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HB 4189

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.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Aragona and 23 co-sponsors

Designates the bridge on South Grand Ave over I-96 in Fowlerville as the LCpl Michael W. Hanks Memorial Bridge and requires sign placement funded privately.

bill ordered enrolled
#highways:memorial
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 4189

Summary — HB 4189: “LCpl Michael W. Hanks Memorial Bridge”

Purpose

House Bill 4189 would add a named memorial to the Michigan Memorial Highway Act by designating the bridge on South Grand Avenue over I‑96 in the village of Fowlerville as the “LCpl Michael W. Hanks Memorial Bridge.” The bill also directs appropriate signage to mark the location.

Key provisions

  • Adds a new section (Sec. 1051) to the Michigan Memorial Highway Act (2001 PA 142, MCL 250.1001–250.2092) establishing the official name: “LCpl Michael W. Hanks Memorial Bridge.”
  • Requires a sign designating the bridge to be placed at the approach of the bridge on I‑96, subject to the Memorial Highway Act’s funding provisions (see Fiscal Impact).
  • Directs the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to coordinate with the Livingston County Road Commission to place an appropriate sign at each approach of the bridge on South Grand Avenue.

Who is affected

  • State agencies: MDOT is responsible for coordinating sign placement (in cooperation with the Livingston County Road Commission).
  • Local government: Livingston County Road Commission participates in sign installation.
  • General public: motorists and community members in Fowlerville will see the memorial designation and signage.

Fiscal impact

  • Under Section 2 of the Michigan Memorial Highway Act, markers and signage are erected only when sufficient private contributions have been received to cover the full cost of erection and maintenance. The House Fiscal Agency reports no state or local fiscal impact because signage costs must be privately funded.

Background on LCpl Michael W. Hanks

  • LCpl Michael W. Hanks (b. Oct 7, 1982) was a U.S. Marine from the Fowlerville/Howell area. He served in multiple deployments including Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was mortally wounded on November 17, 2004, and posthumously awarded the Silver Star, Purple Heart, and other honors. The bill memorializes his service and sacrifice.

Legislative status & timeline

  • Introduced March 6, 2025 (sponsored by Rep. Jason Woolford).
  • Reported out of Transportation & Infrastructure with recommendation (no amendment).
  • Passed the Michigan House on June 4, 2025 (Roll Call #137 — Yeas 108, Nays 0) with immediate effect.
  • Transmitted to the Senate and referred to the Committee on Veterans and Emergency Services (June 10, 2025).
  • MDOT indicated a neutral position in committee testimony.

Notes: The bill is narrowly focused on naming and signage; implementation depends on private funding per existing memorial-highway law.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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