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HB 5089

Highways: memorial; portions of M-60; rename as memorial highways. Amends sec. 106 of 2001 PA 142 (MCL 250.1106).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sarah Lightner

House Bill 5089 designates sections of highway M-60 in Jackson County as memorial highways to honor WWII, Vietnam, and Iraqi Freedom veterans, ensuring their legacies are remembered.

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Bill Summary · HB 5089

Summary of House Bill 5089

Bill Number: HB 5089
Title: Highways: memorial; portions of M-60; rename as memorial highways
Introduced: October 01, 2025
Status: Referred to second reading
Sponsor: Rep. Sarah Lightner
Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 5089 aims to honor veterans by designating specific portions of highway M-60 in Jackson County, Michigan, as memorial highways. This bill seeks to recognize the sacrifices of military personnel from various conflicts, ensuring their legacies are remembered in a public and lasting manner.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes the following designations for portions of highway M-60:

  • From Emerson Road to North Cross Road:
    Named the “WWII Veterans Lynford Graham, Melvin King, and Vernon Smalley Memorial Highway.”
    This section honors three World War II veterans:

    • Lynford Graham: Missing in action during WWII.
    • Melvin King: Missing in action while serving in the U.S. Navy.
    • Vernon Smalley: Killed in action during WWII.

  • From North Cross Road to North Main Street:
    Named the “Vietnam War Veterans Timothy Ballinger, Robert Jenks, and James Morgan Memorial Highway.”
    This section honors three Vietnam War veterans:

    • Timothy Ballinger: Died from wounds sustained in combat.
    • Robert Jenks: Died from wounds caused by friendly fire.
    • James Morgan: Died from injuries sustained in combat.

  • From North Main Street to Van Wert Road:
    Named the “Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran Donald Wheeler Jr. Memorial Highway.”
    This section honors:

    • Donald Wheeler Jr.: Killed in action while serving in Iraq.

These designations will be in addition to the existing “Sergeant Matthew R. Soper Memorial Highway,” which currently spans from Fairway Drive to Emerson Road.

Impact

The bill is designed to have no fiscal impact on the state or local governments. According to the Michigan Memorial Highway Act, the costs associated with erecting and maintaining the memorial markers will be covered by private contributions, ensuring that public funds are not utilized for this purpose.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was reported from the committee on November 4, 2025, without amendments and has been referred to the second reading.
  • The legislative process began with its introduction on October 1, 2025, and it has undergone initial readings and committee reviews.

Conclusion

House Bill 5089 serves to honor the memory of veterans from World War II, the Vietnam War, and Operation Iraqi Freedom by designating portions of highway M-60 in Jackson County as memorial highways. This initiative reflects a commitment to recognizing the sacrifices made by these individuals and preserving their legacies for future generations.

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

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