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SB 41

Highways: memorial; portion of M-22; designate as the "Company K Indian Veterans 1st Michigan Sharpshooters Civil War Memorial Highway". Amends 2001 PA 142 (MCL 250.1001 - 250.2092) by adding sec. 108.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stephanie Chang and 4 co-sponsors

Michigan designates portion of Highway M-22 as memorial to Company K Indian Veterans 1st Michigan Sharpshooters Civil War unit, honoring Indigenous American military service.

referred to second reading
#highways:memorial
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 41

Legislative bill overview

SB 41 designates a portion of Michigan State Highway M-22 as the "Company K Indian Veterans 1st Michigan Sharpshooters Civil War Memorial Highway" to honor a specific Civil War military unit. The bill amends Michigan's existing highway naming statute (2001 PA 142) by adding a new section for this memorial designation.

Why is this important

Highway memorial designations serve as public recognition of historical figures and groups, educating travelers about Michigan's Civil War heritage and honoring Native American military service during the conflict. This particular designation acknowledges Company K's unique identity as an Indigenous American military unit, which represents an often-overlooked aspect of Civil War history.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and practical concerns: Highway signage, maintenance, and updates to maps/databases carry ongoing expenses that some may argue are better allocated to other priorities
  • Selective memorialization: Designating specific highways raises questions about which historical groups receive recognition and whether other units or communities feel overlooked
  • Historical accuracy debates: Some may question whether the designation accurately represents the unit's history or whether alternative names would be more appropriate

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

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