maintain the integrity of memorial designations across the state.

Summary

SB0709 aims to amend the Michigan Memorial Highway Act to establish specific criteria for designating memorials. The criteria ensure that memorial designations under the act can only be made for subjects that hold historical or cultural significance to the state of Michigan or the United States. This act would cover individuals, organizations, military events, and service members who have died in the line of duty. Such a focused approach aims to honor those whose contributions are largely recognized and whose sacrifices are valorized.

Contention

While the bill aims to create specific guidelines for memorial designations, there might be discussions around its restrictive nature. Some may argue that the criteria could exclude deserving individuals or group narratives based on a narrow interpretation of historical significance. Conversely, proponents may insist that these restrictions are in place to ensure that memorials maintain a high standard of significance and respect, particularly concerning military and public service recognition. Stakeholders in both camps may argue over how to best honor diverse local histories through the proposed amendments.

Companion Bills

MI SB0708

Same As Highways: memorial; criteria for highway renaming; provide for. Amends 2001 PA 142 (MCL 250.1001 - 250.2092) by adding sec. 1a. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0709'25

Previously Filed As

MI SB0708

Highways: memorial; criteria for highway renaming; provide for. Amends 2001 PA 142 (MCL 250.1001 - 250.2092) by adding sec. 1a. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0709'25

MI SB0053

Highways: memorial; portion of US-8; designate as the "Medio J. Bacco Memorial Highway". Amends 2001 PA 142 (MCL 250.1001 - 250.2092) by adding sec. 15b.

MI HB5883

Highways: memorial; portion of M-28; designate as the "Sgt. Fabian T. Godell Memorial Highway". Amends 2001 PA 142 (MCL 250.1001 - 250.2092) by adding sec. 127.

MI SB0791

Highways: memorial; portion of I-475; designate as the "St. John Street Community Memorial Highway". Amends 2001 PA 142 (MCL 250.1001 - 250.2092) by adding sec. 124.

MI HB5714

Highways: memorial; portion of M-553; designate as the "Jack Rantanen Memorial Highway". Amends 2001 PA 142 (MCL 250.1001 - 250.2092) by adding sec. 125.

MI HB4267

Highways: memorial; portion of M-6; designate as the "Keagan Spencer Memorial Highway". Amends 2001 PA 142 (MCL 250.1001 - 250.2092) by adding sec. 94a.

MI HB4046

Highways: memorial; portion of highway US-31; designate as the "Trooper James E. Boland Memorial Highway". Amends 2001 PA 142 (MCL 250.1001 - 250.2092) by adding sec. 11d.

MI HB4189

Highways: memorial; bridge over highway I-96; designate as the "LCpl Michael W. Hanks Memorial Bridge". Amends 2001 PA 142 (MCL 250.1001 - 250.2092) by adding sec. 1051.

MI HB4003

Highways: memorial; portion of US-131; designate as the "Sgt. Matthew Webber Memorial Highway". Amends 2001 PA 142 (MCL 250.1001 - 250.2092) by adding sec. 1073b.

MI HB4145

Highways: memorial; portion of US-127; designate as the "2nd Lt. Roosevelt Stiger Memorial Highway". Amends 2001 PA 142 (MCL 250.1001 - 250.2092) by adding sec. 46a.

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