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SB 709

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

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rosemary Bayer and 4 co-sponsors

Senate Bill 709 sets criteria for memorial highway designations in Michigan, ensuring honors are for historically significant individuals or groups, especially those in public service.

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE WITH SUBSTITUTE (S-2)
#highways:memorial
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Bill Summary · SB 709

Summary of Senate Bill 709

Bill Number: SB 709
Title: Highways: memorial; criteria for highway renaming; provide for
Introduced: November 13, 2025
Status: Referred to Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
Classification: Bill
Subject: Highways: memorial

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 709 aims to amend the Michigan Memorial Highway Act (2001 PA 142) by establishing specific criteria for the designation of memorial highways. The bill seeks to ensure that memorial designations are reserved for subjects that hold significant historical or cultural importance to the state of Michigan or the United States.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces a new section (Sec. 1b) that outlines the eligibility criteria for memorial designations. The criteria include:

  1. Eligible Subjects:

    • Individuals, groups of individuals, organizations, mass-casualty events, military units, military operations, military events, or military awards.

  2. Significance:

    • The subject must be historically or culturally significant to Michigan or the United States.

  3. Deceased Requirement:

    • If the designation is for an individual, that individual or a member of the group or organization must be deceased.

  4. Military Service Requirement:

    • For designations related to service members, the individual must have died in the line of duty.

  5. Public Service Connection:

    • If the designation is for a group, organization, military unit, military operation, military event, or military award, it must directly relate to individuals who were public service officers or service members killed in the line of duty.

Affected Parties

The bill primarily affects:
- Families and communities seeking to honor deceased individuals or groups through memorial highway designations.
- Organizations and military units that have historical significance related to public service or military service.
- State and local governments responsible for the implementation of highway naming and memorial designations.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced by Senators Erika Geiss, Klinefelt, Chang, and McMorrow.
  • It is tied to Senate Bill 708, meaning it will not take effect unless SB 708 is also enacted into law.
  • The bill is currently under review by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Conclusion

Senate Bill 709 establishes a structured approach to memorial highway designations in Michigan, ensuring that such honors are reserved for individuals and groups of significant historical and cultural relevance, particularly those who have made sacrifices in public service or military duty. The bill is part of a broader legislative effort to recognize and commemorate the contributions of these individuals and groups.

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

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