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SB 70

Highways: memorial; portion of M-34; designate as the "Deputy Sheriff William Butler, Jr. Memorial Highway". Amends 2001 PA 142 (MCL 250.1001 - 250.2092) by adding sec. 115.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Bellino and 1 co-sponsor

Michigan designates portion of Highway M-34 as "Deputy Sheriff William Butler, Jr. Memorial Highway" to honor the fallen officer's service and sacrifice.

ASSIGNED PA 0010'25
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Bill Summary · SB 70

Legislative bill overview

SB 70 designates a portion of Michigan State Highway M-34 as the "Deputy Sheriff William Butler, Jr. Memorial Highway" in honor of the fallen law enforcement officer. The bill amends the Michigan Transportation Act of 2001 by adding a new section authorizing this memorial designation.

Why is this important

Memorial highway designations serve as permanent public tributes to individuals who made significant contributions or sacrifices, in this case a deputy sheriff. Such designations are relatively low-cost symbolic gestures that communities use to honor public servants and maintain historical memory of their service.

Potential points of contention

  • Precedent concerns: Highway memorial designations may set expectations for similar requests from other law enforcement families, potentially leading to numerous designation requests that could clutter highway signage
  • Limited tangible benefit: Critics may argue that symbolic gestures, while meaningful, do not address substantive issues like law enforcement funding, training, or safety improvements that could better honor fallen officers
  • Selection criteria clarity: The bill does not establish explicit criteria for future memorial highway designations, raising questions about how such honors will be allocated fairly going forward

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

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